Shoulder Surgery FAQ: 30 Expert Answers That Save Time

Call (352) 404-8956 or use our online booking system at Florida Sports Injury & Orthopedic Institute. Most new patients are seen within one week. Same-day and next-day appointments are available for urgent shoulder injuries. When scheduling, please have your insurance information ready and any previous imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs) if available.

Most insurance plans do not require a referral to see an orthopedic surgeon. However, some HMO plans and managed care plans may require authorization from your primary care physician. Contact your insurance provider before scheduling to confirm whether a referral is needed for your specific plan. Learn more about Medicare coverage for orthopedic services.

Most major insurance plans are accepted, including:

• Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Aetna
• Cigna
• UnitedHealthcare
• Humana
• Most major commercial plans

Call our office at (352) 404-8956 to verify your specific insurance plan before scheduling.

Please bring the following to your initial consultation:

• Photo ID and insurance card
• List of current medications
• Previous imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
• Medical records from previous doctors if available
• List of questions or concerns
• Completed new patient forms (available on our website)

Review the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons guide on preparing for your orthopedic appointment.

Initial consultations typically last 30-45 minutes. Dr. Varma will review your medical history, perform a comprehensive physical examination, discuss your symptoms and activity goals, and explain treatment options tailored to your specific condition. If imaging is needed, additional time may be required.

Depending on your symptoms, Dr. Varma may recommend:

• X-rays: To evaluate bones, joint alignment, and arthritis
• MRI: To visualize rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and soft tissue damage
• Ultrasound: For real-time evaluation of tendons and guided injections
• CT scan: For detailed bone structure assessment before complex surgeries

Not all patients need imaging. Dr. Varma will determine the appropriate tests based on your examination findings. Learn more about shoulder MRI imaging from the Radiological Society of North America.

Surgery is typically recommended when:

• Non-surgical treatments (physical therapy, injections, medications) have not provided adequate relief after 3-6 months
• You have a complete rotator cuff tear affecting function
• Shoulder instability causes recurrent dislocations
• Severe arthritis limits daily activities
• Acute injuries require surgical repair

Dr. Varma always explores non-surgical options first and recommends surgery only when necessary for optimal outcomes. The AAOS provides guidelines on when shoulder surgery becomes necessary.

Yes. Many shoulder conditions respond well to non-surgical treatment, including:

• Physical therapy and targeted exercises
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid or PRP injections
• Activity modification
• Rest and ice therapy
• Custom bracing or support

Dr. Varma emphasizes conservative treatment whenever appropriate and only recommends surgery when non-surgical methods are insufficient. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases provides comprehensive information on non-surgical shoulder treatments.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to promote healing in damaged tissues. The growth factors in PRP can help repair rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, and other soft tissue injuries. Research shows PRP can be effective for partial rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, and osteoarthritis when combined with physical therapy. Dr. Varma uses ultrasound guidance to ensure precise injection placement for optimal results.

Review current clinical research on PRP therapy for shoulder conditions from the National Library of Medicine.

Cortisone injections can provide significant pain relief for conditions like:

• Shoulder bursitis
• Rotator cuff tendinitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder arthritis

Relief typically lasts 3-6 months and can allow you to participate more effectively in physical therapy. However, cortisone is a temporary solution and doesn’t repair damaged tissue. Dr. Varma limits injections to 2-3 per year to avoid potential tissue weakening.

Learn about cortisone injection effectiveness from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Physical therapy strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and reduces pain without surgery. It’s effective for many shoulder conditions and is always tried first when appropriate. Surgery physically repairs damaged structures (torn tendons, unstable joints, worn cartilage) when conservative treatment fails. Most surgical patients still need physical therapy afterward for optimal recovery. Dr. Varma will recommend the approach most likely to restore your function and relieve pain based on your specific diagnosis. The American Physical Therapy Association provides evidence-based guidelines for shoulder rehabilitation.

