Post Operative Instructions

A sling will be applied in theatre which will encircle your body. This is to be left on at all times and will only be removed the next morning by the physio who will show you how to do your post-op exercises. On the shoulder, there will be a large wound pad covering smaller dressings. They will be removed the next morning by Dr NImon and will be changed to waterproof dressings.  You can shower, but avoid getting water under the dressing.  It is to be kept dry for 5 days. Please keep the sling on at all times, except when doing exercises. Remember to leave jewellery off the operated side to prevent constriction from swelling.

You will be given a post-operative appointment upon discharge as you will need a review appointment 8–10 days post-surgery. If you do not have this appointment, please contact the rooms on 8376 9988.

Driving

Due to safety and insurance, driving is not permitted for 8 weeks following surgery or unless you have been given clearance by Dr Nimon prior.

Pain management

Pain relief or a script will be provided to you upon discharge from the hospital. This amount should be adequate however you may need to take “over the counter” pain relief for the next few weeks. It is not unusual to experience some pain for several weeks following surgery.

If you have any concerns such as swelling, redness, increased warmth of the operation site, excessive discharge from the wound or you have a temperature or generally feel unwell, please contact Dr Nimon immediately on 8376 9988.

Most important

The sling must be worn at all times, including sleeping for approximately 6 weeks.

You may be given a collar and cuff to wear in the shower. There should be no active shoulder movement for the 6 weeks your arm is in the sling.

It is important to carry out post-surgery exercises as shown by the physiotherapist while your shoulder is healing. These exercises can be carried out as able or 3-4 times a day. We recommend taking some pain relief 30 minutes prior to commencing exercises.

Exercises:-

Shoulder

Whilst sitting with arm in sling, loosen strap around waist. Place your feet wide apart and bend forward at your waist, allowing your arm to gently drop forward. Cradle your operated arm and gently move it in circles with the assistance of your other arm.

Elbow
Whilst lying with operated arm supported by pillow, loosen sling straps. From the resting position, simply move the hand of your operated shoulder towards your chin, thus bending your elbow as far as able. When straightening, simply take hand down across stomach, pelvis and down to side as far as able WITHOUT ROTATING YOUR SHOULDER.

Palms

With the arm in resting position across stomach, turn palm up then down.

Wrist

In resting position, palms facing up, move wrist up and down.

Hand

It is very important to keep the hand moving as it may be swollen, this will prevent it from getting stiff. Make a full fist, stretching your fingers out.

Showering

A separate sling will be given for showering.

When showering wear this, lean on a wall or soap dish with the elbow allowing arm to passively come away from the body.

Axilla (the armpit) can then be washed with other arm.

Then do the same on drying.

Put spray on deodorant on after so as to reduce potential bacterial load and then place some tinea powder (not spray on) in axilla to avoid moisture and reduce chance of thrush developing in axilla.

After, put on a t-shirt (loose fit).  Put operated arm through the sleeve, then head and then opposite arm and put everyday sling on over the top (do not wear singlet/sleeveless shirts etc as skin on skin will lead to thrush/irritation in arm pit (axilla).