After-surgery information
Shoulder
You have had surgery on your shoulder. In the following, you can read more about your recovery and rehabilitation.
Discomfort and pain
It is normal to experience discomfort and pain after the surgery. However, you must be aware of certain symptoms:
- Fever
- Redness, warmth, or swelling
- Pus seeping from the wound
- Intense pain.
If you experience any of these symptoms, call us at (+45) 79 40 57 43.
Take pain medication as needed
In addition to making your recovery less painful and enabling you to perform the rehabilitation exercises, we recommend that you take pain medicine on schedule for 3 days.
We also recommend that you take pain medication 1 hour before doing rehabilitation exercises.
Use of icepacks to reduce swelling and pain
We recommend cold therapy in case of pain and swelling. Apply an icepack wrapped in a towel on your shoulder for 20 minutes. Then wait for at least 2 hours before you repeat this treatment.
For your scars to heal as nicely as possible, we recommend that you:
- use high factor sunscreen when sunbathing the first year after surgery
- use ‘Micropore tape’ daily for the first year after surgery. Micropore tape can be purchased at the pharmacy.
Care and hygiene
It is important that you follow our instructions to avoid complications.
Check your bandage during the first 24 hours
Your bandage/patches must always be clean and dry. If there is a leakage of blood during the first 24 hours after surgery, your bandage/patches will need a sterile change, and you must contact us. After 24 hours, you can change the patches yourself.
Bathing
You can have a shower after 24 hours while leaving the patches on. You may shower without the patches after 6 days as long your wounds are no longer leaking fluid. Do not try to soak or scrub your wounds.
Do not use a tub, a swimming pool, or go swimming in the ocean until the wounds are fully healed – typically 3 days after the stitches have been removed.
Scar care
For your scars to heal as nicely as possible, we recommend that you use high factor sunscreen or ‘Micropore tape’ when sunbathing the first year after surgery. Micropore tape can be purchased at the pharmacy.
Movement and rest
Please follow the guidance provided to achieve the best possible results of the surgery. This includes avoiding certain activities.
Arm sling
After surgery your arm will be resting in an arm sling. We will inform you about potential restrictions and how long you are supposed to use the arm sling.
Rehabilitation exercises
If we have removed the bursa or operated on the AC joint, you must use and exercise the arm as shown to you before your discharge.
If we have repaired a damaged tendon or the labrum, you must follow another training program, which usually lasts 3 months.
Lifting restrictions
If your tendon has been reattached, there is a risk that it can rupture again. In this case, you must avoid frequent, sudden or heavy lifting for up to 6 months after the surgery.
Driving
Do not drive for at least 1 week after the operation. We will inform you how long you should avoid driving depending on your type of operation.
Follow-up care
You have important follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome. You may wish to write down any questions in advance so you can remember them.
Make an appointment for stitch removal
You will have your stitches removed at your own general practitioner 10-14 days after surgery. Please note that you must make an appointment with your own general practitioner to have the stitches removed.
Referral to rehabilitation
We will provide you with a rehabilitation program for the first 2 weeks. After this, you can undergo rehabilitation with a physiotherapist near you if you wish. We will provide you with a referral to your municipal rehabilitation services.
If your municipal rehabilitation services have not contacted you within 5 business days, please contact us.
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Kontakt Ortopædkirurgisk Afdeling Beriderbakken 4 7100 Vejle Ortopædkirurgisk Dagafsnit + 45 79 40 57 43 |
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pinfoSLB-1412858612-820 | 05.06.2026 |