Limitation of lifting any weight after Subacromial Decompression surgery?

by Sally
(Santa Barbara)

How long after an arthroscopic subacromial decompression surgery is the patient limited with lifting weight with the surgical arm.

I need to have the surgery done, but we are planning a trip in September and I want to know how impaired I will be. Thank you.

Comments for
Limitation of lifting any weight after Subacromial Decompression surgery?

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Jun 05, 2008
Rating

Usually not too long...
by: Bart - SII

Every surgeon has a little different protocol for the restrictions after a subacromial decompression surgery. If that is all that is done, and there is no rotator cuff repair or other type of repair, there usually is very little along the line of restrictions.

Most of my patients are in a sling for comfort for the first week, and then are able to use the arm as much as tolerated as they progress through their rehabilitation.

With that said, even though there are not restrictions, you will be limited as to how much you can use the arm after surgery. You will have to work to get your range of motion and strength back, but this usually comes fairly quickly depending on how you respond to the procedure.

Typical recovery time for a subacromial decompression can usually be between 4-8 weeks for a return to normal daily activities, including lifting. It may take a bit longer to be able to lift very heavy objects...so surgery now should have you doing well by your trip in September.

I would recommend discussing all of your concerns with your physician and get a timeline for your recovery so you have a good idea of what to expect regarding their specific restrictions.

Hope this helps - comment back with other questions.

Feb 14, 2009
Rating

Bicep tendonitis
by: Phil

I had decompression surgery Dec. 5, 2009, why do I have bicep tendon pain with certain movements? Prior to my surgery I had no such pain, there was ac joint cleaning and bone spurs were removed any ideas on what I can do, will it ever go away?

Mar 09, 2009
Rating

Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression
by: robert

I had an ASD on February 12th 2009 so it's been nearly a month.....until I read in a few other sites and details etc I thought I'd made an error having the surgery, am still on pain killers and sleeping is a nitemare!! I work as a Security Officer and part my job is moving bags weighing upto 20kg so haven't got any idea when i'm going to be able to lift,push,pull these weights! Any body else do same type of job requirements and how long it take?? Thanks Robert

Mar 09, 2009
Rating

Underlying problems
by: Bart - SII

It is not uncommon to continue to have pain for several weeks after a SAD. While the surgery helps to increase the subacromial space and to clean out the shoulder, the rehabilitation after the surgery is very important in order to get back to normal. There is always some type of underlying biomechanical issue that leads to the impingement in the first place - whether it is a mobility issue, a strength issue, or a repetitive stress issue, something caused the problem. And unless those underlying issues are taken care of, the shoulder will take much longer to heal.

Rehab is essential after an SAD, and rehab with a clinician who understands the intimate workings of the shoulder, and the necessary stabilizing mechanisims of the scapula.

The good news is that it does usually get better - just never fast enough.

Mar 15, 2009
Rating

right shoulder
by: Anonymous

I had mine done 1/5/2009 I stil have some pain like befor the surgery shap pains and after 9 weeks still only about 1/2 streanth in lifting etc

Mar 28, 2009
Rating

update
by: Robert

Its been 6 weeks now. . And got alot pain. . . Gets tiring not being able to sleep until 3-4am! Got most movement,apart from arm behind back and rotating shoulder. Apparently the scapula/shoulder blade is approx 2inches out of place,MRI said was abnormality with humeral head! Think going to be a long road ahead! Havent been able to do my cross country running,martial arts for nearly a year!

Apr 03, 2009
Rating

update
by: Robert

Had physio today-bicep muscles ruptured,hence pain!

Apr 10, 2009
Rating

2 years and counting..
by: Anonymous

Had my op in Sept'07 and although I have range of movement am still waiting for full strength to return without pain. Its not as bad as before and can stay away for weeks at a time, but if I over use it the shoulder, arm and hand swell up and its a continuous aching pain - probably got arthritis now!

Apr 11, 2009
Rating

Glenohumeral Tear
by: Anonymous

I fell on my shoulder and had decompression surgery last December, when the Dr. went in he said that I had a Glenohumeral ligament tear and he burned (sealed it) I still have pain under neath where the Dr. made an incision, does the pain have anything to do with the Glenohumeral ligament tear?

