Did you know that shoulder arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure performed on approximately 1.4 million people globally each year? Whether it’s repairing a torn rotator cuff, treating shoulder instability, or addressing other shoulder issues, proper aftercare plays a crucial role in the success of the surgery and a speedy recovery.

Key Takeaways:

• Shoulder arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure performed on millions of people worldwide each year.
• Proper aftercare is crucial for the success of shoulder arthroscopy and a speedy recovery.
• This article will provide essential tips for shoulder arthroscopy aftercare, including recovery process, pain management, incision care, and more.

Understanding Shoulder Surgery Recovery

After undergoing shoulder arthroscopy, it is common to experience certain symptoms and changes in the affected area. It’s important to understand these factors to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Common Postoperative Symptoms

Following shoulder arthroscopy, it is normal to experience the following:

• Fatigue
• Swelling around the incisions
• Changes in skin color
• Hand and arm swelling
• Numbness or difficulty moving the arm due to anesthesia

Recovery Timeline and Rehabilitation

Recovering from shoulder arthroscopy is a gradual process that typically requires rehabilitation. Here’s a general timeline:

Phase	Timeline
Immediate postoperative period	Up to 6 weeks with a sling and bandage
Rehabilitation begins	1 to 2 weeks after surgery
Full recovery	4 to 6 months

The timeline for returning to daily activities and work varies depending on the nature of the job. Low-risk activities can generally be resumed in about 3 months, while sports and more strenuous activities may take up to 6 months to resume. It is important to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and engage in rehabilitation exercises as instructed to aid in the recovery process.

By understanding the recovery timeline and managing expectations, you can approach shoulder arthroscopy recovery with confidence and work towards a successful rehabilitation journey.

Essential Items for Post-Shoulder Surgery

Before undergoing shoulder surgery, it is helpful to have certain items at home to aid in the postoperative recovery process. These items can contribute to a more comfortable and convenient recovery at home.

Recommended Items:

• A detachable showerhead to keep the incision dry
• A shower chair to reduce the risk of falls
• Waterproof bandages or plastic bags with athletic tape to protect the incision
• Pump soap for easier showering with one arm

Item	Benefits
Detachable showerhead	Allows for targeted cleaning while keeping the incision dry
Shower chair	Provides stability and reduces the risk of falls during showering
Waterproof bandages or plastic bags with athletic tape	Offers protection for the incision site during showering
Pump soap	Allows for easy one-handed use while showering with a sling

Having these essential items readily available can help facilitate a smoother recovery process and promote optimal post-operative care for shoulder arthroscopy.

Managing Pain After Shoulder Arthroscopy

Recovering from shoulder arthroscopy can involve discomfort and pain, particularly in the first week. Fortunately, there are several approaches to managing pain and promoting healing after the procedure.

Using Cold and Heat Therapy

After shoulder surgery, putting ice or cold packs on the shoulder can help with swelling and pain. It’s like giving the shoulder a little chill to calm things down. Later on, when the swelling goes down, using heat packs can feel nice and soothing. Heat helps loosen up the muscles and brings more blood to the area, which helps the shoulder heal better. Just make sure to listen to your doctor about when and how long to use cold and heat therapy.

Taking Pain Medication

After surgery, your doctor might give you medicine to help with the pain. It’s important to take it exactly like they say to make sure you feel better. If you have any worries or feel weird after taking the medicine, talk to your doctor right away.

Engaging in Physical Therapy

Doing physical therapy exercises is really important after shoulder surgery. Your doctor will give you specific exercises to do to make your shoulder stronger and move better. Physical therapy helps make the shoulder more flexible, stronger, and less painful. Make sure to do the exercises your doctor gives you to help your shoulder heal well.

By using cold and heat therapy, taking pain medicine as prescribed, and doing your physical therapy exercises, you can help your shoulder get better faster after surgery. It’s always best to talk to your doctor for advice and help during your recovery.

Surgical Incision Care

Taking care of the incision after shoulder surgery is really important for it to heal well. You need to follow what your doctor says about how to take care of it. That means changing the dressing like they tell you and not getting the incision wet while it’s healing. After the stitches are taken out, you can gently clean the incision with a special solution your doctor recommends. If you notice anything weird, like redness or swelling, around the incision, it’s important to let your doctor know right away so they can help fix it and make sure everything heals properly.

