Prior to your scheduled shoulder surgery, you may have the opportunity to visit your physical therapist for a preoperative assessment. One purpose of this visit is to get a baseline of information that includes the location and severity of your pain, your functional abilities, your strength and available motion of each shoulder. A second purpose of the preoperative visit is to prepare you for your upcoming surgery. The preoperative visit is also a time for you to begin practicing some of the exercises you'll use just after surgery. Finally, an assessment will be made of any needs you'll have at home once you're released from the hospital. Your therapist will be scheduled to see you on the first day after your surgery to begin your rehabilitation program.