Question 1

When can I drive after surgery?

Accepted Answer

There is no single rule that determines when you can return to driving after surgery.You must not drive for at least 24 hours after a general anaesthetic or sedation, and you should not drive while taking medications that make you drowsy or impair your concentration such as narcotic pain medication.If you are wearing a sling, plaster cast or brace, this may interfere with your ability to safely control a vehicle. Before returning to driving, you should be able to:comfortably control the steering wheel and all vehicle controlsperform an emergency manoeuvre if requiredsafely get in and out of the vehicledrive without significant pain or restrictiondrive without medications that impair your alertness.
For many shoulder operations, driving is therefore not recommended while the arm remains immobilised in a sling. Your recovery will vary depending on the procedure performed.NSW Government guidance states that after an anaesthetic you should not drive for at least 24 hours and that patients with a cast must be able to safely operate the vehicle controls.Being comfortable enough to drive is not necessarily the same as being safe to drive. If you are unsure, please discuss this at your post-operative appointment.Check out further information at Service NSW:How medical conditions, illness and injuries affect your licence

Question 2

How long will I need to wear a sling, cast or brace?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your surgery.Following shoulder operations, a sling is required for approximately 4–6 weeks to protect the repair while it begins to heal. However, some procedures require a shorter or longer period of immobilisation.You will usually be encouraged to remove the sling for hygiene and your prescribed exercises, unless you have been specifically instructed otherwise.For elbow, wrist and hand surgery, you may instead require a splint, cast or brace for a period of time.Please refer to your specific post-operative rehabilitation protocol, as this will explain exactly what you are permitted to do at each stage of your recovery.

Question 3

Is swelling or bruising normal after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Swelling and bruising are a normal part of the body's response to surgery and injury.After upper-limb surgery, swelling often travels down the arm because of gravity. You may therefore notice swelling of your forearm, wrist, hand or fingers, even when the operation was performed around the shoulder or elbow.Bruising can also track down the arm and may change colour as it resolves.To help reduce swelling:elevate the hand and arm when appropriateregularly move your fingers, wrist and elbow if permitteduse ice as instructeduse a compression bandage/sleeve if specifically recommended.Some swelling can persist for several weeks.Please contact Dr Constantin's team if swelling is concerning you or is rapidly increasing, extremely painful, associated with increasing redness or wound discharge, or if your fingers become persistently numb, pale, blue or cold.

Question 4

What do I do with my wound dressings?

Accepted Answer

Your dressings are designed to keep the surgical wounds clean and protected while they begin to heal.Unless you have been given different instructions:keep the dressings clean and drydo not remove or change them unnecessarilydo not apply creams, antiseptics or ointments to the woundsavoid soaking the wounds in a bath, swimming pool or ocean until they have healed.Some modern dressings are waterproof and allow you to shower. Your hospital discharge instructions will tell you whether this applies to your dressing.Your wounds will usually be reviewed at your first post-operative appointment.If a dressing becomes completely saturated, falls off, or there is persistent wound leakage, please contact Dr Constantin.

Question 5

When should I see my physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

Physiotherapy is a critical part of your recovery. Dr Constantin will communicate with your physiotherapist about your operation and your post-operative rehabilitation.Some patients begin simple exercises immediately after surgery, while certain tendon or ligament repairs require a period of protection before more active rehabilitation begins.You will be given a procedure-specific rehabilitation protocol explaining:when physiotherapy should commencewhich movements are permittedwhen you can begin active movementwhen strengthening can beginwhen you can return to sport and exercise.Please take your rehabilitation protocol with you to your physiotherapist.

Question 6

When can I return to the gym?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your surgery and the type of exercise you would like to perform.Walking and gentle cardiovascular activity can often begin relatively early, provided it can be performed safely. Exercises involving the operated arm will be progressively reintroduced according to your rehabilitation protocol.Following a tendon, ligament or labral repair, feeling better does not mean the tissue has finished healing. Returning to heavy lifting too early can compromise the surgical repair.As a general principle, rehabilitation progresses from:Mobility → controlled movement → strengthening → heavier gym activity → sport-specific exercise. This process can take 3-9 months.Please follow your specific rehabilitation protocol and discuss your return to heavier weights with Dr Constantin or your physiotherapist.

Question 7

When can I return to work?

Accepted Answer

Your return to work depends on both the surgery performed and the physical requirements of your job.Patients performing desk or computer-based work may be able to return relatively early once pain is controlled and they are comfortable. Jobs involving lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, manual labour or overhead activity usually require considerably more time away from normal duties.Where appropriate, you may initially return on modified or restricted duties, such as administrative or computer-based work, reduced hours, or duties that avoid lifting and use of the operated arm.For patients with a Workers Compensation or CTP claim, your work capacity may need to be documented on a SIRA Certificate of Capacity or Certificate of Fitness. This may specify whether you are fit for your normal duties, suitable modified duties, reduced hours, or currently have no capacity for workYou should discuss a return to work plan with your employer or rehabilitation specialist and explore pathways to support your recovery. For more information about this pathway please review: Injured at work: A recovery at work guide for workers

Frequently Asked Questions About Surgery