- Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications
- Physiotherapy keeps shoulder strong and flexible and reduces the irritation
- Injection reduces inflammation and controls the pain
Procedure
Arthroscopic subacromial decompression is keyhole surgery is carried out as a day case
A supplementary nerve block is used during the operation which means that immediately after the operation the shoulder and arm may feel numb.
This is a keyhole operation usually carried out through two or three 5mm puncture wounds. There will be no stitches; only small sticking plaster strips over the wounds. These should be kept dry until the wound has healed. This usually takes 5 to 7 days.
You will return from theatre wearing a sling. This is for comfort and should be discarded as soon as possible (usually within the first 1 to 2 days). Some people find it helpful to continue wearing the sling at night for a little longer if the shoulder feels sore.