Shoulder pain can affect every aspect of life, from getting dressed to reaching overhead or sleeping comfortably. For many, conservative treatments like medication and physical therapy offer relief. But when shoulder pain becomes persistent and daily activities are compromised, it may be time to explore surgical solutions such as shoulder replacement.
Dr. Swanson’s practice provides specialized shoulder pain treatment across Jacksonville, Fleming Island, Northside, Riverside, and St. Johns. As a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with expertise in sports medicine, shoulder surgery, and minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Swanson delivers comprehensive, patient-centered care supported by advanced technology from trusted innovators like Enovis™.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through five key signs that may indicate it’s time to consider shoulder replacement surgery near you and explain how our comprehensive approach to care can help.
1. Pain That Disrupts Everyday Activities
One of the clearest signs that shoulder replacement may be necessary is pain that interferes with daily life. While occasional discomfort is normal, pain that prevents you from dressing, lifting groceries, reaching overhead, or even brushing your hair is a strong indicator of joint damage.
Persistent pain often stems from advanced arthritis, cartilage loss, or degenerative changes in the joint. Over time, bone-on-bone contact can make simple tasks nearly impossible. When non-surgical measures such as rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy no longer provide relief, consulting a shoulder pain specialist near you can help determine whether surgery is appropriate.
2. Limited Range of Motion Reducing Independence
A healthy shoulder allows smooth movement in multiple directions. But when arthritis, injuries, or rotator cuff tears cause stiffness and weakness, range of motion becomes restricted. Patients often describe difficulty raising their arm, rotating the joint, or performing movements that once felt natural.
Loss of mobility not only limits independence but can also increase the risk of falls and secondary injuries. Shoulder replacement surgery restores the ball-and-socket joint with implants designed to replicate natural motion, allowing patients to regain function and return to daily activities with confidence.
3. Difficulty Sleeping Due to Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain doesn’t just affect daily movement; it often disrupts sleep. Many people with advanced shoulder damage report being unable to lie on the affected side or waking frequently from pain. Sleep deprivation can worsen fatigue, slow healing, and diminish overall health.
Shoulder replacement surgeons near you can evaluate whether joint replacement may relieve nighttime discomfort. For many patients, the reduction in pain after surgery leads to improved rest, faster recovery, and a better quality of life.
4. Persistent Pain Despite Conservative Treatments
Orthopedic specialists typically recommend non-surgical treatments before surgery. These may include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
- Medications such as NSAIDs are used to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid or PRP injections for temporary relief.
- Activity modifications to reduce stress on the shoulder.
If you’ve tried these approaches for several months without lasting results, it may be time to consider shoulder replacement surgery near you. Continuing with ineffective treatments can delay recovery and allow further joint damage. Surgery provides a long-term solution for pain relief and restored mobility.
5. Imaging Tests Reveal Severe Joint Damage
X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs provide valuable insight into the condition of the shoulder joint. Findings such as bone-on-bone arthritis, significant cartilage loss, or severe fractures indicate that the joint is no longer functioning correctly.
When imaging confirms structural damage, replacement surgery may be the most effective option. Modern implants, such as those used by Dr. Swanson—including the Foundation® Shoulder System and Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis (RSP®) from Enovis™—are designed for durability and long-term performance, often lasting 15 years or more depending on patient activity levels.
What to Expect From Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement involves removing the damaged parts of the joint and replacing them with prosthetic implants made of metal and high-grade plastic. Depending on your condition, your surgeon may recommend a total, partial, reverse, or resurfacing procedure.
At Dr. Swanson’s practice, patients benefit from advanced technology such as ARVIS® Augmented Reality Surgical Guidance (Enovis™), which improves implant alignment while maintaining the surgeon’s direct focus on the procedure. Most surgeries last 1–2 hours, and many patients return home the same day.
Recovery involves a personalized rehabilitation program with physical therapy. Most patients see steady improvements over several months, with implants lasting 15–20 years in many cases.
Shoulder Pain Doesn’t Have to Control Your Life
Living with daily shoulder pain can take a toll on every part of life, from sleep to work to time with family. If you’ve tried rest, medications, and therapy but still experience pain, it might be time to take the next step. At Dr. Christopher E. Swanson’s orthopedic practice, we specialize in personalized shoulder pain treatment with advanced techniques and compassionate care.
Call us today at (904) 634-0640 or schedule an appointment online to take your first step toward recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need shoulder replacement?
If pain interferes with daily life, doesn’t improve with therapy or medication, and imaging shows advanced joint damage, it may be time to consider surgery.
Is shoulder replacement surgery painful?
Anesthesia and nerve blocks keep you comfortable during surgery. Afterward, pain is managed with medication and therapy, with discomfort improving as you recover.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients return to light activities within 6–8 weeks, with full recovery taking 3–6 months. Some continue to improve for up to a year.
How long do shoulder implants last?
Modern implants often last 15–20 years, though longevity depends on your activity level and overall health.
Can I try non-surgical treatments first?
Yes. Most surgeons recommend exhausting non-surgical care—like physical therapy and injections—before moving toward surgery.
