Following arthroscopy of the hip, knee, or the shoulder, our goal is to get you back to work when your pain is controlled. Depending on your job description, this could be as early as two, three, or even four days if you are allowed to wear a sling at work. If you are not permitted to wear a sling and are required to lift items during the day or repetitively, this could take as long as six to eight weeks. What is important is that you retun to work when you feel you can do your job safely and your pain is controlled.