May 08, 2009
Rating

quick recovery...so far!
by: sammyk

I had SAD surgery on 24th April and have just been for my 2nd rehab session. They were so impressed the physiotherapist had to check she was assessing the correct shoulder!! I have worked really hard on the physio though, but sleeping is a real nightmare and I still have alot of discomfort at the front of the shoulder (where the surgery took place).

May 13, 2009
Rating

impatient
by: Anonymous

Had deompression surgery april 27 plus clean up of scar tissue,spurs, etc. Passive range is pretty good but almost no strength past 1st 30 degrees of flexion or abduction. Can use arm only at waist height and nothing heavy. Constant dull upperarm pain that can really escalate. Arm is swollen. Some shoulder pain itself at times. Sleep is terrible and Percocet really doesn't cut it. How much time til normal?

May 13, 2009
Rating

May 17, 2009
Rating

SAD
by: Anonymous

I had SAd done on 5/5/09 and for the first week not too much pain but now into my second week my full arm right down to hands is in agony. is this normal?

Jun 17, 2009
Rating

No More Pain Please
by: Anonymous

6/17
had SAD plus trimming of frayed labrum 3/13. There's still considerable pain at times, particularly the biceps tendon. Been going to PT right from the start. I'm wondering if and when the pain will ever go away.

Aug 06, 2009
Rating

3 weeks post op SAD
by: Anonymous

Had SAD July 15. got rid of the sling day 3. Passive ROM good, but bicep tendon stretches hurt like all get out. And sleeping, ugh, but getting better. I was told before and after surgery this is a very painful condition and I will just have to work thru the pain.

Aug 24, 2009
Rating

getting there
by: Anonymous

i also had my operation on the 5/6/09 the pain for the 1st days was unberable at times, and the range of movement was almost none. I discared my sling after 4 days sleeping was a nightmare for about 2 weeks. I am now nearly 3 months after surgery have 90% movement back and my stenght is slowly coming back. I still cant sleep on the left shoulder for 2 long and when i get up in the morning it aches also my arm lets me know when i have over done things all i can say is every one is different and will respond in different ways i dont regrad having it done, Oh and i also have to have the same op on my right shoulder in a few months time which should be great fun with being right handed

Sep 25, 2009
Rating

Right shoulder , left shoulder
by: Jillbee

Right shoulder SAD surgery was 4/09. I am WAY WORSE than I was before the surgery. Biceps, triceps, trapezius, all the muscles surrounding he shoulder blade, the deltoid muscle all give me a tremendous amount of pain. It feels like my arm is on fire and someone is stabbing me with a knife over and over again. I've had several cortisone shots (and therapy)post surgery...nothing helps. I am afraid that with every move I will be right back into frozen shoulder. As it is, I have very limited movement and can forget about picking up anything with weight!
I had the left shoulder done 2 years ago. Healed in 6-8 weeks without a problem. (unfortunately I am right handed)
Does anyone out there think I am one of those few that have permanent nerve damage?

Sep 25, 2009
Rating

3 months post op.
by: Anonymous

I am now 2 1/2 months post op. 2 weeks ago, had to get a steroid injection as i seemed to have way more pain than i should have at 2 months post op. Backed off on the strength exercises and just did ROM. My surgeon said for my procedure, 4-6 months is the usual recovery time. I am now pain free 90% of the time and slowly starting some strength exercises.ROM is good and sleeping through the night. there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Sep 25, 2009
Rating

Oct 26, 2009
Rating

bone spur removal and bicep tendon shredded clean up
by: still in pain

i had surgery on 2-11-09 had large bone spur removed and bicep tendon was shredded so they cleaned that up. i am still in so much pain when I use my arm. sharp stabbing pain in front of shoulder and a dull aching all the time with pain in the back between shoulder and neck. cant sleep at all. anyone else with this, help!

Nov 02, 2009
Rating

oh boy!
by: Anonymous

One week after SAD, and the pain is increasing vice decreasing. Today will be my second Phys Ther appointment. Wish me luck. I woke up about 3am because the pain was so severe.

I thought as time went by the pain was suppose to go away. I can tolerate pain but this is a tad different, "I hate to yawn even".