Do’s	Don’ts
Follow healthcare provider’s instructions for dressing changes. Keep the incision dry. Rinse the wound with care once sutures are removed. Report any signs of infection to the healthcare provider.	Do not soak the incision in water. Avoid taking long showers. Do not ignore signs of infection.

Postoperative Dressing and Clothing

After shoulder surgery, it’s important to dress in a way that promotes comfort and ease of movement during the early phase of recovery. Here are some tips on how to dress after shoulder surgery:

1. Opt for Loose-Fitting Clothing

Choose loose-fitting clothes that don’t require lifting your arm above shoulder level to put on. This will minimize strain and discomfort as you navigate through the recovery process.

2. Prefer Shirts with Zippers or Buttons

Instead of shirts that need to be pulled over your head, opt for shirts with zippers or buttons. This will simplify the dressing process and reduce the strain on your shoulder.

3. Consider Front-Closing Bras

If you wear bras, choose front-closing bras or wear your bra backward and twist it around to the front. This hack makes dressing easier and avoids the need to raise your arm excessively.

4. Try Slip-On or Velcro Shoes

Avoid the challenge of tying shoelaces by opting for slip-on or velcro shoes. These types of footwear are easier to put on without straining your recovering shoulder.

Choosing comfortable clothing and footwear is crucial for a more manageable and comfortable recovery. Prioritize ease of dressing and avoid any movements that may cause discomfort or strain on your healing shoulder.

Signs of Complications

While complications after shoulder arthroscopy are rare, it is important to be aware of the signs that may indicate a problem. These signs include:

• Yellow discharge or redness at the incision sites
• A fever of 101 degrees or higher
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers or hand
• Severe or worsening pain that does not respond to medication

If any of these symptoms occur, it is crucial to contact the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and guidance.

Monitoring and identifying signs of potential complications is essential in ensuring a successful recovery from shoulder arthroscopy.

Signs of Complications	Action
Yellow discharge or redness at the incision sites	Contact healthcare provider immediately
A fever of 101 degrees or higher	Contact healthcare provider immediately
Numbness or tingling in the fingers or hand	Contact healthcare provider immediately
Severe or worsening pain that does not respond to medication	Contact healthcare provider immediately

Sleeping After Shoulder Surgery

Finding a comfortable sleep position after shoulder surgery can be challenging. It’s important to prioritize restful sleep to aid in the healing process. Here are some tips to help you achieve a good night’s sleep:

Sleeping Position:

When you sleep after shoulder surgery, try lying on the side opposite to the one that was operated on. This can help reduce any discomfort or pressure on the surgery area, making it easier for you to rest.

Upright Sleeping:

If lying flat feels uncomfortable, you can try sleeping in a slightly upright position with pillows for support. Use pillows to prop yourself up a bit, making sure your head, neck, and upper body are well-supported. This can help you feel more comfortable and reduce any pain or discomfort while you sleep.

Preventing Rolling:

To make sure you don’t accidentally roll onto your operated shoulder during sleep, place pillows behind your back. This creates a barrier that helps keep you in a safe position throughout the night, preventing any unwanted movements that could hurt your shoulder.

Bed Positioning:

If you’re sleeping alone, consider moving your bed against a wall to avoid rolling towards your operated shoulder. Alternatively, using special wedges or mattress supports can also help you stay in the right sleeping position without moving around too much.

Using a Sling:

Wearing your sling while you sleep can give your shoulder extra support and protection. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor first to make sure this is right for you and your specific situation. They can give you advice on whether wearing a sling at night is a good idea for your recovery.

Remember, every individual’s recovery is unique, so it’s essential to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed. Finding the most comfortable sleep position may require some trial and error. If you have any concerns or difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

Position	Advantages	Disadvantages
Sleeping on the opposite side	Minimizes pressure on the surgical site	May still feel uncomfortable due to general soreness after surgery
Sleeping in an upright position	Helps with pain management and reduces swelling	May not be suitable for everyone and may require additional pillows for support
Using pillows behind the back	Prevents accidentally rolling onto the affected shoulder	Can be cumbersome and may result in discomfort if not positioned properly
Positioning bed against a wall or using wedges/mattress supports	Aids in maintaining the desired sleep position	May require adjustments to find the optimal position
Wearing a sling during sleep	Provides additional support and protection	May restrict movement and feel constricting for some individuals

By following these sleep tips, you can create a conducive environment for healing and ensure a more restful sleep during your shoulder surgery recovery journey.

