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Planning for Surgery
Post-Operative Home Instructions
SHOULDER SURGERY
The following instructions are a guide for the care of your shoulder until you see your physician around 7-14 days after surgery. Please call the office at 352-326-8115 to make an appointment. When you call, mention that you have already had your surgery. The most important concerns during the first week involve decreasing swelling and improving range of motion.
- ICE: If a cryo cuff was provided for you, use it as often as you can over a 24-hour period for the next 8-10 days. Keep a gauze pad, washcloth, or ace wrap between your skin and the cooling unit. Use it a minimum of 8 hours a day. If you have problems with the unit call the manufacturer at the number provided on the unit or call the office during normal business hours. You may remove the cryo cuff when not using it. If you do no have a cryo cuff, you can use ice bags/packs for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours during waking hours.
- DRESSING: Starting three days after surgery, change the bandage on your shoulder daily using clean, dry gauze bandages and tape. If you had arthroscopic surgery, then you can place band-aids over the incisions. If you have them, do not remove the steri-strip tapes, which are applied directly to your skin.
- BATHING: You should keep your incisions dry (no shower or baths) for three days after the surgical date. They you may shower but baths and hot tubs are prohibited until authorized by the surgeon. You should keep a dry wash cloth in your armpit between showers to keep this area dry.
- BRACE: If a sling/immobilizer was provided, you may wear it outside of your clothes but you should wear it at all times except in the shower or while doing your exercises.
- MOTION EXERCISES: You can take your arm out of the sling/immobilizer several times a day to work on shoulder and arm range of motion. In particular, work on your fingers, writs, and elbow movement so that they do not get stiff. Your shoulder motion will be improved by doing the pendulum exercises. Also, consider icing your shoulder after doing your exercises.
- MEDICATION: You will have a prescription for pain medication to take home with you. Use the pills as directed to allow you to begin moving your shoulder. All patients on pain medication should take a stool softener. Any requests for prescription refills must be made during normal business hours. No refills will be authorized after hours.
- FOLLOW-UP: You should have an appointment to see the surgeon approximately 7-14 days after surgery.
- PHYSICAL THERAPY: You will be given a prescription for physical therapy. Please make an appointment with the therapist to start you therapy as soon as possible, usually up to 7 days after surgery.
**NOTICE: If you develop any signs of infection, such as temperature over 101.5° F, drainage from your wound, or increased redness and swelling, you should contact the office immediately at 352-326-8115.
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