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Arthroscopic subacromial decompression recovery
Following your operation, a sling will be applied in theatre which should be worn for about 48 hours. Post operative swelling usually subsides within 24 hours. Please note that your arm may feel numb and this is due to the interscalene block that was given in theatre to help with pain management. The outer dressing will be removed at 48 hours and a small watertight dressing will only be retained. This should be kept for a period of one week, then removed at that stage. Physiotherapy will commence as soon as possible and you will be encouraged to use your arm as much as can be tolerated, however no heavy lifting must be carried out. Pain following surgery will take some time to disappear and varies but usually improves by six weeks and in an unlikely situation, can be up to six months to settle down. Milestones : 6 weeks post surgery it is expected that the range of movement will be equal to that pre-operative range of motion. A certificate for work will be dated till your first out patient appointment. The situation can then be assessed and depending on the type of work which is carried out, appropriate certificate will be issued in the out patients. It is usual to be off work for up to two weeks for an office job and longer for heavy manual work. |
