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Arthroscopy Shoulder Recovery

A shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to closely examine the structures of the shoulder to make a diagnosis. After making a few small incisions in the skin, the surgeon will insert an arthroscope (a tube that allows him to view the shoulder structures) to examine the joints. A small camera will be attached to the arthroscope, displaying video on a monitor in real time. For most patients, arthroscopy will be an outpatient procedure, and most patients recover at home.

  1. Time

    • Arthroscopy shoulder recovery will take a few months. During this time, patients need to keep their arm in a sling to help avoid stressing any repairs that were made---and to protect their shoulder from overuse. According to the University of Washington School of Medicine, most patients will feel better long before they are completely healed. Therefore, they still need to follow all recovery guidelines to prevent further injury.

    Medications

    • Patients going through arthroscopy shoulder recovery will be given medications after surgery and throughout their recovery. According to the University of Washington School of Medicine, patients will be provided with very powerful pain medications directly after their surgery. These most often include narcotic analgesics, such as Demerol and morphine. When patients are sent home, the doctor will prescribe appropriate pain medications, which often include narcotic analgesics. Although these are not as strong as the ones given directly after surgery, they are still potent. In fact, most include codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen, are also prescribed often.

    Sleep

    • According to the University of Washington School of Medicine, many patients find it difficult to sleep for the first few days because they cannot find a comfortable position. For the first few weeks, patients should not sleep on their stomach or their side. For the first few days, patients often find it easier and more comfortable to sleep in a reclined position. When lying down, patients should sleep on their back and use pillows to support their elbow.

    Activity

    • According to the University of Washington School of Medicine, patients will be restricted in how much they can use their shoulder when going through arthroscopy shoulder recovery. For example, they should not extend their arm over their head or use their shoulder for at least three to four weeks. They should only remove their sling to perform the elbow, wrist, and shoulder exercises their doctor prescribes.

    Physical Therapy

    • After three to four weeks, patients will begin an outpatient physical therapy program. According to MedicineNet, physical therapy will help prevent the surrounding tissues from scarring and will strengthen the joint and muscles surrounding it. The main goals of physical therapy are to prevent scar-tissue build-up and to restore full functionality, strength, and stability to the shoulder joint.

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