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Post-Op Care

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

  1. Keep dressing clean and dry. Do not get the dressing wet. Cover the dressing with a plastic bag for showers. You may remove dressing in 4 days.
  2. Keep the surgical hand/arm elevated above the heart level.
  3. You may use the hand as much as the dressing will allow. If the fingers are out of the dressing, you need to use them.
  4. If a complication arises after office hours, please call the office at (860) 525-4469. The answering service will be able to contact the physician on call.
  5. Please call the office (860) 525-4469 upon discharge to schedule a post-operative appointment if you have not already done so.

Hand, Wrist & Arm Surgery

  1. Keep dressing clean, dry, and in place, until seen by your Doctor. Do not get the dressing wet. Cover the dressing with a plastic bag for showers.
  2. Keep the surgical hand/arm elevated above the heart level.
    You may use the hand as much the dressing will allow. If the fingers are out of the dressing, you need to use them.
  3. If a complication arises after office hours, please call the office at (860) 525-4469. The answering service will be able to contact the physician on call.
  4. Please call the office (860) 525-4469 upon discharge to schedule a post-operative appointment if you have not already done so.

Shoulder Arthroscopy Surgery

  1. Dressings: Your dressing may be removed in 2 days. There are no stitches in the skin. You may shower after 2 days (only if there is no drainage from the wounds). Do not bathe or submerge the shoulder in water until you are checked in the office.
  2. Activity: You may use your arm normally, but you will probably be most comfortable wearing a sling for a couple of days. Heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. Pain should be expected for 5-10 days.
  3. Exercises: Try to move the shoulder through as great a range of motion as possible, several minutes each hour while awake.
  4. Medication: You will be given a prescription for pain medication. You may take this medication as prescribed if you are having pain. If additional medication is required, please call the office (860) 525-4469.
  5. Follow Up: You should call the office (860) 525-4469 the day after your surgery and make an appointment for follow-up 5-6 days from the date of your procedure. If you have any questions or concerns, let our secretary know, and we will get back to you.
  6. Work: Your return to work will be discussed during your follow-up appointment.

Rotator Cuff Surgery

  1. Dressings: Your dressing may be removed in 2 days. There is Tegaderm over the incisions. You may remove the Tegaderm and replace with Bandaids. Keep the incision clean and dry for 2 days.
  2. Activity: You may only move the arm at the elbow joint. Overhead activity and lifting are not permitted. YOU MUST WEAR THE SLING PROVIDED FOR YOU UNTIL YOUR FOLLOW-UP VISIT. DO NOT MOVE YOUR SHOULDER.
  3. Medication: You will be given a prescription for pain medication. You may take this medication as prescribed if you are having pain. If additional medication is required, please call our office.
  4. Follow-up: You should call the office (860) 525-4469 the day after your surgery and make an appointment for follow-up, 5-6 days from the date of your procedure. If you have any specific questions or concerns, let our secretary know, and we will get back to you.
  5. Work: Your return to work status will be evaluated during your follow-up visit. Be sure to follow the above ACTIVITY instructions.