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Why Choose
Shoulder Replacement Surgery Abroad
Travelling abroad for shoulder replacement can give you faster relief and greater control over your care. Here’s why more patients are making the move:
Swift Scheduling
No NHS delays, treatment arranged in as little as 2 to 4 weeks
Save up to 65 %
Lower cost than UK private hospitals (from £4,500 to £6,500)
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EU-Regulated Quality
EU-accredited clinics with experienced orthopaedic specialists
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Trusted Surgeons
English-speaking staff, private rooms, and attentive nursing care
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All-Inclusive Care
All-inclusive service: consultation, flights, transfers, hotel, surgery, aftercare
What happens during
Shoulder Replacement Surgery Abroad
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Anaesthesia
Surgery is done under general or regional anaesthetic
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Joint Replacement
The damaged shoulder joint is removed and replaced with a prosthetic implant. This may be a total shoulder replacement or a reverse shoulder replacement depending on your condition.
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Implants
Most shoulder replacement implants are made from high-quality titanium and polyethylene for long-term durability
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Duration
The operation usually takes between 1.5 to 2 hours
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Hospital Stay
Patients stay in a private clinic for 2 to 4 nights with post-op support and early physiotherapy
Your surgeon will guide you through which type of replacement is right for your needs.
Thera Travel ensures your experience is safe, stress-free and tailored around your needs.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery Cost Comparison: UK vs Europe
What Recovery Looks Like After Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Recovery from shoulder replacement is gradual, but most patients feel a steady return to mobility and quality of life:
- Week 1 to 2: Pain management, rest, swelling control. Gentle passive movement begins with physiotherapy support
- Week 3 to 6: Begin guided exercises to improve mobility and shoulder function
- Week 6 to 12: Build strength, continue range-of-motion work, return to light daily activities
- 3 to 6 Months: Resume driving, part-time work, and low-impact hobbies
- 6 to 12 Months: Most patients achieve full function for everyday activities and independence
Thera Travel’s partners offer remote follow-ups and virtual physiotherapy support, so you’re never without guidance.
Where Will I Go?
We work with specialist shoulder surgery clinics in:
Kaunas, Lithuania
- Direct flights from most UK airports
- Modern orthopaedic centre with English-speaking staff
Wroclaw, Poland
- High surgical volumes and advanced post-op rehab facilities
Prague, Czech Republic
- Popular destination for joint replacements with short waiting times
Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery Overseas Safe?
Yes, having shoulder replacement surgery overseas can be safe when performed in accredited medical centres with experienced teams. Many European clinics maintain international health and safety certifications, and often offer shorter waiting times, which can support better recovery outcomes.
Thera Travel works exclusively with trusted hospitals that meet strict EU medical standards. These include ISO and JCI-accredited facilities, orthopaedic surgeons with extensive experience in shoulder procedures, and English-speaking staff. All care is arranged in advance, with private recovery rooms and one-to-one support throughout.
Why patients feel safer abroad:
- Smaller clinic caseloads mean more attention and time
- Shorter wait leads to faster recovery and fewer complications
- All logistics and support handled for you by our UK team
How to Book Shoulder Replacement Surgery Abroad
Booking is straightforward and fully supported by our team:
- Get a free consultation with Thera Travel's orthopaedic specialists
- Receive a personalised quote and recommended clinics
- Choose your preferred travel dates
- We arrange flights, accommodation, surgery, and transport
- Access post-surgery care including remote physiotherapy support
Get your free quote and treatment plan today.
“From the first inquiry to flying home, the support was exceptional.”
“Clean, efficient, friendly. I wish I’d gone abroad sooner.”
“Top-class care for half the price of UK surgery.”
“From the moment I landed, an English-speaking nurse met me at arrivals, and I had my first physio session within 24 hours of surgery. I never felt rushed - just cared for.”
– Mark L.
29-year-old five-a-side footballer
(ACL reconstruction, Poland)
– Mark L.
29-year-old five-a-side footballer
(ACL reconstruction, Poland)
“Before I travelled to Latvia for my knee surgery, I was hesitant. But honestly, it felt more like checking into a hotel than a hospital. My room was private and spotless, with a big window and meals brought in three times a day. It was quiet, calm, and the staff couldn’t have been more attentive. That level of comfort helped me recover quickly, and I never felt rushed out the door.”
“Is it safe?”“I had the same question. But after speaking with my care coordinator and reading about the clinic’s certifications, I felt reassured. The hospital in Poland was modern and far cleaner than the NHS ward I’d visited previously. My surgeon explained everything clearly, and all the nurses spoke fluent English. By the time I left, I felt I’d received care that matched,or exceeded,what I could have had in the UK.”
“Before going to Latvia for my hip replacement, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But it honestly felt more like staying at a hotel. My private room was spotless, meals were delivered to my bedside, and everything was calm and well-organised. The attention to comfort made a real difference in my recovery.”
“Is it safe?” “I wondered the same. But after reviewing the clinic’s credentials and talking to the coordinator, I was confident. The hospital in Poland was cleaner and more modern than the NHS ward I’d seen. My surgeon took time to explain every step, and the nursing staff spoke fluent English. By the end of my stay, I felt fully informed and very well looked after.”
