Post Operative Information

Arthroscopic Sub-Acromial Decompression and ACJ Excision

• After surgery you will waken with your arm in a sling. This should be worn for comfort for the first 2 weeks only.
• You will see the physiotherapist prior to your discharge. They will show you how to release your arm from the sling and do specific exercises with the arm.
• You will be prescribed painkillers to go home with. These should be taken regularly as required probably for the first 1 to 2 weeks
• It is important to keep the arm moving and painkillers should be taken to facilitate this
• You will have a follow-up appointment at 2 weeks
  • The stitches will be trimmed prior to seeing me
  • We will run through your arthroscopic pictures 
• An outpatient physiotherapy review will be arranged usually 2-3 weeks after the operation
• You should expect significant recovery from 6-12 weeks but will continue to recover for 9 months

Return to Functional Activities:

Driving                                       2 weeks 

Swimming                                   As pain allows from 2-4 weeks

Golf                                             6-8 weeks

Repeated Overhead Activities    3 months

Lifting                                         As able

Work                                           Sedentary - As able

Manual - 6 weeks, may need to modify activity for 3 months