Education · recovery
Recovery
Last reviewed
General guides that apply to most upper-limb operations — getting ready for surgery, looking after yourself in the early days at home, and getting back to driving, work and sport.
Before your operation
The first days and weeks
Looking after your woundDressings, showering, and signs of infection after upper-limb surgery.
Wearing a slingHow to wear, sleep in, and look after a sling after upper-limb surgery.
Managing pain after surgeryWhat pain to expect, how to use pain relief well, and when to call.
Heat vs IceWhen ice helps, when heat helps, and how to use either safely on the upper limb.
Preventing Blood Clots After SurgeryReducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis after upper-limb surgery — mobilisation, hydration, medication.
Scar ManagementMassage, silicone, sun protection and the 12-month timeline for surgical scars to soften and fade.
Getting back to normal
Hand therapy basicsWhat to expect from hand therapy, how often you'll go, and what good rehab looks like.
Driving after upper-limb surgeryWhen it is safe and legal to drive again after a hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder operation.
Returning to workWhen you can return to desk, light, and heavy work after upper-limb surgery.
Returning to sportPhased return to sport after upper-limb surgery, and when contact sport is safe again.