Arthroscopic surgery uses small incisions (usually 3-4 small punctures) and a camera to visualize and repair shoulder structures. Benefits include:

• Smaller incisions and less scarring
• Less pain after surgery
• Faster recovery compared to open surgery
• Lower infection risk
• Better visualization of joint structures

Dr. Varma performs arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, labral repair, shoulder stabilization, and other procedures using advanced minimally invasive techniques. Read more about arthroscopic surgery techniques from the AAOS.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair typically takes 1-2 hours depending on the size and complexity of the tear. You’ll spend additional time in pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery before going home the same day. Most rotator cuff repairs are outpatient procedures, meaning you go home the same day after recovering from anesthesia.

Total Shoulder Replacement (Anatomic): Replaces the ball and socket with prosthetic components that mimic normal anatomy. Best for patients with arthritis and an intact rotator cuff. Reverse Shoulder Replacement: Reverses the ball and socket positions, allowing the deltoid muscle to compensate for a damaged rotator cuff. Best for patients with rotator cuff arthropathy or massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. Dr. Varma will recommend the appropriate type based on your rotator cuff condition, activity level, and arthritis severity. Learn more about shoulder replacement options and reverse shoulder replacement from the AAOS.

Most shoulder surgeries are outpatient procedures, including:

• Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
• Labral repair
• Shoulder stabilization
• Biceps tenodesis
• Most arthroscopic procedures

Shoulder replacement surgery sometimes requires an overnight hospital stay, but many patients now go home the same day depending on their medical condition and support system at home.

Most shoulder surgeries use general anesthesia (you’re asleep) combined with a nerve block for pain control. The nerve block numbs your shoulder and arm for 12-24 hours after surgery, significantly reducing post-operative pain. Your anesthesiologist will discuss the anesthesia plan with you before surgery and answer any questions. The American Society of Anesthesiologists provides detailed information about anesthesia for shoulder procedures.

Recovery timeline for rotator cuff repair:

• 0-6 weeks: Immobilization in a sling, passive motion exercises only
• 6-12 weeks: Gradual transition to active motion and light strengthening
• 3-4 months: Progressive strengthening and return to light activities
• 4-6 months: Return to full activities including sports
• 6-12 months: Continued strength improvement

Recovery time varies based on tear size, tissue quality, and adherence to physical therapy. Dr. Varma provides a personalized timeline during your consultation. Review AAOS recovery guidelines for rotator cuff surgery.

Yes. Physical therapy is crucial for optimal recovery after shoulder surgery. Your therapy program will be tailored to your specific procedure and typically includes:

• Passive range of motion exercises (early phase)
• Active motion exercises (middle phase)
• Strengthening exercises (later phase)
• Functional movement training
• Sport-specific exercises when appropriate

Dr. Varma works closely with experienced physical therapists and provides detailed protocols for your recovery. Access evidence-based rehabilitation protocols from the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.

Pain levels vary by individual and procedure type. Most patients experience:

• Day 0-1: Minimal pain due to nerve block
• Days 2-7: Moderate pain managed with prescribed medications
• Weeks 2-6: Gradually decreasing pain, often controlled with over-the-counter medications
• After 6 weeks: Minimal pain, mostly soreness with therapy exercises

Dr. Varma provides a comprehensive pain management plan including nerve blocks, medications, and cold therapy to keep you comfortable during recovery. Learn about pain medication options from the FDA.

Return to work depends on your job requirements:

• Desk job: 1-2 weeks (modified duty)
• Light physical work: 6-8 weeks
• Moderate physical work: 3-4 months
• Heavy labor: 4-6 months

Dr. Varma will provide specific work restrictions and clearance based on your healing progress and job demands. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides guidance on workplace ergonomics during recovery.

You can typically drive when:

• You’re no longer taking narcotic pain medications
• You can safely control the vehicle with your surgical arm
• You’re out of the sling (usually 4-6 weeks for most procedures)
• You have Dr. Varma’s clearance

For most patients, this is 4-6 weeks after surgery. Right shoulder surgery affects driving more than left shoulder surgery.

Yes, but most patients find it more comfortable to sleep in a recliner or propped up with pillows for the first 1-2 weeks. This position:

• Reduces swelling
• Minimizes pain
• Prevents rolling onto the surgical shoulder
• Makes it easier to get in and out of bed

You’ll wear your sling 24/7 (including while sleeping) for the first 4-6 weeks to protect the repair.

