Shoulder Arthroscopy

Post-Operative Orders

• Depending on the severity of your shoulder injury/tear, your physician will require some sort of immobilization during the post-op period. You can plan on either a:
  • basic sling
  • pillow and sling
  • immobilizer (waist strap)
• Until your first post-op visit, you should wear your sling and DO NOT REMOVE IT.
• Keep the dressing clean and dry, and DO NOT REMOVE IT.
• You may exercise your hand while still wearing the sling (ex: making a fist).
• You may extend your elbow a few times daily while wearing the sling, keeping your upper arm/shoulder close to your trunk.
• You may use ice packs for pain/inflammation; 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off. DO NOT apply ice directly to your skin.
• Take pain medication as directed by your physician.
• Sleeping in a recliner works best, especially if you are in a pillow type immobilizer.
• Call the office if you have a temperature above 101.0, any drainage or unusual redness.
• Call the office within 2 days after your surgery to schedule a post-op visit with your physician.