In the past, shoulder arthroscopy earned a reputation that still makes many patients anxious today. Many people recall stories from friends or coworkers describing severe post-operative pain, heavy narcotic use, prolonged arm numbness, and a slow, uncomfortable recovery. While the surgery itself may have been technically successful, the experience afterward was often the most difficult part.
In 2026, that experience no longer reflects what modern shoulder arthroscopy should be.
At SIGMA Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we have redesigned the entire perioperative experience—from anesthesia and pain control to recovery and rehabilitation—so that patients are not just treated surgically, but supported through a faster, safer, and more comfortable recovery. The result is a shoulder arthroscopy experience that feels fundamentally different from what patients may have heard in the past.
Historically, post-operative pain control relied heavily on broad regional nerve blocks and opioid medications. While effective at numbing pain initially, these approaches often caused complete arm weakness, lingering numbness, rebound pain when the block wore off, and an over-reliance on narcotics during the first several days after surgery. For many patients, pain relief came at the cost of delayed mobility and increased risk.
A Precision-Based Approach to Pain Control
The SIGMA approach replaces this outdated model with precision-based pain management.
Rather than numbing the entire arm, we focus on the specific nerves and tissue layers responsible for post-operative shoulder pain. By targeting the suprascapular and axillary nerves—two of the primary contributors to shoulder joint and deltoid pain—we are able to provide powerful pain relief while preserving muscle function. Patients maintain better control of their arm, avoid prolonged paralysis, and feel more confident moving early in the recovery process.
This nerve-targeted strategy is paired with long-acting local anesthetic technology that continues working well beyond the day of surgery. The goal is to protect the critical first 48 to 72 hours after arthroscopy, when inflammation and pain typically peak, without relying on narcotics to manage discomfort. These medications are placed intentionally in specific anatomic planes rather than injected broadly, improving consistency, safety, and durability of pain control.
Layered Pain Control for Better Outcomes
Post-operative pain does not come from a single source. Joint capsule irritation, soft-tissue inflammation, surgical portals, and muscular trauma all contribute. The SIGMA protocol addresses each of these layers directly, creating comprehensive pain control without excessive medication exposure. This layered strategy minimizes side effects while maximizing patient comfort.
Pain management at SIGMA does not stop in the operating room. Our multimodal recovery protocol includes scheduled non-opioid medications, advanced cryotherapy, early guided motion when appropriate, and thorough patient education so expectations are aligned before surgery even begins. Each component works together to reduce inflammation, prevent pain escalation, and keep recovery progressing smoothly.
A Noticeably Different Recovery Experience
What patients notice most is how different the recovery feels. Many are surprised that their arm is not completely numb, that pain is manageable without heavy narcotics, and that they feel comfortable beginning rehabilitation sooner than expected. Instead of bracing for days of discomfort, patients often describe feeling in control of their recovery from the very first day.
This approach also reduces real risk. By minimizing opioid exposure, patients avoid common side effects such as nausea, constipation, mental fog, and the potential for dependence. By preserving muscle function, they regain confidence faster and transition more smoothly into physical therapy. The entire recovery process becomes safer, more predictable, and more patient-centered.
Redefining Shoulder Arthroscopy
At SIGMA, we believe excellence in surgery is not defined solely by what happens inside the joint, but by how patients feel and function afterward. Shoulder arthroscopy in 2026 should not be feared based on outdated experiences. With modern techniques, precision pain control, and advanced recovery strategies, it can be a comfortable, efficient, and empowering experience.
This is the SIGMA approach—where technology transforms care, precision accelerates recovery, and patients experience what modern shoulder surgery was always meant to be.
