Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure typically performed to repair a tear in the rotator cuff or to scrape off arthritic ends on the shoulder bone. Shoulder arthroscopy also may be performed to correct a dislocated shoulder. Movement is key following the surgery to prevent stiffness. While they may be uncomfortable at first, you must engage in exercises to rehabilitate your shoulder and prevent complications.
Circles
You most likely will have a sling to hold your arm when you return form the hospital. Remove the sling to start doing range of motion exercises and straighten your arm. Stand sideways next to a table with your good arm leaning on the surface. Bend at the waist, letting your affected arm hang loosely with your fingers pointed toward the floor. Move your arm in small circles in both directions, gradually increasing the arc of the movement.
Flexions
Early exercises should be performed in sets of 10 to 20, three times a day, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. You can do flexion exercises sitting upright in a chair or lying flat on your back. While lying down, clasp your hands together over your chest and slowly raise them together over your head as far as you can without experiencing pain. After a few sets, you should be able to rest your clasped hands on the floor above your head. While seated in an upright position with your feet flat on the floor, slowly raise your affected arm straight over your head. Hold it upright and slowly lower it back to your lap.
Isometrics
Isometrics build strength in your shoulder by placing your muscles in a fixed, tight position and holding it while you squeeze your muscles. Stand at a corner of two walls or facing a door frame and place your affected arm flat against the perpendicular surface with your elbow bent. Press as hard as you can without pain and hold the position for a count of five and relax; repeat 10 times. With your back against a wall, lift your affected arm so that it rests against the wall with your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle. Again, press back and hold, release and repeat. Straighten your elbow and place your arm flat against the wall and press backwards, relax and repeat.
Weight Lifting
After a week of steady exercises, you should be ready to lift light free weights. Start with weights that weigh no more than 1/2 to 1 lb. and build up gradually, increasing the amount of weight you lift. Hold a weight in your hand while sitting or standing, with your fingers curled around the weight facing upwards. Hold your arm close to your body and slowly bend your elbow. The bicep curl pulls the tendons in your shoulder while strengthening your arm muscles to support your weakened shoulder.
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