Orthopaedic Surgery - Discharge advice following Shoulder Injury

We are sorry to hear you've had an injury.

This advice is designed to help you get better as quickly as possible. During your recovery we may contact you to improve the service for future patients.

What have I done?

Soft tissue shoulder injuries happen to people of all ages. They usually get better by looking after them yourself. Common shoulder injuries include sprains (over stretching of the ligaments) and strains (over stretching of the muscles and tendons).

Pain, swelling and sometimes bruising are often symptoms which can last several weeks but are usually at their worst over the first 3 days.

Helpline 0161 206 4892.  You can leave a message anytime.  We will aim to return your call within 24 hours (except weekends).

Please contact us if:

• You are worried about anything in this plan or have any questions
• You do NOT wish to be contacted about your injury
• If you develop obvious weakness in your arm
• If you have increasing pain or still have significant pain and /or stiffness 6 weeks after your injury

What should you do?

For the first 2 days: Follow the “PRICED” advice.
P = Protect: Avoid activities that will cause further injury.
R = Rest: Partial rest is recommended, but you can move within pain limits.
I = Ice: A bag of ice/frozen peas/ice pack wrapped in a towel can be applied for 15 minutes, every 2 hours, to reduce pain and swelling*
C = Compression: You may use a sling to reduce pain and swelling.
E = Elevation: You will find lifting your arm painful to begin with.
D = Drugs: Sensible use of simple painkillers is recommended, e.g. paracetamol.**

* Warning: Check the skin after 5 minutes for ice burn. Do not use if you cannot feel the sensation of hot/cold.

** Warning: Follow patient information advice leaflet found in all medicines.

After the first 2 days: Get moving as pain allows

Exercise really helps your injury to recover and prevents stiffness!

Your goals initially are to:

• Get the injured body part moving
• Stop using the sling gradually
• Build up strength
• Get back into your normal routine as soon as pain allows

Important information about smoking

FACT: Smoking affects healing rates. In extreme cases it can stop healing altogether.

GOOD NEWS: Stopping now will make the difference and give you the best results.

HELP: www.smokefree.nhs.uk or visit https:// waww.salford.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/health-services/ quit-smoking/ OR have a chat with your GP.

Returning to physical activity: work, hobbies and sport

• Returning to sport and work will depend on the demands of your job and chosen hobbies
• Recovery is faster if you stay at or get back to work as early as possible
• Once you have regained movement, strength and balance, you can slowly start to increase your activity back to your previous level
• Patients tell us that initially their pain can increase initially when returning to normal activities and exercise; this is normal and will usually settle within a few days

Exercises

1.    Pendular exercise

• Lean over with your good arm supported on a table or chair
• Relax the arm on the painful side, letting it hang straight down
• Slowly begin to swing the relaxed arm forwards and backwards then side to side

2.    Table slides

• Sitting or standing in front of a table or level surface, place your arm on the table (palms down). You can use a towel or blanket to help your hand slide
• Slide your arm forward as far as you comfortably can, and then come back

3.    Shoulder rotations

• Sit or stand up tall with your arms at your sides
• Keep your shoulders relaxed and down, not shrugged
• Squeeze your shoulder blades together for a few seconds, then relax

Physiotherapy

If you live in Salford, you can refer yourself online to our physiotherapy department using this website www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/go2physio

If you do not live in Salford or have no internet access, then ask your GP to refer you.

Driving

It is important that you contact your insurance company to tell them about your injury. You may be able to drive when you feel safe to perform an emergency stop and fully operate your vehicle.

Sports

You should not play any sport until pain-free and have full movement.

Nutrition tips

• You can help your body to recover by eating the right food
• Drink lots of water
• Protein, calcium and vitamin D work together to help your body to repair
• Food high in protein: Seafood, meat, dairy, eggs, beans and soya
• Food high in calcium: Dairy, almonds, seeds, oily fish, beans and lentils
• Dark leafy greens like kale, broccoli and cabbage also help calcium absorption
• Food high in vitamin D: Oily fish, milk, cheese and eggs
• Eat less sugar and alcohol, as sugar reduces calcium absorption