Physio after acromioplasty

[Les]

I am due to have the same surgery in 2 weeks time; I have read loads and frightened myself to death I think, today I found myself in google books reviewing the procedure.
Personally I have been in immense pain since January and been left with traditional treatments until just recently, my major concern is that I still do not have full motion of the shoulder before the procedure, and read that this is a major setback.

I actually use the tens machine at home for addition pain relief on top of diclo and tramadol, but have read clinical papers that its benefits post surgery are not confirmed as of yet. Its like accupuncture, in the past it has worked in pain relief this time, the pain beats it.

I see that you had laser treatment, what was this, I have read about laser treatment and not yet found anyone here in the Netherlands who can help me with this.

Lesley

[wendyaucock]

Hi Lesley,

I am now 9 weeks after the surgery - I have followed the exercises given to me - mostly stretching and I have totally managed without a TENS machine. I scoured the internet and found lots of different exercises - at the beginning I have a lot of difficulty in raising my arm above waist level, however, the same exercise in the water or lying on my back on the bed/floor was possible. I have slogged away at the exercises three times a day plus swimming (breast stroke) at least twice a day and after nine weeks I have full mobility in my shoulder.
Prior to the operation, I could not move my arm behind me at all - immediately after the operation, I could do this movement, however, any upper movement was impossible.
I take voltoral (an anti-inflammatory) at night as I also have oesto-arthritis but do not need any painkillers apart from this. My shoulder gets a little stiff occasionally, however, I do a few stretching excercises and it is ok.
Try some of the stretching excercises now to see if it helps - my favourite is hanging forward with your arm hanging down in front like a pendulem and swing your body back and forth to get the movement in your shoulder. This puts no pressure on anything but the weight of your arm should gently stretch the tendons.
Whatever else you do, make sure you keep your shoulder mobile after the operation - I have heard of many who do not and lose all mobility due to adhesions formed during surgery.
Good luck
Wendy
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