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Pre-Surgery (Days -7 to 0):
• Undergo pre-operative medical evaluation
• Receive instructions on pre-surgery preparations
• Arrange for post-surgery transportation and care
• Stop certain medications as advised by the surgeon
• Fast for 8-12 hours before surgery
Day of Surgery (Day 0):
• Arrive at the surgical facility
• Complete necessary paperwork
• Change into a hospital gown
• Receive IV line placement
• Meet with anesthesiologist and surgical team
• Undergo arthroscopic procedure
• Recover in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU)
• Receive post-operative instructions
• Discharge home (typically same day for most arthroscopic procedures)
Immediate Post-Op Period (Days 1-3):
• Rest and elevate the affected limb
• Apply ice packs as directed (usually 20 minutes every 2-3 hours)
• Take prescribed pain medications and antibiotics as needed
• Keep surgical dressings clean and dry
• Begin gentle range of motion exercises as instructed
• Use assistive devices (crutches, cane, or sling) as recommended
• Monitor for signs of infection or complications
Early Recovery Phase (Days 4-14):
• Continue with prescribed pain management
• Gradually increase weight-bearing as tolerated (for lower extremity procedures)
• Remove surgical dressings as directed by the surgeon
• Begin showering with waterproof covering over incision sites
• Start physical therapy exercises focusing on:
– Range of motion
– Gentle strengthening
– Proprioception
• Attend first post-operative follow-up appointment (typically around day 7-10)
• Have sutures or staples removed (if applicable)
• Begin scar massage techniques once incisions are fully healed
Intermediate Recovery Phase (Days 15-30):
• Transition from prescription pain medications to over-the-counter options
• Progress physical therapy exercises:
– Increase intensity of strengthening exercises
– Introduce more challenging balance and proprioception activities
– Begin functional exercises specific to daily activities
• Gradually reduce use of assistive devices as strength improves
• Return to light desk work or sedentary activities (if approved by surgeon)
• Continue with regular icing and elevation to manage swelling
• Begin gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility
Advanced Recovery Phase (Days 31-60):
• Attend second post-operative follow-up appointment
• Undergo imaging studies (X-rays, MRI) if required to assess healing
• Progress to more advanced physical therapy exercises:
– Incorporate resistance training
– Introduce sport-specific or job-specific exercises
– Focus on improving endurance and cardiovascular fitness
• Begin low-impact cardiovascular activities (e.g., stationary bike, elliptical)
• Gradually increase duration and intensity of daily activities
• Start driving (if cleared by surgeon and off pain medications)
• Return to light-duty work (if applicable and approved by surgeon)
• Address any persistent pain or limitations with the surgical team
Late Recovery Phase (Days 61-100):
• Continue with progressive strengthening and conditioning exercises
• Introduce more dynamic movements and plyometric exercises
• Begin sport-specific training or work hardening programs
• Gradually return to pre-surgery activities and hobbies
• Focus on optimizing biomechanics and movement patterns
• Address any residual pain, stiffness, or weakness
• Undergo functional testing to assess readiness for full activity
• Discuss long-term management strategies with the healthcare team
Days 1-14:
• Use crutches or a cane for support
• Perform quadriceps sets and straight leg raises
• Begin gentle knee flexion and extension exercises
• Use a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine if prescribed
Days 15-30:
• Progress to full weight-bearing as tolerated
• Increase range of motion exercises
• Start closed-chain strengthening exercises
• Begin stationary cycling with low resistance
Days 31-60:
• Introduce more challenging strengthening exercises (e.g., leg press, squats)
• Start balance and proprioception training
• Begin low-impact aerobic activities
Days 61-100:
• Progress to running and agility drills
• Incorporate sport-specific exercises
• Focus on optimizing knee stability and function
Days 1-14:
• Wear a sling as directed by the surgeon
• Perform pendulum exercises and passive range of motion
• Begin active hand, wrist, and elbow exercises
• Use ice and elevation to manage swelling
Days 15-30:
• Gradually increase active-assisted range of motion exercises
• Start isometric strengthening exercises
• Begin gentle scapular stabilization exercises
• Transition out of the sling as directed
Days 31-60:
• Progress to active range of motion exercises
• Introduce light resistance exercises with bands or weights
• Focus on rotator cuff and scapular strengthening
• Begin functional reaching and lifting activities
Days 61-100:
• Advance to more challenging strengthening exercises
