NERVE BLOCK: If you had a nerve block for post-op pain control, your arm may be numb and weak. Do not remove the arm from the sling or attempt to use the arm until the feeling and strength have returned to normal. The block may last up to 24 hours. When you feel the block wearing off, start taking your pain medication to stay ahead of the pain rather than letting it get too severe and then trying to play catch up.
BANDAGES: Remove the dressings 72hrs after surgery in order to shower. There will be 2-4 small incisions. Do not remove the Steri-strips as they come off on their own. If you also had an open procedure, cover the larger incision with dry gauze or large Band-Aid after your shower.
ICE MACHINE: It is important to use ice for inflammation and for pain control. Use your ice machine for 2 hours at a time and off for 30 minutes during the day. You may leave the ice machine running at night. There might be condensation after long use.
PENDULUM EXERCISES: To prevent shoulder stiffness and scar tissue formation, start pendulum exercises no later than the morning after surgery. Remove sling keeping the upper arm at your side, fully straighten and bend elbow 5 times. Then with elbow fully straight, lean far forward at the waist, letting entire arm hang toward floor. Slowly and gently, move the arm in 12-15 inch size circles for 5 minutes. Repeat 5 times daily. THE DISCOMFORT YOU FEEL WITH THIS IS NOT HARMFUL.
You are unable to drive until I release you to do so.
SLEEPING: You may find it more comfortable to sleep in a recliner or chair for the first few weeks after surgery. Sleep with the sling on until you are instructed that you no longer need to.
SLING: ROTATOR CUFF OR LABRAL REPAIR: Wear the sling at all times day and night except for showering, dressing and pendulum exercises. It is okay to use your hand while the arm is in the sling for activities that require minimal force. Do not use your shoulder muscles to lift the arm away from your body. To access your armpit (bathing, deodorant, putting on the sleeve) lean part way forward as if to perform a pendulum exercise and the armpit will open up.
MEDICATION: I have given you a narcotic for pain. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Aleve as these may interfere with tendon healing.
WARNING SIGNS: If you have any of the following, call my office 541-754-1276.
• Pain unrelieved by medication or worsening pain
• Fever over 100.0 after the first 48 hours
• Nausea and vomiting you cannot control
• Persistent drainage from the incisions after 48 hours
• Increasing redness around the incisions
FOLLOW-UP: You will need a 2-week post-op visit. If this has not been set up already, please call my office to do so.
Call Dr. Stanley’s office at 541-754-1276
After hours number: 541-754-1150
