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Shoulder Arthroscopy Home Instructions

You’ve just had arthroscopic surgery on your shoulder.  The following instructions will guide you at home during your recovery process.

What to expect:

  1. Some pain or discomfort is to be expected.  This will be different for each patient and will depend on what procedures were done during your arthroscopy.  Pain medicine will be provided which will lessen your discomfort.  Use your prescribed pain medication as ordered initially, and as the pain lessens over the next few weeks transition to Extra-Strength Tylenol during the day and your prescription medication at bedtime.

What you should do at home after Arthroscopy:

  1. Use a cold pack or ice pack on your shoulder incision for 15-20 minutes four or five times per day.  This will lessen the swelling and ease some of your pain.
  2. Remove the surgical dressings 48 hours after the arthroscopy.  Cover the three small incisions with band-aids.
  3. You may shower at this time but avoid getting the stitches wet.  The stitches will be removed at your first post-op visit.
  4. Gentle motion of your shoulder is recommended starting the day after surgery
  5. Your activities of daily living will also help you maintain shoulder motion.  Gradually begin using your operative arm in doing things like eating, combing your hair, getting dressed, and brushing your teeth.

What you should NOT do:

  1. No soaking in a hot tub or using a heating pad on your shoulder.  These could increase swelling.
  2. Avoid lifting objects over 5 pounds with your surgical arm extended away from your body.

Contact our office at 898-0100 or 323-2600 if:

  1. You have a temperature of 100 degrees or over,
  2. You notice excess drainage from the incision, or
  3. You have persistent numbness/tingling in the operative arm.