The recovery process after a shoulder and elbow surgery will depend on the exact surgery you have, the severity of your condition, your pre-surgery fitness level, and your age. You should follow your surgeon’s advice for recovery.
Recovery after arthroscopy is shorter than open joint replacement surgery. You can usually go home after a few hours. You will need someone to drive you home.
It can take one week to several months to recover fully from an elbow or shoulder arthroscopy. This will depend on whether it was your elbow or shoulder joint as shoulder joints tend to take longer to recover from; whether you had any treatment, such as joint repair, during your arthroscopy; and your general state of health.
You may have pain and swelling for at least several weeks after arthroscopy that can be treated with over-the-counter pain relief. Your shoulder or elbow may need protection using a sling. Your expert Ramsay physiotherapist will give you individual exercises to improve your elbow or shoulder movement and strength. If you had a minor arthroscopy procedure, you may be able to return to work or school in a few days. You may need longer to recover from more major procedures.
Full recovery after a joint replacement can take up to six months. Recovery from elbow replacement surgery takes about three months and after shoulder replacement recovery takes three to six months.
After elbow replacement surgery some people go home the same day or the day after their surgery. You may need to wear a splint or a sling for a few days or weeks after surgery. You may also have a drain to avoid the pooling of fluids at your elbow. Your physiotherapist will advise you on the best exercises to help your recovery.
You can expect to go home after two to three days after shoulder replacement surgery. Typically, you will have a sling to support your arm and shoulder that you should wear for up to four weeks, including at night. Your physio will give you an exercise plan to help your recovery that will strengthen the muscles around your shoulder and help get your shoulder joint moving. They will also tell you some movements you should not do, including putting your arm behind your back. You should not lift anything heavy or play contact sports for at least six months. Depending on your job, you may be able to go back to work within two to three weeks after surgery, providing you avoid certain arm movements, such as lifting.
We will arrange a follow-up appointment with your spinal surgeon to see how you are getting on after your surgery.