A rotator cuff tear is a tear in one or more of the four tendons that stabilize and move your shoulder. Tears can be:

• Partial: The tendon is damaged but not completely torn
• Full-thickness: The tendon is completely separated from the bone

Non-surgical treatment includes physical therapy, injections, and activity modification. This works well for many partial tears and some full-thickness tears in less active patients. Surgical repair is recommended for complete tears in active individuals, tears that don’t improve with conservative treatment, or tears affecting function and quality of life.

Read comprehensive information about rotator cuff tears and treatment from the AAOS.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition where the shoulder capsule becomes thick and tight, severely limiting motion. It typically progresses through three phases:

• Freezing (2-9 months): Gradual onset of pain and stiffness
• Frozen (4-12 months): Less pain but severely limited motion
• Thawing (6-24 months): Gradual improvement in motion

Total duration is typically 12-36 months. Treatment includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, and occasionally manipulation under anesthesia or arthroscopic capsular release for persistent cases.

Learn about frozen shoulder stages and treatment from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons are compressed against the acromion (part of the shoulder blade) during arm elevation. This causes:

• Pain with overhead activities
• Weakness and limited motion
• Night pain
• Progressive tendon damage if untreated

Treatment typically starts with physical therapy to improve shoulder mechanics, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes cortisone injections. If conservative treatment fails after 3-6 months, arthroscopic subacromial decompression surgery can remove the bone spur and create more space for the tendons.

Read detailed information on shoulder impingement syndrome from the AAOS.

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket and provides stability. Common labral tears include:

• SLAP tear: Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior tear, common in throwing athletes
• Bankart tear: Anterior labral tear from shoulder dislocation

Treatment depends on symptoms, activity level, and associated injuries. Athletes with SLAP tears or patients with recurrent shoulder dislocations usually benefit from arthroscopic labral repair. Less active individuals with minimal symptoms may do well with physical therapy alone.

Learn about SLAP tears and shoulder instability from the AAOS.

Shoulder instability occurs when the ball of the shoulder partially or completely dislocates from the socket. Causes include:

• Traumatic injury (sports, falls)
• Repetitive overhead activities
• Genetic ligament laxity
• Previous dislocations

Surgery is recommended when:

• Shoulder dislocates frequently despite physical therapy
• First dislocation in young active athletes (high re-dislocation risk)
• Instability affects daily activities or sports participation
• Bone loss is present

Arthroscopic or open stabilization surgery repairs torn ligaments and restores stability. Review current research on shoulder stabilization from the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

Shoulder arthritis is wear and tear of the cartilage cushioning the shoulder joint, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of motion. Types include:

• Osteoarthritis: Age-related wear and tear
• Rotator cuff arthropathy: Arthritis combined with massive rotator cuff tears
• Post-traumatic arthritis: After fractures or injuries
• Avascular necrosis: Loss of blood supply to the bone

Shoulder replacement is recommended when:

• Pain significantly affects quality of life
• Non-surgical treatments (therapy, injections, medications) no longer provide adequate relief
• X-rays show severe joint damage
• Loss of function limits daily activities

Learn about shoulder arthritis diagnosis and treatment from the AAOS.

While shoulder surgery is generally safe, potential risks include:

• Infection (less than 1% with arthroscopic surgery)
• Nerve injury (rare, usually temporary)
• Stiffness requiring additional therapy
• Re-tear of repaired tendons (5-15% depending on tear size)
• Blood clots (rare)
• Anesthesia complications

Dr. Varma takes extensive precautions to minimize risks, including antibiotic prophylaxis, sterile technique, and careful surgical planning. Most patients have excellent outcomes with proper surgical technique and post-operative rehabilitation.

Review surgical safety protocols from the National Institutes of Health.

Yes, many shoulder injuries can be prevented through:

• Proper warm-up: Dynamic stretching before activity
• Strength training: Regular rotator cuff and scapular strengthening exercises
• Technique modification: Proper throwing and overhead mechanics
• Pitch counts: For young baseball players to prevent overuse
• Cross-training: Varying activities to avoid repetitive stress
• Adequate rest: Allowing recovery between intense activities

Dr. Varma works with athletes to develop injury prevention programs tailored to their sport. The STOP Sports Injuries campaign provides evidence-based prevention strategies.