The inability to comfortably play sports like tennis or golf is one of the most common reasons that people elect to undergo shoulder replacement surgery, so it should come as no surprise that one of the first questions out of a prospective patient’s mouth at the initial consultant is oftentimes some variant of “If I undergo a shoulder replacement operation, how long will it be before I can return to golf or tennis?” As you might imagine, that answer varies from patient to patient, but new studies presented last week at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting provided some more data to support a normal timeline. We take a closer look at the results from those studies in an attempt to help answer that initial question in today’s blog.
Returning To Overhead Swing Sports After Total Shoulder Arthroscopy
The first study took a closer look at a golfer’s ability to return to the game following a total shoulder replacement procedure. As is standard procedure, the shoulder is protected for six weeks following the operation, and then gentle stretching is allowed for the next six weeks. Patients can begin slowly working to return to sporting activities around three months post-op once they have been given clearance to do so by their treating surgeon.
In the first study, 69 recreational golfers underwent total shoulder replacement surgery. Of this group, more than half (36) returned to the golf course within six months of surgery. Almost all (60) were back to playing golf within a year. Golfers may also find it noteworthy that no significant changes in golf handicap score were found after total shoulder replacement, although respondents noted that they were playing with much less pain, and 52 percent reported improved driving distance after their operation and rehabilitation.
For the second study, researchers looked at 43 patients who played racquet sports like tennis or pickleball. 39 of the 43 patients were still able to play their racquet sport after surgery and recovery, with 18 returning to the court within six months of surgery. 31 of the 39 were back to their racquet sport within a year. Researchers noted that performance remained the same or improved in 82 percent of racquet sport players, and just like their golf counterparts, both pain relief and their enjoyment of the sport significantly improved.
So while the studies are rather small in size, they do help to paint a general picture of what patients can likely expect if they are hoping to return to swing sports after a total shoulder replacement procedure. Roughly half of patients can be back playing their swing sport at their normal level of competition by six months, and the vast majority will be back to their sport within a year of the operation. A year may seem like a long time, but considering that the operation also helped to decrease pain and increase enjoyment of the sport, it seems well worth it to pursue the procedure if pain and discomfort have taken the fun out of your recreational activities.
Every patient is different and should consult with a shoulder specialist for a personalized understanding of their ability to return to swing sports after a total shoulder arthroscopy, but the general results are encouraging. Not only can most patients get back to the sports they love, but they can typically do so within a year, with less pain and with more enjoyment of their sport!
So if shoulder discomfort is making it harder for you to enjoy a round of golf or tennis, maybe it’s time to consult with a shoulder surgeon like Dr. Holloway to learn about your options. Total shoulder replacement certainly won’t be the first treatment option, but if conservative options fail, it could be exactly what you need to keep playing the swing sports you love. For more information, or to talk to a specialist about a different shoulder issue you’re experiencing, reach out to Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887.
