For some patients, balancing the benefits and side effects of pain medication is challenging. Patients should notify their surgeon if they have had previous difficulties with pain medication or pain control. After surgery the patient spends about an hour in the recovery room. A drainage tube is sometimes used to remove excess fluid from the surgical area. The drain is usually removed on the second day after surgery.
Bandages cover the incision.
They are usually changed the second day after surgery. Discharge is usually on the second day after surgery. Early protected motion after shoulder instability surgery is helpful for achieving optimal shoulder function. Depending on the nature of the procedure, the surgeon will often prescribe some gentle motion exercises within a limited range of movement. The surgeon often wishes to check the mobility of the shoulder two or three weeks after surgery, to assure that the shoulder has not become too stiff.