Robert Nascimento, MD Request an appointment

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Don't see your question here? Reach out directly on the Contact page.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?+
Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician before an orthopedic visit is covered. Check your plan, or call the office and we can help you confirm.
What should I bring to my first appointment?+
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any prior imaging (X-ray or MRI) related to your injury. See the Patient Information page for the full checklist and downloadable intake forms.
How long is the wait for a new-patient appointment?+
[Add your typical scheduling window here — e.g. "Most new patients are seen within 1–2 weeks."]
Will I need surgery?+
Not necessarily. Many shoulder and knee conditions improve with physical therapy, bracing, or injections. Surgery is discussed when it's the option most likely to get you back to full function, and it's always your decision.
How long does recovery take after surgery?+
It depends on the procedure — a rotator cuff repair and an ACL reconstruction have very different timelines. Your specific recovery plan, including expected milestones, is covered during your consultation and detailed in the Rehab Protocols page.
Do you treat weekend athletes, or only competitive/professional athletes?+
Both. Sports medicine care is tailored to your own activity goals, whether that's returning to a competitive season or simply getting back to your regular workouts.
What insurance do you accept?+
See the full list on the Patient Information page. If you don't see your plan listed, call the office to confirm coverage.
How do I get my rehab protocol or forms?+
Post-operative rehab protocols are available by procedure on the Rehab Protocols page, and new-patient forms are available on the Patient Information page — both downloadable as PDFs.
How can I reach the office with a question between visits?+
Call or email the office directly — see the Contact page for phone, email, and office hours.
Dr. Nascimento on the Boston College sideline

Recovery

Post-operative FAQ

Common questions after shoulder and knee surgery. Unless noted otherwise, all procedures are performed outpatient — you go home the same day.

Shoulder surgery

General recovery+
  • Outpatient surgery — you go home the same day.
  • Sling is usually worn for 4–6 weeks, depending on the procedure (clavicle procedures are typically 2–4 weeks, with variation depending on your situation).
  • Physical therapy typically starts 2 weeks after surgery. Mild discomfort with PT is expected, and consistency is critical — we generally recommend 1–2 sessions per week, adjusted based on procedure and progress.
  • Incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and sometimes glue; nothing usually needs to be removed unless otherwise specified.
  • For arthroscopic procedures, photos are taken during surgery and you'll receive copies — we review these at your first post-op visit.
  • A nerve block usually lasts 12–36 hours. Sensation and strength return gradually, not all at once.
  • Post-operative swelling and bruising is normal and can take days to weeks to improve.
  • Recovery often comes in waves — good days and bad days are both normal. Progress is measured over weeks, not days.
Dressing & wound care+
  • The surgical dressing may be removed 3 days after surgery.
  • Aquacel (a waterproof dressing) used after open procedures stays on for 7 days, and you can shower with it in place.
  • Showering is allowed 3 days after surgery — if you have a pain catheter, wait until it's removed.
  • No submerging (baths, pools, hot tubs) until incisions are completely healed, usually around 4–6 weeks.
Pain control+
  • Begin pain medication before the nerve block fully wears off — it's normal for pain to increase as it does.
  • Use narcotic pain medication only as needed, transitioning to acetaminophen and/or NSAIDs as pain improves.
  • Narcotics commonly cause constipation — consider stool softeners, hydration, and fiber while taking them.
Showering tips+
Many patients find it easiest to switch to a mesh sling, or remove the sling and let the arm hang gently in front, while showering.
Movement & activity restrictions+
  • Do not lift, push, or pull with the operative arm unless cleared.
  • Avoid sudden movements or supporting body weight with the arm.
  • No overhead lifting until cleared by your surgeon.
  • Light pendulum exercises can usually begin 3–4 days after surgery, once the nerve block wears off, unless you're told otherwise.
Driving+
You may not drive while taking narcotic pain medication. We generally recommend waiting 4–6 weeks after surgery before driving, to ensure safe control.
Sleeping+
Sleeping in a recliner or propped up in an upright position can be more comfortable for the first 1–2 weeks.
Travel+
We recommend avoiding travel for at least 2–4 weeks after surgery, if possible.
Airport security+
Shoulder replacement hardware and clavicle hardware are fine to go through metal detectors.
Dental work+
Dental work should be avoided for 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery. Patients with a total shoulder replacement need prophylactic antibiotics before dental work indefinitely.
Return to work+
  • Desk/sedentary work: typically 1–2 weeks, depending on pain and comfort.
  • Manual/physical labor: typically 12+ weeks, with limitations on pushing, pulling, and lifting returning gradually.
  • Work notes and disability paperwork: please allow 3–5 days for completion.
Return to sports & exercise+

All timelines depend on procedure, healing, strength, and pain control — clearance is required before advancing activity.

