In the course of arthroscopic surgery, the doctor inserts a small camera into the joint space to see what is going on inside. After a sterile wash and drape, he or she then inserts an arthroscope and other instruments to perform the procedure. The images are then projected on a monitor in the treatment room. The surgeon then removes any debris or excess tissue in the joint. Patients often require physical therapy for the following six to eight weeks after the surgery to regain the strength of their shoulder. A surgeon uses a thin, video-guided instrument called an arthroscope to make small incisions in the shoulder joint.