Subacromial Decompression Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside
Rehabilitating After Subacromial Decompression: How Physiotherapy Can Help
Subacromial decompression is a surgical procedure to relieve shoulder impingement by removing excess bone or soft tissue in the subacromial space. This creates more room for the rotator cuff tendons to move freely, reducing pain and improving function. Our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic provides tailored rehabilitation plans, including Clinical Pilates, to help you recover and return to your active lifestyle.
Why is Physiotherapy Important After Subacromial Decompression?
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in recovery by:
What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
In the first few weeks post-surgery, the focus is on healing and reducing inflammation:
What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our approach includes various therapies to enhance recovery:
Manual Therapy
What Precautions Should Be Taken After Subacromial Decompression?
What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery times vary, but the general stages are:
What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Subacromial Decompression?
Key muscle groups targeted during rehabilitation include:
What Exercises Are Part of Rehabilitation?
Exercises progress gradually, starting with basic movements and advancing to functional strength:
How Does Clinical Pilates Complement Recovery?
Clinical Pilates can enhance your rehabilitation by:
Frequently Asked Questions About Subacromial Decompression Rehabilitation
How long does pain last after subacromial decompression?
How long does it take to regain full motion?
When can I return to work?
How to sleep after subacromial decompression?
When can I return to sports?
Start Your Recovery Journey Today
Our team is here to guide you through a smooth and successful recovery after subacromial decompression. Contact us to book your consultation and begin your personalised rehabilitation program today!
Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]
Subacromial decompression is a surgical procedure to relieve shoulder impingement by removing excess bone or soft tissue in the subacromial space. This creates more room for the rotator cuff tendons to move freely, reducing pain and improving function. Our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic provides tailored rehabilitation plans, including Clinical Pilates, to help you recover and return to your active lifestyle.
Why is Physiotherapy Important After Subacromial Decompression?
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in recovery by:
- Restoring mobility: Gradual exercises reduce stiffness and regain shoulder range of motion.
- Improving strength: Strengthening muscles around the shoulder restores stability and function.
- Preventing complications: Reduces the risk of frozen shoulder and muscle imbalances.
- Guiding a safe recovery: Ensures you progress appropriately, avoiding re-injury or overloading.
What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
In the first few weeks post-surgery, the focus is on healing and reducing inflammation:
- Pain management: Ice therapy, prescribed medications, and proper positioning ease discomfort.
- Gentle mobilisation: Passive or assisted movements help maintain flexibility without stressing the shoulder.
- Sling use: A sling may be used for comfort but is generally weaned off within the first week.
What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our approach includes various therapies to enhance recovery:
Manual Therapy
- Joint mobilisations: Gentle techniques restore shoulder and adjacent joint mobility.
- Soft tissue release: Relieves tension in compensating muscles like the neck, upper back, and chest.
- Scar tissue management: Reduces adhesions and improves tissue flexibility.
- Kinesiology taping: Supports proper movement patterns and reduces shoulder strain.
- Cryotherapy: Controls swelling and alleviates discomfort.
- Lymphatic drainage massage: Promotes fluid movement and reduces post-surgical swelling.
- Activity modifications: Guidance on avoiding aggravating movements and safe reintroduction of activities.
- Posture advice: Strategies to maintain proper alignment during daily tasks and exercises.
What Precautions Should Be Taken After Subacromial Decompression?
- Avoid heavy lifting or overhead activities: These motions can strain the healing shoulder.
- Gradually progress exercises: Stick to your physiotherapy program to ensure safe recovery.
- Avoid repetitive shoulder movements: Protect the repaired tissues during early healing.
What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery times vary, but the general stages are:
- 0–4 weeks: Focus on reducing pain, inflammation, and initiating gentle mobility exercises.
- 4–8 weeks: Begin strengthening exercises and regain functional shoulder movements.
- 8–12 weeks: Advance to resistance exercises and restore full mobility.
- 3–6 months: Return to sports, work, and other demanding activities with clearance.
What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Subacromial Decompression?
Key muscle groups targeted during rehabilitation include:
- Rotator cuff muscles: Improve shoulder stability and control.
- Scapular stabilisers: Support proper shoulder blade positioning.
- Deltoid: Strengthens for improved shoulder elevation.
- Upper back and chest muscles: Restore balance and functional strength.
What Exercises Are Part of Rehabilitation?
Exercises progress gradually, starting with basic movements and advancing to functional strength:
- Early stages: Pendulum exercises, assisted shoulder flexion, and gentle external rotation.
- Mid-stages: Active range-of-motion exercises, light resistance band work, and scapular retraction.
- Later stages: Strengthening with weights, push-ups, and Clinical Pilates to restore shoulder function.
How Does Clinical Pilates Complement Recovery?
Clinical Pilates can enhance your rehabilitation by:
- Improving posture: Helps maintain proper alignment, reducing strain on the shoulder.
- Building core stability: Supports overall shoulder and upper body mechanics.
- Focusing on controlled movements: Encourages precision and safety during recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subacromial Decompression Rehabilitation
How long does pain last after subacromial decompression?
- Pain is most noticeable in the first 2–3 weeks but generally subsides significantly within 6–8 weeks.
How long does it take to regain full motion?
- Full range of motion typically returns within 8–12 weeks, depending on adherence to rehabilitation.
When can I return to work?
- For desk jobs, most patients return within 1–2 weeks. For manual labor, recovery may take 2–3 months.
How to sleep after subacromial decompression?
- Sleep in a reclined position or on your non-affected side with pillows supporting the arm for comfort.4
When can I return to sports?
- Return to sports typically occurs after 3–6 months, depending on your recovery progress and the demands of your activity.
Start Your Recovery Journey Today
Our team is here to guide you through a smooth and successful recovery after subacromial decompression. Contact us to book your consultation and begin your personalised rehabilitation program today!
Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]
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