Arthroscopic surgery recovery is generally not as taxing or as long as other types of surgery recovery, but precautions must be taken to keep swelling down, infections at bay, and further injury from occurring. The most important tip for arthroscopic surgery recovery is to follow the doctor's instructions carefully. He or she may recommend physical therapy, but not until the affected area has had a chance to heal. It is important to resist the temptation to do too much too soon with the affected area, thereby risking re-injury. Keeping the wounds from surgery clean and protected is also a vital part of arthroscopic surgery recovery.
The incisions made during the surgery will be quite small, but it is still important to keep them covered to prevent infection. The doctor will put a light dressing over the wounds, and it is important that the patient keep those dressings dry and clean throughout arthroscopic surgery recovery. This may make showering difficult, but if the wound becomes infected, a host of problems may arise that will require further medical attention. The wound is likely to bleed or ooze fluid for several days, which is normal, but if bleeding continues or worsens, the patient should be sure to contact a doctor immediately.
Many people who undergo arthroscopic surgery find that they are able to use the affected area the next day or a few days after the surgery. This is a good sign, but it is important not to rush arthroscopic surgery recovery by overusing the affected area. This risks re-injury of the repaired area and can slow or completely stall an effective recovery. Do not use the affected area until a doctor has given clearance to do so. Most arthroscopic surgery recovery processes include physical therapy, which should be conducted by a professional. Doing too much exercise on one's own can be counterproductive and damaging to the repaired area.
Once healing has progressed to a certain point, physical therapy can be started. This process is meant to strengthen the affected area and restore mobility, and the process should not be rushed. Once little or no pain is felt in the affected area, the patient can begin to use the affected area more. It is important to continue to use the affected area regularly and properly; a regular exercise routine as well as a regular stretching routine can go a long way toward restoring strength and mobility, reducing the likelihood of re-injury, and alleviating pain.