• Incorporate overhead activities and throwing progression (if applicable)
• Address any persistent limitations in range of motion or strength
• Begin sport-specific or work-specific training
Days 1-14:
• Use crutches to maintain partial weight-bearing
• Perform isometric exercises for hip and core muscles
• Begin gentle range of motion exercises within prescribed limits
• Use a stationary bike with no resistance for circulation
Days 15-30:
• Progress to full weight-bearing as tolerated
• Increase range of motion exercises, focusing on hip flexion and rotation
• Start closed-chain strengthening exercises
• Begin pool therapy if incisions are fully healed
Days 31-60:
• Introduce more challenging strengthening exercises for hip and core
• Start balance and proprioception training
• Begin low-impact cardiovascular activities
• Focus on improving gait mechanics
Days 61-100:
• Progress to running and agility drills
• Incorporate sport-specific exercises
• Address any residual limitations in hip mobility or strength
• Begin plyometric exercises and explosive movements
Days 1-14:
• Use crutches or a walking boot as directed
• Perform ankle pumps and toe curls for circulation
• Begin gentle range of motion exercises for the ankle
• Use ice and elevation to manage swelling
Days 15-30:
• Gradually increase weight-bearing as tolerated
• Start active range of motion exercises in all planes
• Begin isometric strengthening exercises for ankle muscles
• Introduce gentle proprioception exercises
Days 31-60:
• Progress to full weight-bearing without assistive devices
• Increase intensity of strengthening exercises
• Focus on improving balance and proprioception
• Start low-impact cardiovascular activities
Days 61-100:
• Introduce more dynamic exercises and plyometrics
• Begin sport-specific drills and agility training
• Address any residual stiffness or weakness
• Focus on optimizing ankle stability and function
Week 2:
• Surgical incisions typically healed
• Transition to over-the-counter pain medications
• Begin more active participation in physical therapy
Week 4:
• Significant improvement in range of motion
• Reduced swelling and pain
• Increased independence in daily activities
Week 6:
• Return to light-duty work for most patients
• Resumption of driving (if cleared by surgeon)
• Progression to more challenging exercises
Week 8:
• Near full range of motion achieved
• Significant improvement in strength and endurance
• Ability to perform most daily activities without limitations
Week 12:
• Return to most pre-surgery activities and sports (with surgeon’s approval)
• Focus on fine-tuning function and performance
• Establishment of long-term maintenance program
• Age and overall health status
• Extent of the surgical procedure
• Pre-existing joint conditions
• Adherence to post-operative instructions and rehabilitation protocol
• Nutritional status and lifestyle factors
• Presence of complications or setbacks during recovery
• Infection (redness, warmth, increased pain, fever)
• Excessive swelling or bruising
• Persistent or worsening pain
• Joint stiffness or decreased range of motion
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
• Nerve or blood vessel injury
• Hardware problems (if used during the procedure)
• Follow all post-operative instructions carefully
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals
• Stay hydrated to support tissue healing
• Get adequate rest and sleep
• Gradually increase activity levels as directed by the healthcare team
• Use proper body mechanics and ergonomics during daily activities
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling if needed
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
• Communicate any concerns or setbacks promptly to the healthcare team
• Continue with a maintenance exercise program to support joint health
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the joints
• Use proper techniques and equipment during sports or physical activities
• Consider activity modifications to prevent future joint injuries
• Attend regular check-ups with the orthopedic surgeon or primary care physician
• Be aware of signs that may indicate the need for further intervention
The first 100 days following arthroscopic surgery are critical for establishing a foundation for long-term joint health and function. By following a structured rehabilitation program and adhering to post-operative guidelines, patients can optimize their recovery and achieve the best possible outcomes. It is essential to remember that each patient’s recovery may vary, and the timeline should be adjusted based on individual progress and the specific procedure performed. Close collaboration between the patient, surgeon, and rehabilitation team is key to navigating the recovery process successfully and returning to desired activities safely and effectively.
©2025 Dr Frank McCormick All Rights Reserved.
©2025 Dr Frank McCormick All Rights Reserved.