What postop procedures should I follow after shoulder arthroscopy, rotator cuff debridement, bursectomy, and acromioplasty ?
Once home begin immediate icing of the shoulder moving ice from anterior to middle, to posterior aspect of shoulder. Do not ice skin directly as this may cause a skin burn – (wrap ice in bag and use. Take pain medication at first sign of discomfort. Preventing pain is easier that stopping pain once present. Large bulky dressing may be changed at home if bloodstained. New bandaids should be applied to small arthroscopy puncture sites after the first therapy session. Sling is worn for comfort for the first several days. When active use of the arm/shoulder is possible and pain allows, sling may be discontinued. Be sure to attend physical therapy on postop day #1 or day #2 at the latest. This will help to diminish swelling, prevent stiffness and improve early functional return. You may shower getting the shoulder wet in 2-3 days time as long as incisions are clean/dry and there is no drainage. If there is any evidence of redness or drainage from the incision sites, keep the shoulder dry un
