Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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1. Shoulder rotation stretch- arm by side Lie on your back with your affected arm supported on a pillow by your side. Hold a stick in both hands with your elbows bent to about 90 degrees. Using your unaffected arm, gently push the stick across your body towards the affected side, turning your forearm outwards. Keep your upper arm close to your body and avoid letting it lift away. Hold this position for a few seconds, then relax. 10 reps x3 a day |
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2. Shoulder rotation stretch – arm at 90 degrees Lie on your back holding a stick in both hands. Bring your affected elbow out to the side so it’s level with your shoulder, with your elbow bent to 90 degrees and your hand pointing towards the ceiling. Keeping your upper arm rested on the bed, gently rotate the stick to move your forearm backwards as if trying to reach the back of your hand towards the floor. Go as far as you comfortably can, then slowly return to the starting position and repeat. 10 reps x3 a day |
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3. Shoulder rotation stretch – both arms Lie on your back holding a stick in both hands. Bring both arms out to the sides so they rest on the floor at shoulder height, with your elbows bent to 90 degrees and your forearms pointing upwards. Keeping your upper arms in contact with the floor, gently rotate the stick backwards as if trying to reach the backs of your hands towards the floor above your head. Go as far as you comfortably can, then slowly return to the starting position and repeat. 10 reps x3 a day |
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4. Supine shoulder flexion assisted Lie on your back holding a stick with both hands. Keep your shoulder blades flat on the bed as you lift the stick straight up towards the ceiling, raising your arms as far as you comfortably can while keeping them straight. Slowly and with control, lower your arms back down to the starting position and repeat. 10 reps x3 a day |
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5. Shoulder abduction assisted Hold a stick with both hands in front of you and use your unaffected arm to gently push the stick across your body, guiding your affected arm out to the side. Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid twisting your body as you move. Slowly and with control, return to the starting position 10 reps x3 a day |
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6. Table slide shoulder flexion Stand facing a table or countertop and place both hands on a surface that slides easily, such as a towel. Bend forwards from your hips, sliding your hands forwards on the table as far as you comfortably can while keeping your elbows straight and your neck and shoulders relaxed. Hold for a moment, then slowly return to the starting position. 10 reps x3 a day |
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Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Physiotherapy service.
About this information
Service:
Physiotherapy
Reference:
BB/072
Approval date:
30 April 2026
Review date:
1 April 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.