Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure using a small camera and precision instruments to diagnose and repair problems inside the shoulder joint, most commonly rotator cuff tears and labral (cartilage rim) injuries.
Common conditions treated
- Rotator cuff tears — tears in the group of tendons stabilizing the shoulder, often from injury or age-related wear.
- Labral tears (including SLAP tears) — injuries to the cartilage rim that deepens the shoulder socket, common in overhead athletes and after dislocations.
- Shoulder instability/recurrent dislocation — repair of stretched or torn ligaments that keep the shoulder in place.
- Impingement syndrome — smoothing bone or soft tissue that pinches the rotator cuff during movement.
- Frozen shoulder (in select cases) — release of tight joint capsule tissue when non-surgical treatment hasn't worked.
How the procedure works
Under general or regional anesthesia (often combined with a nerve block for pain control), the surgeon makes a few small incisions around the shoulder. The arthroscope provides a magnified view of the joint on a screen, allowing tears to be repaired — typically with small anchors and sutures — through the same small openings. Procedures usually take one to two hours depending on complexity.
Recovery timeline
- Week 0–2: Arm typically kept in a sling for protection; pendulum and passive motion exercises begin early under physiotherapy guidance.
- Week 2–6: Gradual increase in passive and active-assisted range of motion; sling use reduced as guided by the surgical team.
- Week 6–12: Active strengthening exercises begin once the repair has had time to heal; return to desk work and daily activities.
- 3–6 months: Continued strengthening; return to sport and overhead activity, timed to the specific repair performed.
Rotator cuff and labral repairs need time for the tendon or cartilage to heal to bone — rushing strengthening too early is one of the most common causes of setback, so physiotherapy progression is deliberately gradual.
What to expect day-to-day during sling use
Most patients can manage light daily tasks with the unaffected arm while the operated shoulder rests in the sling. Sleeping propped up (rather than flat) is often more comfortable in the first couple of weeks. Pain is generally well controlled with a combination of medication, ice, and proper sling support.
Living with shoulder pain or instability?
Book a consultation with Dr. Zalariya, fellowship-trained in shoulder arthroscopy, to discuss your options.
This article is for general patient education and does not replace individual medical advice. Every patient's condition is different — please consult Dr. Zalariya or your own treating surgeon before making decisions about your care.