Shoulder replacement is not a one-size-fits-all operation. In this episode of The Shoulder Blueprint, Dr. Caleb Davis and Dr. Justin Givens take a deep dive into anatomic total shoulder replacement: how it works, who may benefit from it, and why reverse shoulder replacement has become increasingly common.

They discuss:

• Why a healthy rotator cuff is essential for an anatomic shoulder replacement
• The potential for more natural motion, strength, and function
• Polyethylene wear, implant loosening, and long-term bone loss
• Subscapularis-sparing shoulder replacement and how it may accelerate recovery
• How age, activity level, glenoid deformity, and future revision risk influence implant selection
• Why surgeons sometimes plan an anatomic replacement but change to a reverse replacement during surgery

The central message is simple: the best shoulder replacement is not necessarily the newest or most popular implant. It is the operation that best matches the patient’s anatomy, rotator cuff, goals, age, and long-term needs.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Caleb Davis is joined by physical therapist Luke Brohm, PT, to discuss how patients can optimize recovery after surgery.

Drawing from both professional experience and Luke’s current recovery from Achilles tendon surgery, this episode explores practical and evidence-based strategies to improve healing, reduce complications, preserve muscle mass, improve sleep, and safely return to activity.

The conversation covers:

• Early mobilization and blood clot prevention
• Preventing post-operative muscle atrophy
• Sleep and circadian rhythm after surgery
• Pain management and opioid reduction
• Blood flow restriction training (BFR)
• Neuromuscular reactivation and cross-education
• CRPS and nervous system sensitization
• Recovery psychology and maintaining routine
• Practical rehab strategies patients can apply immediately

An insightful discussion for athletes, surgical patients, clinicians, and anyone interested in recovery science and orthopedic rehabilitation.

Dr. Caleb Davis is joined by physical therapist Dr. Luke Brohm following Luke’s recent Achilles tendon rupture and surgery.

The conversation explores the evidence behind optimizing recovery after orthopedic injuries and surgery, including:

• The importance of protein intake

• Sleep deprivation and injury risk

• Vitamin D deficiency

• Magnesium and pain modulation

• Zinc and vitamin C for wound healing

• Creatine, collagen, and BCAA supplementation

• Whole food nutrition vs supplementation

• Recovery strategies for athletes and older adults

Luke also shares how reduced sleep, increased physical stress, and inadequate recovery may have contributed to his injury despite an otherwise healthy lifestyle.

This episode focuses on practical, evidence-based strategies patients can use to improve healing, preserve muscle mass, reduce complications, and support recovery after surgery.

Follow Dr. Caleb Davis:
Website: calebdavismd.com
Instagram: @calebdavismd