Postoperative Expectations Following Shoulder Arthroscopy

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These postoperative guides are designed to assist patients of Dr. Kellett in their shoulder arthroscopy postoperative care following procedures for rotator cuff tears, shoulder labral tears, or arthroscopic biceps tenodesis. While they serve as a general resource, please keep in mind that the rotator cuff surgery recovery protocol may vary slightly from one individual to another. If you have any questions about your specific surgical plan or need further clarification on the shoulder surgery guidelines, please reach out to our office!

Dressings: After your rotator cuff surgery, you will have a sterile dressing over your incisions. It is essential to keep this area clean and dry as part of your shoulder arthroscopy postoperative care. Sling/immobilizer: This should be worn continuously, except during prescribed exercises or for hygiene, unless instructed otherwise. Pain control: We have reviewed your prescriptions and instructions. Expect your nerve block to wear off within 12–48 hours during your shoulder surgery recovery. Follow-up appointment: You should have a date and time for your surgeon visit and a physical therapy referral. If you do not already have a postoperative appointment scheduled with Dr. Kellett, please call 609-750-1600.

During your rotator cuff surgery recovery, it's important to keep incisions dry and covered for the first 3 days. You will have paper bandaids called steri strips in place over the incisions themselves. Following the shoulder arthroscopy postoperative care guidelines, after three days, you may remove the outer dressing if it is clean and dry, and you can shower gently if approved; just be sure to pat dry afterward. Leave the paper steri strips in place during this time. Avoid soaking in baths, pools, or hot tubs until you have been cleared. Additionally, do not apply creams, ointments, or alcohol to the incisions unless specifically directed. For your shoulder surgery, dissolving sutures will be used, and these do not need to be removed after the procedure.

Wear the sling at all times, except when doing prescribed exercises, dressing, or hygiene, to aid in your rotator cuff surgery recovery. Remove the sling only as instructed by your surgeon or physical therapist as part of your shoulder arthroscopy postoperative care. When sitting or sleeping, support your elbow with a pillow to keep the shoulder comfortable and avoid tension on the repair, following the shoulder surgery guidelines.

Take prescribed pain medications as directed during your rotator cuff surgery recovery. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Utilize acetaminophen and/or NSAIDs as approved, along with a short course of narcotic medication as prescribed. For shoulder arthroscopy postoperative care, apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours during the first 48–72 hours to reduce pain and swelling. Remember to place a thin towel between the ice and your skin. A cryo device may also be prescribed for after surgery. It's important to avoid driving while taking narcotic pain medications or if you are unable to comfortably and safely operate a vehicle. You are not cleared to drive during the period where you are in a sling, following the shoulder surgery guidelines.

First 6 weeks (protected/healing phase) are crucial in your rotator cuff surgery recovery. During this time, no active shoulder motion is allowed, meaning no lifting, pushing, pulling, or reaching with the operative arm. Only passive range-of-motion (PROM) and pendulum exercises should be performed as instructed by your therapist. To prevent stiffness, hand, wrist, and elbow motion is encouraged. 

Weeks 6–12 mark the phase of active motion and early strengthening, where you can begin active-assisted and then active range-of-motion exercises as cleared by your surgeon or physical therapist. Gradual and gentle strengthening begins with low resistance. 

During the 3–6 months period, focus on progressive strengthening and return-to-activity training, while light overhead activities and work duties may resume as per your surgeon's guidance. 

Finally, in the 6–12 months phase, full recovery is expected, though returning to heavy lifting, contact sports, or strenuous overhead work may take up to a year, depending on the tear size and healing. Adhering to shoulder surgery guidelines during your recovery will aid in achieving the best results.