Health Blog

Shoulder pain can be debilitating, often limiting daily activities and affecting one's overall quality of life. For patients with severe shoulder arthritis and some other long–term issues that don't respond to physical therapy, total shoulder arthroplasty–also known as a total shoulder replacement–may offer a path to relief. In this surgical procedure, damaged portions of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components, such as a metal ball and a plastic socket. This restoration often allows for improved joint function, reduced pain, and increased mobility.

While shoulder arthroplasty can lead to significant benefits for many individuals, difficulty deciding whether or not to have surgery is common. As a result, patients often have numerous questions about what to expect before, during, and after surgery to help them decide. With this in mind, a recent study analyzed the potential of the AI tool ChatGPT in providing answers to these questions. While the findings revealed that AI can be a helpful supplemental resource, they also emphasized the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for accurate and personalized information. Physical therapists, in particular, can play a critical role in both patient education and recovery after shoulder arthroplasty to ensure optimal outcomes.

The Study: Evaluating AI in Patient Education

The study examined how well ChatGPT could answer the 15 most common patient questions about total shoulder arthroplasty. This was done by having three orthopedic surgeons assess the AI's accuracy, comprehensiveness, and tone in providing responses to each question. Here's what they found:

• Accuracy and Helpfulness: ChatGPT performed well in delivering general information about the procedure, including the steps involved and expected outcomes. Patients found the AI's tone approachable and supportive, making it an effective starting point for understanding total shoulder arthroplasty.


• Limitations: Despite its strengths, AI sometimes lacked specificity and nuanced guidance. For example, it could not tailor responses to an individual's medical history or provide insights into postoperative care unique to a patient's circumstances. ChatGPT therefore achieved an overall grade of B–, which indicated that most of its responses were adequate but required additional clarification.


• The Need for Professional Input: The results showed that while AI can enhance patient education, it cannot replace the personalized advice and expertise of medical professionals like physical therapists.

The Importance of Physical Therapy in Shoulder Arthroplasty

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of recovery and long–term success after shoulder arthroplasty. Here's why:

Preoperative Preparation

Before surgery, physical therapists can help patients build strength and flexibility around the shoulder joint. “Prehabilitation,” as it's called, prepares the body for the procedure and often leads to faster recovery times.

Postoperative Recovery

After surgery, physical therapy focuses on:

• Pain Management: Therapists use techniques like manual therapy, ice application, and specific exercises to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.


• Restoring Mobility: Gentle, guided exercises help patients regain range of motion in their shoulder while protecting the healing joint.


• Strength Building: Over time, patients transition to strengthening exercises that improve stability and function.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every patient's recovery journey is unique. Physical therapists tailor rehabilitation programs to individual needs, considering factors like age, activity level, and overall health. This personalized approach ensures safer and more effective outcomes compared to generic advice.

How Physical Therapy Can Bridge the Gaps in Patient Education

This study showed that many patients still have questions about activity limitations, expected recovery timelines, and when they can resume normal activities. While AI can offer some general guidance, it's best to see a physical therapist, who can address these education gaps by:

• Providing Hands–On Guidance: Therapists offer in–person instruction and adjustments to ensure exercises are performed correctly.


• Answering Individualized Questions: Unlike AI, physical therapists consider each patient's unique condition and recovery progress, offering specific recommendations.


• Encouraging Long–Term Success: Education doesn't stop after recovery. Therapists teach patients how to maintain shoulder health and prevent future injuries.

What This Means for You

AI tools like ChatGPT are valuable for quickly learning the basics of conditions like shoulder arthroplasty, but they should never replace medical expertise. Physical therapists bring a level of personalized care and hands–on support that AI cannot replicate. Whether you're preparing for surgery or navigating your recovery, working with a skilled physical therapist can make all the difference in achieving the best possible outcome.

Contact Us Today For More Information

If you have questions about shoulder arthroplasty or need guidance on the recovery process, our physical therapy team is here to help. Contact our clinic today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced therapists.

For more information about the featured study, click here for the full text.