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.