Following a sub acromial decompression, you will be in a sling for 2-3 days. You will see the Physiotherapist before you leave the hospital. You can mobilise the shoulder as pain allows. Generally if it hurts to do something then it is ill-advisable to do it, if it doesn't hurt then it shouldn't be doing any harm.
You will not do any harm to any surgery that has been done by mobilising your arm. However excessive or overzealous work can irritate the shoulder and prolong the time of recovery.
The average return to work and driving is 2 - 2 ½ weeks, and often return to sports such as golf should be around 5-6 weeks following surgery.
Patients are reviewed 3 weeks following surgery. Then a further appointment is booked 3 months following sub acromial decompression. Usually at the 3 month mark people on average report an 85% return to functional activity. It can take 6-9 months to feel the full benefit.
