Frequently Asked Questions.
Is there an alternative to orthopedic surgery to relieve joint pain?
In addition to performing shoulder surgery two to three days per week, I see and evaluate patients in clinic and regularly treat shoulder conditions with non-operative treatment including referral to physical therapy, cortisone injection, and recommendations about activity modification.
I have to have shoulder surgery. How long will I have to stay in the hospital?
The majority of shoulder surgery is done as an outpatient procedure, meaning that you have the procedure and then go home on the same day to recover at home. Larger procedures such as shoulder replacement surgery and some shoulder fracture surgeries sometimes necessitate an overnight stay in the hospital. This is something that I will discuss with you when we go over the details of your upcoming shoulder surgery.
How long is the recovery period after my shoulder surgery?
Each patient and each surgery is a little different, but in general, most shoulder surgeries take anywhere from 4 to 6 months to up to a year to achieve full recovery. I talk at length with you about the expected timeline for your recovery when we discuss your shoulder surgery together.
How often will I have to go to physical therapy after my shoulder surgery?
Physical therapy usually begins about 4 to 6 weeks after shoulder surgery and typically extends for 3 to 4 months with a frequency of one or two times per week. An important component of recovery is the home exercise program that you will do on a daily basis once physical therapy starts.
