What to expect after arthroscopic shoulder surgery
It is normal to have swelling and shoulder discomfort for several days or a week after surgery. Using ice bags or using cryocuff will give you control over the swelling. Ice should be used 20-30 minutes at a time, every hour or two. Place a thin towel or T-shirt next to your skin if using ice in a plastic bag. Ice is more important in the first 48 hours, although many people find that continuing it reduces postoperative pain.
You will be given a prescription for strong pain medications when you are discharged from hospital. If you find that you are still in pain, contact our office and we will try to find other solutions. Many patients find that lying down increases discomfort. You may sleep better in a chair or backed in bed. A pillow placed behind your elbow may also help. Keep postoperative clothing clean and dry. Unless it becomes too wet or tight due to swelling, leave the bandages in place for at least two days.
After two days of surgery your bandages can be removed. You can shower afterwards, but try to keep the cracks dry for the first 10-14 days. Do not wet the cracks directly (bathing or swimming) until at least two weeks after the operation.
The sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed. We would like to see you at the office and clinic 10-14 days after surgery If you do not have your first scheduled postoperative visit, contact our office to schedule one. Start rehabilitation / physiotherapy immediately after surgery. Your physical therapy program is the key to a successful outcome. You should start the day after surgery. We will give you a separate prescription with the required protocol. . It is often easier to contact before surgery to make an appointment with a physiotherapist.
Pump your hand and move your wrist and elbow to keep the blood rolling and prevent hardening. Preferably a caring and responsible adult. Refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking. And eat a regular diet, if there is no nausea, prefer to drink a lot of non-alcoholic liquids, non-caffeine drinks. Do not make important decisions or sign legal documents. Prefer to plan to take a few days off from work.
What to expect after other specific shoulder procedures
The complete and definitive recovery of some shoulder diseases and their treatment may be long. Often it is 6-12 months before maximum improvement is reached. The shoulder joint is very complex with significant variation among patients both in the severity of injuries occurring and, in their ability, to recover and heal.
Arthroscopic release for frozen shoulder
Patients often stay in hospital for a day or two in order to control pain by intravenous medication or by catheter that numbs the nerves down the arm. You should arrange in advance for your physiotherapy to start immediately upon discharge from the hospital. This is important so as not to lose any movement gained by arthroscopic release. You should start using your arm immediately and do not wear your arm holder. Treatment is usually requested for each day (five days a week) for the first two weeks and then adjusted by us after your first visit to the office.
Total or partial shoulder joint replacement for joint / Arthrithis or fractures
Treatment may or may not start immediately when you leave the hospital. You will be instructed if you can do the pendulum exercises yourself, and you may see a hospital therapist for treatment. This depends on the type of surgery you have. You can use your arm from the elbow to the bottom but no active movement of the shoulder until you pass it by us. We will review this with you on your first visit after surgery.
Shoulder fixation or Labral repair for reccurent shoulder dislocation or joint instability
There will be a period of immobility in your shoulder until the repaired tissue heals. This varies from 3-6 weeks. You will be guided if you can do pendulum exercises yourself. This depends on the type of surgery you have. You can use your arm from the elbow down but no active movement of the shoulder is allowed until we authorize it from us. We will review this with you on your first visit after surgery.
Arthroscopic Subacromial Bursectomy:
You will probably be allowed and encouraged to move your shoulder immediately and you should plan to start treatment with a physiotherapist within a few days of surgery. The first few weeks will focus on restoring normal movement. After this you will start with a muscle strengthening program.
Rotator cuff repair:
Tendon repair takes 4-6 weeks to heal so active shoulder movement is not allowed during this time. Treatment usually begins after your first visit to us. In some cases we will allow you to go to a swimming pool and do underwater movement as your arm will be weightless. You will need to wear your arm holder for 4-6 weeks. After this period you will start an active motion program.
Tendon transfers for massive Rotator Cuff injuries:
These procedures are very specific and are tailored to the individual eating situation. Most cases are disabled for at least 6 weeks while the transferred tendon heals. After this period you will start an active motion program and eventually.
Fixation for fractures of the clavicle:
There will be a period of iimmobilization (ie lack of movement) of your shoulder while the broken bones begin to heal. This varies from 1-3 weeks. You will be guided if you can do pendulum type exercises yourself. This depends on the type of surgery you have. You can use your arm from the elbow down but no active movement of the shoulder is allowed until ordered by us. X-rays will be examined after surgery to assess healing.
Fixation of AC joint dislocations:
The shoulder will be thoroughly disabled for six weeks in the holder until it heals the repaired tissue. You can use your hand under the elbow but you can’t move your shoulder. Treatment usually begins in 4-6 weeks with negative movement performed by the therapist. After this period you will start an active motion program .
Biceps tendon Fixation or Tenotomy:
An arm holder will be used for 3 weeks until the tendon heals. A negative range of movement (extension and flexibility) is allowed although it is important to avoid voluntary payment. At 4-6 weeks allows flexible elbow active.