When shoulder pain starts interfering with your daily life — making it hard to sleep, lift groceries, or even reach for a coffee mug — it's time to explore your treatment options. At the office of Richard B. Jones, MD, we understand how disruptive shoulder conditions can be, and we’re here to help you regain control with personalized, expert care.
As a leading shoulder surgeon in Asheville, NC, Dr. Jones specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of shoulder injuries and chronic conditions. Two of the most common surgical solutions we provide are shoulder replacement and shoulder reconstruction — but many patients aren’t sure what the difference is, or which one they may need.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences, benefits, and recovery expectations between these procedures — helping you take the next step toward pain-free movement and better shoulder health.
Why Shoulder Surgery May Be Necessary
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body, allowing for a wide range of motion — but also prone to wear, injury, and instability. Patients who come to our Asheville office often suffer from:
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
Rotator cuff tears
Recurrent dislocations or instability
Fractures and trauma
Degenerative joint disease
When conservative treatments like physical therapy, injections, or medications no longer relieve symptoms, surgery may be the best option to restore function and eliminate pain.
What Is Shoulder Replacement?
When the Joint Itself Needs Replacing
Shoulder replacement — also called shoulder arthroplasty — involves removing the damaged portions of the shoulder joint and replacing them with artificial implants made of metal and plastic. This procedure is often the best solution for:
Severe arthritis
Advanced joint degeneration
Complex fractures
Failed previous surgeries
Irreparable rotator cuff damage (in certain cases)
At Richard B. Jones, MD, we offer two types of shoulder replacement in Asheville, NC:
Total Shoulder Replacement
This is performed when both the ball (humeral head) and socket (glenoid) need replacing. It's ideal for patients with intact rotator cuff muscles and advanced arthritis.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
In this procedure, the anatomy of the shoulder joint is reversed to allow other muscles — primarily the deltoid — to move the arm when the rotator cuff is no longer functional. This option is most common in patients with massive rotator cuff tears or cuff tear arthropathy.
Benefits of Shoulder Replacement
Substantial pain relief
Improved joint function
Long-term durability (often 10-20 years)
Enhanced quality of life
Shoulder replacement can restore independence and comfort, especially for patients who have been suffering for years with chronic joint pain.
What Is Shoulder Reconstruction?
Preserving and Repairing the Joint
Shoulder reconstruction, on the other hand, is focused on preserving your natural shoulder joint by repairing or reinforcing damaged structures such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones. This approach is often best for:
Younger or more active patients
Athletes
Patients with instability or dislocations
Traumatic injuries
Rotator cuff or labral tears
At our practice, we provide a wide range of shoulder reconstruction in Asheville, NC, including:
Common Shoulder Reconstruction Procedures:
Rotator Cuff Repair: Reattaching torn tendons to the bone
Labral Repair: Stabilizing the shoulder by repairing the cartilage around the socket
Capsular Shift or Tightening: For patients with instability or frequent dislocations
Fracture Fixation: Using surgical hardware to realign broken bones
Ligament Reconstruction: Rebuilding torn or damaged ligaments to stabilize the joint
Benefits of Shoulder Reconstruction
Preserves natural joint anatomy
Shorter recovery in some cases
Ideal for high-demand or younger patients
Minimally invasive options available
Reconstruction is often performed arthroscopically (through small incisions), which allows for quicker healing, less scarring, and less post-operative pain.
Shoulder Replacement vs. Shoulder Reconstruction: How We Help You Decide
As your trusted shoulder surgeon in Asheville, NC, Dr. Jones takes a highly personalized approach to every case. We consider the following factors when determining whether replacement or reconstruction is the right path for you:
Factors We Evaluate:
Age and activity level
Severity of joint damage
Condition of the rotator cuff
Medical history and prior injuries
Desired outcome and lifestyle goals
At your consultation, we will use diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI) along with a full physical evaluation and medical history to design a surgical plan specific to your needs.
What to Expect from Recovery
Whether you undergo shoulder replacement or shoulder reconstruction, recovery is a process that involves dedication, patience, and support. We partner with physical therapists throughout Asheville to guide you through rehabilitation and ensure a smooth return to function.
Recovery Timeline (General Overview)
First 1–2 weeks: Rest, sling use, and pain management
Weeks 3–6: Begin passive and assisted range-of-motion exercises
Weeks 6–12: Gradual strengthening and improved mobility
3–6 months: Return to daily activities, low-impact sports
6–12 months: Full recovery (varies by procedure and individual)
Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions, close follow-up appointments, and personalized physical therapy referrals to support your recovery journey.
Why Choose Dr. Richard B. Jones for Shoulder Surgery in Asheville?
When it comes to shoulder surgery, experience and specialization matter. Dr. Richard B. Jones is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with years of expertise specifically in shoulder replacement and reconstruction. He is known throughout Asheville, NC and Western North Carolina for his patient-focused care, advanced techniques, and consistent surgical outcomes.
What Sets Us Apart:
Specialized shoulder care — not general orthopedics
Minimally invasive options when appropriate
Compassionate, personalized treatment plans
Proven outcomes and long-term success rates
Clear communication and support from consultation through recovery
Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Shoulder
If shoulder pain is affecting your daily life, don’t wait for it to get worse. Whether you’re a candidate for shoulder replacement or shoulder reconstruction, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.