Shoulder Arthroscopy Post Operative Instructions

Wound Care Following Shoulder Arthroscopy

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

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

  • You may shower when you go home but try to keep the dressing dry.  A few drops is ok but do not soak the incision to prevent possible water getting in the incision area.

    Once you remove the dressing after three days and the incision is dry, you may take a shower and let the water lightly run over the top of the incision and pat it dry.  Do not soak the incision or submerge it in water for the first 2 weeks to prevent infection.

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

Pain Treatment Plan

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

    Staying ahead of your pain is important for the first couple days. It is difficult to catch up if you get behind. Take a pain pill once you start feeling the pain or at bed time if you have had any pain yet.

  • Ice is a great way to manage pain and decrease swelling following surgery. An ‘Ice Machine’ is not covered by insurance but can be purchased privately or through the clinic third party associate. Price is around $125-175.

    Apply ice for about 40 minutes at a time making sure to have a cloth between the ice and your skin to prevent injury.

    After 40 minutes remove the ice and take a break for 20 minutes and do gentle passive motion and then reapply once you sit down again.

  • It is common for the shoulder and arm to bruise after surgery. The shoulder muscles are very vascular and easily bleed. This is expected and will result in bruising. it should resolve after a couple weeks and is generally nothing to worry about. If concerned, always feel free to see Dr. Ward or his team.

  • Anti-inflammatory medications is a great way to control pain but also decrease swelling and inflammation. If you are able, take on a scheduled basis whether you are in pain or not for the first two weeks.

    Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are both narcotics that are commonly given following surgery. These help treat severe pain but also have side effects. Take as needed if pain is still not controlled with other methods described above.

Exercises and Physical Therapy

To optimize your recovery, we recommend starting physical therapy as soon as possible after your surgery. Most patients will participate in a structured physical therapy program for approximately 3 to 4 months.

Good pain control is essential for effective therapy. We encourage you to take your prescribed pain medication about 30–45 minutes before your therapy sessions. This helps ensure you can fully participate without being limited by discomfort.

In addition to your formal physical therapy sessions, consistent home exercises are a critical part of your rehabilitation. Included in your discharge materials are simple exercises you can begin immediately after surgery to support your progress and strengthen your recovery.

Good range of motion following shoulder surgery is a critical part of a successful and pain free recovery!

Exercises for the first 6 weeks

Exercises for after 6 weeks

Arthroscopic Anatomy