Shoulder arthroplasty is a common intervention for patients with persistent pain and loss of
function, but lack of research regarding recovery and rehabilitation limits practitioners from
providing appropriate education and support following surgery. The purpose of this study was to
explore and understand the patient’s experiences in the acute recovery phase of total shoulder
arthroplasty as a result of osteoarthritis. A qualitative study utilizing a basic interpretive
approach was conducted, which included three semi-structured interviews with 12 participants
within the first six weeks following surgery. In the first two to four weeks following surgery,
participants reported increased reliance on caregiver assistance and/or modifications to their
daily routines such as dressing, bathing, self-feeding, and sleep. Interruption in sleep patterns
was largely reported due to pain and/or positioning restrictions, and frustration due to both lack
of sleep and need for assistance was a noteworthy theme in the first phase of recovery. As
participants progressed beyond wearing their abductor sling continuously, they reported a
gradual return to activities of daily living with a coinciding reduction in frustration. Finally,
patients noted a progression not only in ADL recovery but also IADLs, reportedly returning to
tasks such as driving, cooking and meal preparation, as well as being more active and returning
to social engagements. Overarching themes throughout this study included pre-surgical
expectations, advice for future patients, pain reduction, and general improvement in quality of
life. These themes illuminate the recovery process and patient needs.