What is a subacromial decompression?

This surgery involves the removal of the under surface of the bone on top of the shoulder joint. This increases the space for tendons of the rotator cuff muscles to pass through. This procedure can usually be done via a type of keyhole surgery using small cuts which means you will get better quicker. This is called arthroscopy. But occasionally it will involve a small incision in the deltoid muscle on the outer aspect of the shoulder. This is called an open procedure.

Skip straight to exercises after surgery.

Skip straight to frequently asked questions.

 

What happens after surgery?

When you wake up from the anaesthetic your arm will feel numb due to a nerve block being used in addition to the general anaesthetic. This will wear off in 24 hours.

You will return from theatre with an extensive padded dressing on your shoulder, below this there will be a small dressing protecting the wound. You MUST remove the large dressing within 2 days of the operation to avoid skin irritation. Leave the dressing below this undisturbed.

Your arm will be supported in a sling for comfort. This can be discarded within 2 weeks unless the surgeon has indicated otherwise.

 

Ward physiotherapy

Your arm should be removed from the sling 2-3 times a day to exercise to prevent stiffness setting in, but you should exercise within levels of comfort initially. You can start doing the exercises the day after surgery.

You will be referred for outpatient physiotherapy on discharge to support with your rehabilitation.

 

 

Shoulder precautions

Initially, it is important to avoid extremes of movement and repetitive movements especially at shoulder height or above, even if your shoulder feels comfortable enough to do so as this may increase the inflammation in the area.

If you have had open surgery then you should avoid lifting your arm out sideways away from your body for the first 6 weeks to allow the Deltoid muscle to repair. You will be advised of this by the physiotherapy inpatient team.

 

 

Exercises after your surgery

The physiotherapist will encourage you to complete the following exercises after your surgery. 

These exercises should be done from day one until full recovery. 

Do exercises 3-4 times a day.

 

 

• Stand or sit. Lift your operated arm up and away from your chest using your other arm as far as comfort allows. Repeat 10 times. Image shows a physiotherapist demonstrating the exercise. Both arms are at chest height with the forearms across the body pointing towards each other. The left hand is supporting the elbow of the right arm. The right hand is resting on the left arm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Stand facing a wall. Walk your fingers up the wall as high as possible. Reverse down in the same way. Repeat 10 times. Image shows a physiotherapist demonstrating the exercise. They are standing and facing a wall. Their left arm is outstretched and the palm of their left hand is on the wall with their fingers walking up the wall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Sit or stand. Keep upper arms close to the sides and elbows at right angles. Turn forearms outwards. Repeat 10 times. Image shows a physiotherapist demonstrating the exercise. Their arms are close to their sides but they are bent at the elbows with their forearms pointing outwards away from their body.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Stand with arms behind your back. Grasp the wrist of the arm you want to exercise.

  Slide your hands up the back.  Repeat 10 times. Image shows a physiotherapist demonstrating the exercise. Both arms are behind their back and bent at the elbows. Their right hand is holding their left wrist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Stand or sit. Move your shoulder blades gently back and down (small movement).

  Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Image shows a physiotherapist demonstrating the exercise. They are stood up straight with their shoulders gently moved back and down.