Driving After Surgery

After shoulder surgery, it’s important to think about safety, both for yourself and others on the road. Driving might not be possible right away, and it’s crucial to know when it’s okay to start driving again. Using just one arm to control the car can be hard, especially right after surgery. It’s best to wait until you’ve followed all the post-surgery rules and your shoulder has healed enough before you start driving again.

Listen to your doctor to figure out when it’s safe for you to drive. The time it takes to start driving again depends on things like what kind of surgery you had, how well you’re healing, and what your healthcare team says. Usually, it might take about six weeks before it’s safe for you to drive again. Before you get behind the wheel, make sure your shoulder feels strong enough, moves well, and you can control the car properly. If you feel any pain, discomfort, or your shoulder doesn’t move well, it’s better to wait until you feel better before you start driving again. The most important thing is to focus on getting better and making sure you’re totally ready to drive safely before you start driving again. Waiting until you’re fully healed will help you avoid accidents and other problems.

Often Car insurance stipulates 4-6 weeks before you are allowed to drive after surgery

 

Conclusion

Shoulder arthroscopy aftercare plays a vital role in the recovery journey post-surgery. By following the recommended tips and guidelines, patients can optimize their chances of successful surgery outcomes and expedite the healing process. Key aspects of aftercare include gaining an understanding of shoulder anatomy, effectively managing pain through medication and physical therapy, providing proper care for the surgical incision, wearing suitable clothing and footwear, being aware of potential complications, adjusting sleep positions for comfort, and refraining from driving until medically cleared. Proactive engagement in shoulder arthroscopy aftercare, including targeted rehabilitation exercises, sets the foundation for a triumphant recovery journey.

FAQ

How long does it take to recover from shoulder arthroscopy?

Recovery time after shoulder arthroscopy varies, but typically rehabilitation can last 4 to 6 months. Returning to daily activities and work depends on the nature of the job, with low-risk activities resuming around 3 months and sports or strenuous activities taking up to 6 months to resume.

What items should I have at home after shoulder surgery?

It is recommended to have a detachable showerhead, a shower chair, waterproof bandages or plastic bags with athletic tape, and pump soap to aid in the postoperative recovery process and make it more comfortable and convenient.

How can I manage pain after shoulder arthroscopy?

Cold packs or ice can be applied to reduce inflammation and pain in the first week after surgery. Heat packs can provide soothing relief once the initial phase has passed. Pain medication may also be prescribed, and physical therapy exercises should be followed as instructed by the healthcare provider for proper pain management and rehabilitation.

How should I care for my surgical incision after shoulder arthroscopy?

The dressing should be changed as instructed by the healthcare provider until the sutures are removed. The incision should be kept dry and not soaked in water or exposed to long showers. After the stitches are removed, rinsing the wound with care is recommended. Any signs of infection should be promptly reported to the healthcare provider.

What should I wear after shoulder surgery?

During the early phase of recovery, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily put on without requiring lifting the arm above shoulder level is recommended. Shirts with zippers or buttons are preferable over ones that need to be pulled over the head. Front-closing bras or wearing the bra backward and twisting it around can make dressing easier. Slip-on or Velcro shoes are also recommended to avoid the challenge of tying shoelaces.

What are the signs of complications after shoulder arthroscopy?

Signs of complications may include yellow discharge or redness at the incision sites, a fever of 101 degrees or higher, numbness or tingling in the fingers or hand, and severe or worsening pain that does not respond to medication. If any of these symptoms occur, it is crucial to contact the healthcare provider immediately.

How should I sleep after shoulder surgery?

It is often suggested to sleep on the opposite side or in an upright position with pillows for support. Adding pillows behind the back can help prevent rolling onto the affected shoulder. If sleeping alone, positioning the bed against a wall or using wedges or mattress supports can aid in maintaining the desired sleeping position. Keeping the affected arm in a sling can provide additional support and protection during sleep.

When can I start driving after shoulder surgery?

Driving may not be possible immediately after shoulder surgery, and it may take up to six weeks before it can be safely resumed. Postoperative restrictions and proper recovery should be prioritized before considering driving. It is essential to follow the guidance of the healthcare provider and only resume driving when it is safe and comfortable to do so.

What are some shoulder arthroscopy rehabilitation exercises?

Shoulder arthroscopy rehabilitation exercises are typically recommended by the healthcare provider and may include range-of-motion exercises, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises to help restore shoulder function and flexibility.

Image Credits – Henry Vandyke Carter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons