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Updated: Feb 22, 2026
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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
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Return to weightlifting following anatomic and reverse shoulder arthroplasty
John Abdelshaheed1, Rishi Chatterji2, Jordan Levy2
1Levy Shoulder to Hand Center at the Paley Orthopedic and Spine Institute, Boca Raton, FL, USA; University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL, USA.
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
|February 20, 2026
Summary
Most shoulder arthroplasty patients can return to weightlifting. This study found high rates of return to weightlifting with good functional outcomes and pain relief after anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Sports medicine
- Rehabilitation
Background:
- Weightlifting places significant stress on the shoulder joint.
- Recommendations for returning to weightlifting after shoulder arthroplasty are unclear.
- Anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) are increasingly common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the rate of return to weightlifting after primary shoulder arthroplasty.
- To evaluate postoperative function and performance outcomes in weightlifting patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 184 patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA, HA, or rTSA) and were weightlifters.
- Minimum two-year follow-up using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) questionnaire.
- Analysis of demographics, surgical indications, range of motion, and patient-reported outcomes.
Main Results:
- 92% of identified weightlifting patients met inclusion criteria.
- 70.1% reported no difficulty returning to weightlifting; only 0.5% were unable to participate.
- No significant difference in return-to-weightlifting rates between anatomic and rTSA cohorts; both showed improved functional scores and pain relief.
Conclusions:
- Shoulder arthroplasty patients have a high probability of returning to weightlifting.
- Excellent pain relief and functional improvements are expected post-surgery.
- The study supports encouraging patients to return to weightlifting activities.
