Discharge handover
What is different about Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA)
Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) is the main public tertiary hospital in JB. Its physio department is clinically strong but high-volume - outpatient cadence is often lower than private alternatives. PhysioJohor patients often supplement HSA discharge with private sessions for return-to-work or sport.
Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) is listed as a hospital, so physio after shoulder replacement should follow how patients usually leave this hospital: some can continue in clinic, while others need home visits while the wound, walker use, stairs or transport are still limiting factors.
The related cost reference for this pathway is RM120-250 per outpatient session (matched clinic). The real plan depends on clinic versus home sessions, travel distance, case complexity and whether the surgeon's protocol needs closer monitoring in the first few weeks.
Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) physio teams set the baseline.
The inpatient physio sees the patient pre-discharge and writes the discharge note.
For the outpatient phase we pick up from there.
We align with the surgeon's protocol and feed progress notes back before each follow-up.
Recovery pathway
Rehab after shoulder replacement runs roughly 24 weeks for most patients.
The first 2-6 weeks are protected.
Wound healing, gentle range of motion, and early mobility within surgeon-defined limits.
From around week 6 the work shifts to progressive loading.
Strength, neuromuscular control, and functional return.
The last third is integration - back to work, sport, or full activity.
Typical session frequency
Early rehab is usually 1-2 sessions per week, depending on the surgeon's instructions, wound status, swelling and walking confidence.
After the protected phase, sessions can be spaced out so the patient has time to complete home exercises and progressive strengthening.
For shoulder replacement, session count is not decided by the calendar alone. We look at pain control, range of motion, strength, gait confidence and daily function.
Cost in RM
Outpatient physio in Johor runs RM120-250 per session.
Private health insurance often covers post-op rehab with a surgeon's referral.
SOCSO covers work-related cases through the panel pathway.
Typical course costs sit between RM 2,000 and RM 6,500.
What to bring from the hospital
Bring the Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) discharge note, surgeon protocol, medication list, imaging report and next follow-up date.
If there are weight-bearing limits, a sling, brace, stitches, or "do not bend/lift" instructions, tell us before the first session so rehab stays inside protocol.
For Singapore patients who had surgery in Johor, we also plan around checkpoint timing and surgeon review dates.
When home visits make more sense
Home visits make more sense when the patient is not safe on stairs, still needs a walker, or the family needs transfer training for bed, toilet and car movement.
Clinic sessions become more useful when the phase requires machines, strength testing, treadmill work, cycling or higher-level balance training.
Red flags
A sudden increase in pain.
New calf swelling or warmth - DVT risk.
Fever with increasing joint pain, wound redness or discharge, or sudden loss of motion.
These are reasons to pause rehab and contact the surgical team.
Recovery checkpoints
Early review: pain is controlled, wound is calm, swelling is reducing and basic exercises do not trigger a flare-up.
Middle review: range of motion is improving, walking is more symmetrical and loading can progress step by step.
Late review: return to work, driving, light sport or full daily activity is decided by function, not just weeks after surgery.
How we match you
WhatsApp us with: surgery date, surgeon name at Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA), current phase, and your JB side.
We match to a physio with specific experience rehabilitating shoulder replacement.
We run the surgeon's protocol exactly.
MT Reviewed by M. Thurairaj, Registered Physiotherapist