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Surgery to deltoid muscle - how long will it take to adapt? I'm quite upset by how weak I am at the moment.

Cazzza
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Can anyone tell me how long it will take to adapt to surgery which has removed most of my deltoid muscle?  My surgery was almost 1 month ago and I am keen to know when I will be able to drive again.  I tried changing gear today but do not currently have sufficient strength to change gear.  My physio is starting next week.  I am quite upset about the level of weakness that I have.  

  • Hi Cazza and thank you for your post.

    I’m sorry to hear you feel upset about how weak your arm is following surgery.

    Recovering from surgery that has removed most of the deltoid can take time. Most people often need about 6 to 8 weeks before they’re ready to drive again—but this is just a guideline, and it depends on your own recovery, how your shoulder heals, and what your surgeon and physio say.

    You’ve had only a month since your operation, and that’s early in the healing process. It’s normal to feel weak right now. So please do not feel too disheartened.

    Your physio will help you build strength. Each person heals at their own pace, so your recovery might take longer—especially after losing much of the deltoid.

    Talk to your physio next week as they will be able to gauge how well your shoulder is recovering.

    Please be kinder to yourself and allow more time. I hope the Physio has encouraging news. 

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support

    It might help to talk things through with one of our nurses on the helpline. You can call for free on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    Kind regards

    Tina

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Tina

    Thank you Tina.  It is frustrating because I am normally fit, healthy and self sufficient.  Do you have any idea how much physio I will have?  I had been thinking I might augment whatever the NHS offers but this is tricky if I can’t drive.   

  • in reply to Cazzza

    Hi Cazzza thank you for getting back to us.

    I am unable to say how much physio you will need. The physiotherapist will assess you and work out an individual plan for rehabilitation for you.

    You’ll start with gentle exercises and slowly do more. Your physiotherapist may teach you exercises which you can do at home between your physio appointments. Don’t rush or do too much too soon which may hurt your shoulder and slow recovery. Follow what your physio says.

    Physio usually lasts about 12 weeks, sometimes longer. If you can’t drive, ask about home visits or video calls.

    Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has a post-operative physiotherapy guidelines which may give you some idea of the timeframe of healing post shoulder surgery.

    Please do not try these exercises until you have spoken to the physiotherapist as some of them may not be appropriate for you and you may do more harm or damage to the healing that has already begun. 

    It’s frustrating now, but with steady work you will get stronger. Take it one day at a time.

    Kind regards

    Tina

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