Nov 09, 2009
Rating

3 weeks post SAD
by: Anonymous

WOW! This was so much more debilitating than I ever imagined. I am still on pain meds and don't see any end to that in sight though I have cut back to about 2 pills a day. I am most concerned that I have way less mobility than I had before the surgery and I was not prepared for that and it's a little scary. The physical therapist says I am doing good.....but compared to what??? I am constantly in pain unless I hold my arm totally still. Feels more like muscle pain than shoulder pain. I am very concerned about my recovery when I see the recovery period listed as 3-6 weeks. No way! I only pray that I do recover from this awful pain and stiffness and lack of mobility and ROM.

Nov 10, 2009
Rating

SAD OP 2 Weeks ago
by: Anonymous

Hi guys

just had one on my right shoulder. Needed doing because I've been in a sh*t state for years. Seems to be getting better each day. Awaiting scan on my left shoulder. Almost certain that it's to be same again :(

Read somewhere that FULL recovery can take up to 2 years!!!

Nov 21, 2009
Rating

SAD w/DCR
by: AcousticHammer

On the 17th, I had a Distal Clavicular Resection performed in conjunction with a Subacromial Decompression, right shoulder. For those of you who know what a DCR is, you will understand that I have been hit by both barrels on this one. 1st week post op I was inebriated by medication. As a result, I felt great. 2nd week post op went off pains and am now experiencing reality. OUCH! Sleeping is difficult. Morning pain and stiffness are acute and chronic. I am an athlete and lift weights incessantly. This is, unfortunately, what initiated the pathology in the first place. Doc said to exercise shoulder, as pain allows. Also told me, "There is nothing you can do, short of trauma, that will serve to re-injure that shoulder. Exercise as you can tolerate." And that is EXACTLY what I am doing. Yes, it hurts, but I am working through it. IT WILL GET BETTER! I have had surgically repaired sports related injuries before. This is all just part of the process, people. DO NOT be afraid to work into the pain. It is a necessary component in achieving a successful recovery. Yes, it hurts. But do not let the pain take control of your recovery. Dig in your heels and work through it. It will get better.

Nov 22, 2009
Rating

SAD
by: Anonymous

For those of you who are less than 3 months post op, all I can say is yes, it hurts like h#@#$. I know, been there done that, BUT you have to be consistant with doing your ROM exercises daily.If you need your pain meds at night to sleep, use them. 3 months seemed to be the magic number for me. I am lifting and exercising daily, yes I do have some discomfort, but am fully functional.

Jan 22, 2010
Rating

Glad I'm retired
by: Less

Right shoulder SAD was on 9/30/09. I sent the following to my doctor. "I am a bit concerned that three months after my sub-acromial decompression surgery I a having some very severe almost paralizing pains in my right arm about halfway between my shoulder and elbow when i reach with my right hand to touch my left shoulder or side. This pain is in a different location and is not caused by the original movement of reaching out and up". His answer was "Some patients take longer to regain full function than others. If you have all of the motion of the shoulder back (meaning it is the same as the other shoulder) then the problem could be that the rotator cuff has not yet regained full strength. The theraband exercises are the key and comparing both strength and endurance to the other shoulder often will still show a difference" No change as of 1/21/10.

Feb 01, 2010
Rating

SAD IN A WEEK
by: arrron

hey all. having SAD surgery in a few days. not too sure what to expect, short of all the positive(lol) comments by everyone. going to pre op tomorrow, guess ill know more then any suggestions?...thanks

Feb 13, 2010
Rating

SAD 18 days ago
by: Anonymous

I had SAD 18 days ago with repair of a torn bicept tendon.Still painfull at present, but getting better every day. Started PT a week a go and I am regaining control of the shoulder movement. Not more taking pain killers but pain still present particularly at night and early morning. I drove my car today first time after surgery

Feb 13, 2010
Rating

Feb 16, 2010
Rating

100% outcome after SAD is unrealistic
by: Anonymous

I had SAD on November 2008, so it's been a little over a year and although my therapist last year told me I regained full range of motion I'm still not 100%. After 3 months I could play sports such as golf but sports like basketball or tennis takes much longer, at least if you want to play at a somewhat competitive level. I honestly don't think one's shoulder can become 100% after surgery, even though that's what an ortho may tell you. This is not to discourage anyone that is considering surgery because it still may be the best option. All I'm saying is that if one expects their shoulder to be 100% after SAD is unrealistic. I think 90-95% is more of a reasonable outlook. I'm glad I did it but I realize now that my shoulder will not improve much further at this point which is ok with me at this stage in my life but if I was in my 20's and as physically active as I was, 90-95% would be disappointing to me.