According to the Arthritis foundation, Osteoarthritis affects more than 16-million Americans and is a common cause of shoulder pain and mobility loss.

Orthopedic Surgeon Todd Atkinson explains that although shoulder replacements are not as common as those for the knee and hip, the pain and mobility issues shoulder patients suffer from can be just as debilitating. “When a doctor mentions that maybe they would benefit from a shoulder replacement, they kind of back off a little bit because it just seems so different from the total hip and knees.

Dr. Atkinson says that people often reject the idea of surgically treating their shoulder injury or pain; choosing to live with the limitations because they’re afraid of complications and cost. doctors say that’s just not the case. “With the shoulder replacements because people are a lot more mobile after surgery.”

Studies suggest that shoulder surgery carries no greater risk of complications hip or knee surgery. In fact, it’s said to be a lot less painful and recovery time much faster. Dr. Atkinson also says, “The nice thing about the shoulder replacements is that you can get up and start walking around the hallways right away. You don’t have any pains in your legs like you would with a total knee. There also tends to be a less requirement for a blood transfusion than there is for a total hip or total knee replacement”

Another benefit compared to the knee and hip is the fact that physical therapy for the shoulder is much quicker and most patients can take care of themselves at home right after the surgery.

Studies suggest most patients who are candidates for shoulder replacements rely on medications for the chronic pain and 99% of patients who’ve had shoulder replacements wish they’d done it sooner.