Shoulder Arthroscopy Post-Op Instructions

Caring for the dressing

Leave the dressing in place for three days, then you may remove it and leave the incision open to air.

If there is still drainage, keep it covered until it is dry. Change the dressing every day until there is no longer drainage.

When you can shower

You may shower when you go home, but try to keep the dressing dry. A few drops is okay — do not soak the incision.

Once you remove the dressing after three days and the incision is dry, you may let water lightly run over the incision and pat it dry. Do not soak the incision or submerge it in a bath, pool, or hot tub until cleared.

Lotions and creams

Do not put lotions or creams on the incision until six weeks after surgery. Vitamin E–based creams may help soften and reduce the scar after that time.

Shoulder block

It is very common to have a nerve block before surgery that numbs the entire shoulder. Your arm may be completely numb for 12–24 hours, then the block gradually wears off.

Stay ahead of your pain for the first couple of days — it is hard to catch up if you get behind. Take a pain pill when you start feeling pain return, or at bedtime if you have had any pain that day.

Ice

Ice helps pain and swelling. An ice machine is not covered by insurance but can be purchased privately or through the clinic’s third-party associate.

Apply ice for 45 minutes at a time with a cloth between the ice and your skin. Then take a 15-minute break, do gentle passive motion, and reapply when you sit down again.

Bruising

Bruising in the shoulder and arm is common — the shoulder muscles are very vascular. This is expected and usually improves over a couple of weeks.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory medicines help pain and swelling. If you are able, take them on a scheduled basis for the first two weeks whether or not you are in pain.

Oxycodone and hydrocodone are narcotics used for severe pain. Take as needed if pain is not controlled with other measures, and watch for side effects. Call the clinic with questions about your prescriptions.

Start therapy early

Start physical therapy as soon as possible after surgery. Most patients participate in a structured program for about 3 to 4 months or longer, depending on the repair.

Good pain control is essential for effective therapy. Take prescribed pain medication about 30–45 minutes before therapy sessions when needed.

Home exercises from your discharge materials are a critical part of recovery — good range of motion after shoulder surgery is key to a successful, comfortable result.

Use the OrthoInfo exercise guide and rotator cuff protocol above for early and later-phase exercises as directed by Dr. Ward and your therapist.