Recovery and driving after frozen shoulder surgery

[FlorianTV]

I’ve had a frozen shoulder for 2 years. I had a diagnosis and injection February. It helped massively with pain, I’m not in agonising pain anymore, still pain but manageable and still very limited movement.

Im getting surgery soon and wondering if anyone can tell me how long I’ll be unable to drive for? (I drive a manual and surgery is on left shoulder).

surgeon said I’ll need 2 weeks off work.

I won’t see him to ask questions until the day of, and I’m wondering if I need to arrange lifts for DD…

Any advice about the recovery would be welcome? Thank you.

What surgery is there for a frozen shoulder? I have one and its unbearable at times. Never been told surgery is even an option!

At least two weeks, maybe longer if you struggle to change gear and use handbrake. It really depends on the extent of surgery involved and tge surgeon won’t know until they look. I had a similar op in July on my right, started driving after two weeks but still having physio 8 weeks on to regain range if movement and muscle strength. It was quickly better than before the op but had been restricted for 18 months. Good luck.

I had surgery for frozen shoulder that developed after major shoulder reconstruction. I was driving again about 10-14 days later and working from
home after less than a week. I had external manipulation plus incisions to remove internal scar tissue from the original surgery but it really wasn’t too bad .

It is an arthroscopy to clear out adhesions, and in my case a bone spur causing impingement(Subacromial Decompression) and manipulation under anaesthetic(MUA). Very much considered a last resort after physio and injections.

I just had surgery involving the pectoral muscle, which is shoulder adjacent. The surgeon had me not lifting more than a kettle for 2 weeks, then slowly building up to 5lbs by week 4. The tissue should be fully healed by week 6. I started PT in week 2 which has been absolutely invaluable. I was cleared to drive at week 2 but I was mostly driving 1 handed as I wasnt happy pulling on the steering wheel. Luckily I have an automatic car, so didnt need to think about changing gears.

i would suggest you make plans for getting help for 4 weeks post surgery. You can always tell someone you are ok and dont need help anymore as opposed to scrambling to find help last minute. I have also been struggling with putting my hands over my head to get clothes on, so make sure you have front fastening tops and bras. Doing the clothes washing is difficult as it is heavy and cooking has taken some work arounds with lifting heavy cartons of milk and tight jars. Lastly get lots of pillows of different sizes to prop yourself and your arm up in bed.

its called ‘manipulation under anaesthetic, arthroscopic capsular release’ or at least, that’s what I’m having.

he said they’ll cut the capsule to release it, then move my shoulder around to gain my mobility back. I had lots of physio and one injection, surgeon advised if it was him he’d opt for surgery next. So here I am. I’m looking forward to feeling the release afterwards, and hoping it’s not too painful of a recovery, but surely can’t be any worse than what I’ve been through for 2 years.

thanks for your replies, that’s really helpful! Looks like I should probably arrange lifts to school & home for up to 2 weeks? (It’s too far to walk).

Agree with this advice. Also make sure you have trimmed finger and toe nails and an easily manageable hairstyle(dryer and brush might be awkward to handle) and be prepared to wear loose clothes, elasticated waists and no bra! I found one of the incisions right where a bra strap goes and the shoulder was bruised and sensitive.

This is so helpful, thank you! I’ve been struggling with getting dressed, bra fastening & heavy lifting since Nov last year, despite physio to try and help. Husband is already doing all the heavy lifting of washing and housework, lids off jars etc so that’ll be covered thankfully. Hoping it’ll fix it so I can get my independence back!

hope you’re recovery goes well and you’re back to feeling yourself soon

I got some bras you just pull over your head with no fastening and such good support too. I'm really envious of you having surgery for your shoulder. Mine has been so painful for about 18 months and physio didn't help. If anything itade it more painful. An injection is good but only last about 10-12 weeks.

I had what you're having, I could drive short distances after 2 weeks. My biggest problem was it was my left shoulder and my car is manuel, getting it into reverse was the most painful thing. I was told to start moving the shoulder as soon as possible afterwards, but learnt the hard way don't overdo it. Turns out doing the exercises more often than they suggest doesn't help it get better quicker. But I'm now pain free with about 98% of the movement I had 5 years ago.

also for the recovery period have lots of pillows to support the arm and stop you rolling on to that shoulder

Have you tried swimming? Breast stroke particularly. I was in agony (could barely move it - up at night in pain etc). I did all the PT exercises religiously, had the jabs. Did kettle bell swings (made it considerably worse). Started swimming (against PT advice) 3 times a week. Breast stroke. Started off like Nemo - could barely move it. 3 months later and I can do my bra up (with a struggle), and move it a lot lot more. Didnt even know surgery was an option, but mine is getting better with the swimming - its still not anywhere near right but the difference in 3 mths is quite astonding.

Thanks so much for all of your responses, I really appreciate the advice.

I haven’t tried swimming, it I thought I would after the surgery and do breaststroke like you said, I’m hoping it’ll be soothing. That’s fab you can put your bra on too, I’m not even hoping for 100% movement again, I just want to be able to do basic things like dressing, put my bra on, tie my hair up and putting coats on easily!

I have some longer cushions on the couch I will use in bed for support.

sorry some of you are still struggling, that’s what I found. The injection offered some relief but it hasn’t lasted long and physio on ever seemed to make it worse, I never turned the corner and even a little bit better or anymore moment. So I’m desperately hoping this will erase the pain and allowing me do basic things again.