Surgery FAQ

Surgery is considered only when the diagnosis, imaging, and your functional goals point in that direction. Most joint and tendon problems improve with conservative care, injections, or orthobiologics first. We try the least invasive option with a clear timeline, and move to surgery only when that plan isn't meeting your goals.

Dr. Woolf confirms the surgical plan, reviews your medications, and checks for any conditions that could affect surgery. Routine blood work and X-rays are usually done one to two weeks beforehand. You will also receive instructions on eating, drinking, and which medicines to hold before surgery.

Most shoulder and knee procedures performed here are outpatient, meaning you go home the same day. Complex cases or patients with certain medical conditions may need an overnight stay. We will tell you what to expect when we schedule your surgery.

Most orthopedic surgeries use a combination of anesthesia tailored to the procedure and your health. This often includes a nerve block for pain control plus sedation or general anesthesia. The anesthesia team will explain the plan and answer your questions before surgery.

Put frequently used items within easy reach, remove loose rugs, tape down cords, and set up a firm chair with arms. Shoulder surgery patients often sleep better in a recliner. Arrange help with cooking, shopping, cleaning, and laundry for the first several days.

Bring a photo ID, insurance cards, a list of current medications, and any advance directives if you have them. Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Leave valuables at home. You must have a responsible adult drive you home.

Some pain and swelling are expected for the first few days. Ice, elevation, and prescribed medications help. Pain should gradually trend downward. If pain suddenly worsens, the dressing becomes soaked, or swelling does not improve with elevation and ice, call the office.

Keep the dressing clean and dry until Dr. Woolf tells you it is safe to remove or change it. Most incisions can be gently cleaned after the initial dressing change, but soaking in a bath, pool, or hot tub is not allowed until the incision is fully healed.

You may not drive while taking opioid pain medication or while a sling or brace limits your ability to react. Desk work often resumes within several days to a week. Physical jobs, overhead work, and sports return on a staged schedule based on healing.

Very important. Therapy protects the repair, restores motion, and rebuilds strength in the right order. Doing too much too soon can harm the repair; doing too little can leave you stiff. We work with your therapist so everyone is on the same plan.

Call us for increased drainage from the incision, spreading redness, swelling that does not decrease with ice and elevation, foul odor, or a fever over 101°F. Call 911 for chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden calf pain, or signs of stroke.

If you smoke, stop at least 2–4 weeks before surgery because tobacco impairs bone and soft-tissue healing. Avoid alcohol after surgery, especially if you are taking pain medications, as it increases bleeding and sedation risks.