Recovery
Last reviewed
Recovery from upper-limb surgery is structured around clear milestones: wound healing, removal of sutures or splints, return of motion, return of strength, and graduated return to activities of daily life, work, driving and sport. The guides here cover the questions patients ask most often — when the wound can get wet, when driving is safe, when lifting is allowed, when the sling comes off, what the post-operative hand-therapy programme looks like, and how scar tissue is expected to settle. These pages describe the typical recovery for each operation; the actual timeline is tailored at the post-operative reviews based on the surgical findings and how rehabilitation is progressing. The 12 topics below cover post-operative wound care, sling and splint use, return-to-activity timelines, hand therapy progression, scar management, and pain management.
- Anaesthesia and FastingWhat to expect from anaesthesia and how long to fast before your operation.
Driving after upper-limb surgeryWhen it is safe and legal to drive again after a hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder operation.
Hand therapy basicsWhat to expect from hand therapy, how often you'll go, and what good rehab looks like.
Heat vs IceWhen ice helps, when heat helps, and how to use either safely on the upper limb.
Looking after your woundDressings, showering, and signs of infection after upper-limb surgery.
Managing pain after surgeryWhat pain to expect, how to use pain relief well, and when to call.- Preparing for SurgeryGeneral checklist for the days before upper-limb surgery — fasting, what to bring, medications.
- Preventing Blood Clots After SurgeryReducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis after upper-limb surgery — mobilisation, hydration, medication.
Returning to sportPhased return to sport after upper-limb surgery, and when contact sport is safe again.
Returning to workWhen you can return to desk, light, and heavy work after upper-limb surgery.- Scar ManagementMassage, silicone, sun protection and the 12-month timeline for surgical scars to soften and fade.
Wearing a slingHow to wear, sleep in, and look after a sling after upper-limb surgery.
