Condition:
Shoulder arthroscopy is performed for a variety of conditions primarily it is an intervention that corrects some kind of internal derangement of the joint structures. These include cartilage or labral tears, bone spurs, ligament tears or sprains, and general wear and tear on the shoulder joint. Most often, when a joint arthroscopy is performed, the joint has been determined through imaging to have need to surgical intervention. Accordingly, the surgeon with first investigate to confirm the pre-operative diagnosis, look thoroughly around the joint for any additional sites of injury and then work to restore the joint integrity through debridement, excision, decompression, or reconstruction of the injured area.
Treatment:
Following a shoulder arthroscopy, physical therapy is usually started within 2-4 weeks depending on the procedure performed in surgery. Some procedures need more time to heal while others may require immediate initiation in therapy. If no repair or reconstruction is done, the goals of therapy are to reduce pain and inflammation through modalities, stretching and exercise, build coordination around the injured area through progressive neuromuscular education and exercise, and restore strength and ROM through a progressive exercise regimen and hands on therapy and finally transition to a home exercise program that will address any remaining limitations.