(Former patients provide more stories on our Trustpilot page.)
Get a quote online
Discuss your treatment options with our team
Is Orthopaedic treatment abroad safe?
Our Orthopaedic Treatments
Hip Replacement Surgery Abroad
Travelling abroad for hip replacement surgery is an increasingly appealing choice for those seeking faster access to care, cost-effective treatment, or specific clinical preferences. Hip pain and limited mobility can significantly affect your quality of life, making everyday activities like walking or sitting a challenge. For many facing NHS backlogs or high private fees, hip replacement surgery abroad provides a faster, affordable, and medically safe alternative.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Abroad
Arthroscopic (or keyhole) knee surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pain, stiffness, or limited mobility caused by issues like torn cartilage, ligament damage, or loose bone fragments inside the joint. With Thera Travel, you can skip NHS waiting lists and access fast, expert care at leading European clinics - featuring modern facilities, English-speaking specialists, and treatment that meets strict international standards. All at significantly lower cost than in the UK, with full support from consultation to recovery.
Knee Replacement Surgery Abroad
Knee replacement surgery abroad is a popular option for individuals with severe knee pain and reduced mobility caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis. Many patients from the UK and Ireland choose to have knee replacement surgery abroad to avoid lengthy NHS waiting lists and benefit from more affordable private care in trusted international clinics.
High Tibial Osteotomy Surgery Abroad
Living with persistent knee pain due to arthritis or joint misalignment can make everyday life frustrating. For many in the UK, the wait to get high tibial osteotomy (HTO) surgery on the NHS stretches into months, sometimes longer. HTO surgery is a joint-preserving procedure that realigns the knee to reduce pressure on the damaged area, easing pain and delaying or avoiding a full knee replacement. If you're waiting too long or facing high private costs, Thera Travel offers a trusted way forward.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery Abroad
Waiting months - sometimes longer - for knee surgery can feel unbearable when every step, twist, or unexpected wobble reminds you that your joint isn’t stable. UK waiting-list backlogs mean many active people are left sidelined, anxious about worsening cartilage damage and the risk of arthritis down the line. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a precision procedure that replaces the torn ligament - usually with a small tendon graft from your hamstring or patella - so the knee can regain full stability and range of motion.
Hip Arthroscopy Surgery Abroad
If you've been told your hip pain will "settle over time" or you've been left waiting with only exercises and no progress, you're not alone. Many NHS patients face long delays and limited options, even when dealing with clear joint damage like impingement or labral tears.
Femoral Osteotomy Surgery Abroad
Femoral osteotomy is a specialised orthopaedic procedure designed to realign the femur and improve joint function, most often performed in cases of hip dysplasia, leg length discrepancies, or abnormal joint loading. If you’ve been advised this surgery but are facing long NHS wait times, you’re not alone. Many patients are left in limbo, unsure when relief will come. That’s where Thera Travel steps in.
PCL Reconstruction Surgery Abroad
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) reconstruction is a surgical procedure used to repair a torn ligament at the back of the knee. If you’re facing long NHS delays or struggling with knee instability, Thera Travel offers a faster, trusted solution. We arrange PCL reconstruction surgery abroad with top-tier orthopaedic clinics, giving you rapid access to expert care at a more affordable price.
Ankle Replacement Surgery Abroad
If you're living with ankle pain and limited mobility but facing long NHS delays or high UK private fees, ankle replacement surgery abroad could be the right choice. With Thera Travel, you get fast access to expert surgeons, transparent costs, and full travel and rehab support from start to finish.
Ankle Fusion Surgery Abroad
Looking to avoid long NHS delays for ankle surgery? Ankle fusion surgery abroad offers faster access, lower costs, and full travel and rehab support. Thera Travel connects you with trusted European clinics for expert ankle care you can count on.
Bunion Surgery Abroad
If you're living with the discomfort of a bunion and facing long NHS delays or high private fees, bunion surgery abroad could be a welcome option. Thera Travel offers access to trusted European clinics with shorter waiting times, lower costs, and complete travel and care coordination.
Spinal Fusion Surgery Abroad
Speak directly to patients who’ve been told they may need spinal fusion but are stuck waiting on NHS lists or can’t afford private surgery. Briefly explain what spinal fusion is: stabilising the spine by fusing two or more vertebrae, often due to degenerative disc disease or instability. Introduce Thera Travel: we connect UK/Ireland patients with top-rated European spine centres, arranging everything from medical records to rehab.
MCL Reconstruction Surgery Abroad
If you’ve been told your MCL will "heal on its own" but you're still dealing with knee pain or instability, you're not alone. Many people in the UK face long NHS waits or limited treatment options for ligament injuries. MCL reconstruction abroad offers a fast, affordable, and high-quality alternative. With Thera Travel, you get fast access to leading orthopaedic surgeons in trusted European clinics. We handle everything from your medical records and flights to rehab and follow-up, so you can focus on getting back to the activities you love.