Apart from the specific instructions given to you depending on the type of surgery you have undergone, the basic general instructions that you should follow after your surgery are as follows:
- Take pain relieving and other medications as advised. Pain relieving medication should be taken with food. After the first 48 hours of surgery, take the pain medication only when needed.
- Do not drink alcohol, drive a vehicle, operate any machinery, or sign a legal document for the first 24 hours after the surgery as the effects of the sedative and/or the anesthesia administered during the surgery may last for the first 24 hours of the surgery.
- Use ice packs to control swelling. However, make sure that the ice bag does not leak into the dressing. Ice packs can be used liberally for the first 48 hours and even later, if required.
- Follow the specific restriction of activity, as advised. Remember that it is easier to prevent developing pain rather than managing it once it has already developed. Rest for a few days after the surgery and keep the operated extremity elevated, above the level of your heart, to control swelling.
- Keep the dressing clean and dry to promote wound healing.
- Try to begin physical therapy a day or two after the surgery. Exercises in the first week are usually aimed at regaining joint motion. Strengthening exercises are initiated later. Regular exercises are critical for a successful outcome.
- Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks.
- Schedule your follow-up appointment with your doctor as advised.
Please consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Increased drainage from the incision
- Increased redness around the operated area
- Increased swelling that does not decrease with ice and elevation
- Foul odour
- Fever greater than 101°F
- Coldness, numbness or blanched white or bluish colour of the fingers or toes
- Sudden calf pain or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Postop Protocols
Shoulder Postop Protocols
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Postop Info
Labral Repair Stabilization Postop Info
Postop PT Shoulder - AC Reconstruction
Postop PT Shoulder - Anterior Labral Repair
Postop PT Shoulder - Bristow Or Latarjet Coracoid Transfer
Postop PT Shoulder - Capsular Release For Frozen Shoulder
Postop PT Shoulder - Clavicle Fracture
Postop PT Shoulder - Impingement
Postop PT Shoulder - Pec Repair
Postop PT Shoulder - Posterior Labral Repair
Postop PT Shoulder - Prox Humerus Fracture
Postop PT Shoulder - Rotator Cuff Repair
Elbow Postop Protocols
Distal Biceps Tendon Repair Postop Info
UCL Reconstruction Postop Info
Postop PT Elbow - Distal Biceps Reconstruction (chronic)
Postop PT Elbow - Distal Biceps Repair
Postop PT Elbow - Distal Triceps
Postop PT Elbow - LUCL Repair or Reconstruction
Postop PT Elbow - Olecranon Fracture
Postop PT Elbow - Radial Head Fracture
Knee Postop Protocols
ACL Reconstruction Postop Info
MPFL Patellar Realignment Postop Info
MPFL Reconstruction Postop Info
Multiligament Knee Postop Info
Postop PT Knee - Cartilage Repair
Postop PT Knee - Meniscal Debridement
Postop PT Knee - Meniscal Repair
Postop PT Knee - Meniscal Root Repair
Postop PT Knee - Patella Fracture
Postop PT Knee - Patellar Or Quad Tendon Repair
Foot & Ankle Postop Protocols
Achilles Tendon Repair Postop Info
Postop PT Ankle - Achilles Tendon Repair
Hip Postop Protocols
Postop PT Hip - Proximal Hamstring Repair
Hand & Wrist Postop Protocols
Nonop Protocols
Shoulder Nonop Protocols
Nonop PT Shoulder - AC Separation Fracture
Nonop PT Shoulder - Anterior Dislocation
Nonop PT Shoulder - Calcific Tendonitis
Nonop PT Shoulder - Clavicle Fracture
Nonop PT Shoulder - Frozen Shoulder
Nonop PT Shoulder - Impingement
Nonop PT Shoulder - Posterior Dislocation
Nonop PT Shoulder - Prox Humerus Fracture
Nonop PT Shoulder - Rotator Cuff Tear
Elbow Nonop Protocols
Nonop PT Elbow - Epicondylitis
Nonop PT UCL Nonoperative Treatment
Knee Nonop Protocols
Nonop PT Knee - Hamstring Strain
Nonop PT Knee - Patellofemoral
Foot & Ankle Nonop Protocols
Nonop PT Ankle - Achilles Tendonitis
Hip Nonop Protocols
Hand & Wrist Nonop Protocols
Spine Nonop Protocols
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