Peter Hallam MS FRCS (Orth), Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Arthroscopic Release of Adhesions & Manipulation
This performed by keyhole surgery. Using a small cut at the back of the shoulder and one at the front of the shoulder, the contracted shoulder lining is released using a thermal probe  and the shoulder manipulated to achieve a more normal range of movement.
Patient Information Sheet for Arthroscopic Release of Adhesions & Manipulation
After surgery, you will awaken with your arm in a removable sling, which you should wear, for comfort, for 2 weeks

As a guideline, after surgery you can use the arm “as pain allows”, but do not overdo it.
Your physiotherapist will show you how to release your arm from the sling and do gentle specific exercises with the arm.  When you go home, you should do these exercises 4 or 5 times a day.

You will be prescribed painkillers to take home, which in the majority of cases are usually sufficient.

Wound dressings can be removed 10 days after the operation.  Any stitches are dissolvable and will fall out by 3 weeks.

Mr Hallam will review you after 2 weeks.

An outpatient physiotherapy appointment will usually be arranged for you to attend within 2 weeks of surgery.  You may then be seen twice a week for the first few weeks, then less frequently.

By 6 weeks, shoulder range of movement should be improving, but recovery may take up to 6 months.

Return to functional activities
Work - sedentary job:  as tolerated; manual job:  may need to modify activities for 12 weeks
Driving - 1 week
Swimming - as able
Lifting - as able
Racquet sports - as able
Extra Info