The shoulder replacement procedure itself takes about three hours, and the anesthesia used is typically a general anesthetic. After the procedure, the patient will likely be given a morphine pump to help control their own pain medicine, and after about a day, the patient may be able to switch to oral pain medicine. Antibiotics are given for a day to prevent infection. The arm will be in a brace for a while, but it can be removed for physical therapy which will begin the day after surgery. The patient will likely stay in the clinic for three to five days. After going home from the clinic, the patient will continue the physical therapy exercises daily to prevent stiffness and cold therapy should be done to control pain. Stitches are removed one week after the procedure. Physical therapy will continue for several weeks at another facility and at home. The therapy will help ensure a thorough recovery.