  • Light cardio (stationary bike, walking): usually okay around 2 weeks.
  • Jogging: usually okay around 8–10 weeks.
  • Golf: chipping and putting around 3 months, half swings then full swings around 5–6 months.
  • Swimming: repetitive overhead strokes around 5–6 months.
Scar care+
  • Do not apply lotions, creams, or oils until incisions are fully healed.
  • Once healed, scar massage and silicone gel or sheets may help scar appearance.
  • Protect scars from sun exposure for the first year.
Post-op imaging & expectations+
  • Post-op MRIs aren't routine — they're only ordered if clinically necessary.
  • Tendons and ligaments heal slowly; improvements continue for months, not weeks.
  • Some residual stiffness, weakness, or soreness is normal during recovery.
Hardware & implants+
Plates, screws, and anchors are designed to remain in place permanently. Hardware removal isn't routine, and is only considered if it becomes symptomatic.

Knee surgery

General recovery+
  • Outpatient surgery — you go home the same day, unless otherwise specified.
  • Most knee surgeries start physical therapy at 2 weeks post-op. ACL and multi-ligament procedures typically start PT within the first 5 days, with a CPM machine used at home if therapy can't start within the first week.
  • Mild discomfort with PT is expected, and consistency is critical — we generally recommend 1–2 sessions per week, adjusted based on procedure and progress.
  • A brace is usually worn for 6–8 weeks, with adjustments depending on the procedure.
  • Incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and glue; nothing usually needs to be removed unless otherwise specified.
  • For arthroscopic procedures, photos are taken during surgery and you'll receive copies — we review these at your first post-op visit.
  • A nerve block usually lasts 12–36 hours. Sensation and strength return gradually, not all at once.
  • Recovery often comes in waves — good days and bad days are both normal. Progress is measured over weeks, not days.
Dressing & wound care+
  • The dressing may be removed, and replaced for showering, 3 days after surgery.
  • Showering is allowed 3 days after surgery — if you have a pain catheter, wait until it's removed.
  • No submerging (baths, pools, hot tubs) until incisions are completely closed.
Driving after knee surgery+
  • Right knee surgery (ACL, meniscus, tendon repairs): typically 6 weeks before driving.
  • Left knee surgery: once you can sit comfortably in the car and safely operate the pedals, usually 4–6 weeks.
  • You may not drive while taking narcotic pain medication.
Travel+
Avoid travel for at least 2–4 weeks after surgery, when possible.
Blood clot (DVT) prevention+
After lower-extremity surgery, patients are typically placed on aspirin for 4 weeks to help prevent blood clots, unless otherwise directed.
Pain control+
  • Begin pain medication before the nerve block fully wears off — it's normal for pain to increase as it does.
  • Use narcotic pain medication only as needed, transitioning to acetaminophen and/or NSAIDs as pain improves.
  • Narcotics commonly cause constipation — consider stool softeners, hydration, and fiber while taking them.
Return to work+
  • Desk/sedentary work: typically 1–2 weeks, depending on pain and comfort.
  • Manual/physical labor: typically 12+ weeks, with limitations on squatting, lifting, and twisting. A brace is recommended if returning earlier to a physically demanding job.
  • Work notes and disability paperwork: please allow 3–5 days for completion.
Scar care+
  • Do not apply lotions, creams, or oils until incisions are fully healed.
  • Once healed, scar massage and silicone gel or sheets may help scar appearance.
  • Protect scars from sun exposure for the first year.
Post-op imaging & expectations+
  • Post-op MRIs aren't routine — they're only ordered if clinically necessary.
  • Tendons and ligaments heal slowly; improvements continue for months, not weeks.
  • Some residual stiffness, weakness, or soreness is normal during recovery.
Home safety tips+
A shower chair is strongly recommended after knee surgery. Remove loose rugs and other obstacles at home to reduce fall risk.
Hardware & implants+
Plates, screws, and anchors are designed to remain in place permanently. Hardware removal isn't routine, and is only considered if it becomes symptomatic.

General — all surgeries

General post-op guidance+
  • Pain control: take medications as prescribed, and avoid driving or alcohol while on narcotics.
  • Swelling & bruising: normal, and can last several weeks.
  • Ice & elevation: often recommended to help with swelling and pain.
  • Red flags: contact the office for fever, worsening redness, drainage, calf pain, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
  • Follow-up appointments: keep all scheduled post-op visits — typically at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, with an additional visit at 9 months for ACL patients and 1 year for ACL and total shoulder patients.