I had a hard time not being active because I am extremely active normally. I found the pain unbelievable and was so unprepared for it being so unrelenting. Hi. My sling comes off today. Shoulder Stiffness. I am only doing PT approx every 10 days because of the expense. I think the doctor you choose makes all the difference on recovery. You are doing therapy aren't you? I couldn't lay on my back for the LONGEST time. There are four common phases. I typically recommend non-surgical treatment for an isolated injury to the biceps. However, I've not been on painkillers since week 4. "@type": "PostalAddress", This is because the area around the shoulder is compressed when you are sleeping. I putter around the house but need to stop and ice my shoulder with my arm well supported with pillows several times a day. Anyway it's the worst pain I have ever felt and I am wondering if I am going ceazy or if I am just impatient?? Range of motion is a "forever" thing. It has helped however, to read all these posts and realize that my experience is not so unusual. Rotator cuff pain is often worse at night. A good nights sleep means you can put up with most things in life, and like others, too little sleep means I feel like a zombie. Okay, let's do the surgery. Because I don't think, I know he would have asked a series of pertinent questions, would have done a physical examination of your shoulder, and possibly would . Something about the bed made my arm ache. Thank you for this post! I also had my neck fused 3,4 5 6 7 and a plate put in 10/18/17. (I cannot take NSAID's because I am also on blood thinner.) I'm in the immobilizer unless I'm doing the exercises, bathing, or occasionally typing a lesson plan for my substitute at school. The rotator cuff surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff muscle or tendon usually involves one or more of the following surgical goals: . Patient- and tear-specific demographics were analyzed in a retrospective series of patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Overall, about 90% of patients are satisfied with their shoulder after cuff repair and experience significant improvement in function after surgery. I'm now at 10 months post op. If particular attention is not directed to the patient during the positioning, a cervical disc may be injured or aggravated. I started working out again too. I can at least confirm, as will many others, you are NOT going crazy. However, if the surgery is complicated or if a patient has some other health issue, the surgeon may recommend an overnight stay. In a good way. I am so sorry for the suffering you were having. PS: My DH has been wonderful in his care for me. I had physical therapy after one week. "https://www.facebook.com/AzaleaOrtho/", "acceptedAnswer": { My partner helped me with the physio but again that would often be so painful as the scar tissue was 'exercised'! During this time, you should avoid lifting heavy objects or doing other exercises that could cause complications. Prevent contractures with gentle stretching exercises. If you are considering rotator cuff surgery, you should learn about the risks and benefits of the procedure. The pains in the elbow and wrist are gone, but occasional bicep pain can still be felt. Best wishes. All you went through and may still be going through. It still aches some and I don't sleep great but I'm able to get fairly comfortable and like you.. (We sometimes get posts here from cruisers who chose not to buy insurance. Sounds very much like yours. Because of that, I will be lucky to get 80% function back in my bicep and I am only 33. Pain after shoulder surgery is normal. My two worst days were after laser therapy. Working when I feel up to it, and doing my best to feel better. Im getting more nervous the closer we get. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in }, The physical therapist told me that the muscles around the surgery site often tighten up because they overcompensate for the injury. "dayOfWeek": [ What do your doctor and physical therapist say? Though I am 66, I have always been fairly active, enjoy exercising and keeping busy. I am a bit shocked about how much it has taken out of me as well and miss my more active lifestyle. I'm sure the crew will take very good care of you. Alternatively, sleeping on your stomach with your arms at your side will also help reduce the pain. You are just going to have to do what feels right to you. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? Maybe just as well, but would it have stopped us from having the operation in the 1st place? respect of any healthcare matters. After the first PT visit I got smart and ice like its my job afterward. I'm glad your pain level is good! The upside is that you DO get there. I am a 55 year old female and had my surgery on 12/02. It just feels impossible to keep the shoulder from moving 24/7. It might come as surprise to many, but I've worn the sling very little from day one, as it's just too uncomfortable, and obviously creates greater pressure on a nerve somewhere, as I feel increased discomfort over my biceps muscle. "@type": "GeoCoordinates", recovery, from 8-12 weeks after the surgery, is focused on getting the shoulder to move normally again, while still not doing any lifting that could pull apart the repair. "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM72k8bVPHZeOI6gP-Xh2w", My brother warned me as he had similar surgery 10 years ago and I can remember him crying quite vividlya grown, strong, tough man who works in construction reduced to tears. first listens to your symptoms and performs an examination. I also took the sling off for a couple hours did a few things around the house (protecting the arm) but my shoulder has been increasing in pain. The best way to improve your ROM and "stretch" the shoulder is to work on it frequently and use "body weight stretches" . Since then the sling has been off and the real PT has begun 3 times a week. I have 3 weeks till my next follow up and I don't see how I can go back to work as a letter carrier without limitations at this point. My experience to date is that I had a massive, full thickness supraspinatus tendon tear (Part of the upper rotator cuff) in March 2018, as a result of falling 10/12 feet after the ladder I was on fractured, dropping me onto the floor like a sack of potatoes, resulting in hip, but mainly shoulder damage, which has required substantial repair. Surgical treatment cannot predict the outcome of your shoulder, but an experienced physician will first try to rehabilitate the shoulder with physical therapy before recommending surgery. Im looking for people that have gone through this for advice based on their experience. I saw several comments about not being told the whole truth about the pain. I am scared! We do have lots of similarities. In addition to pain, recovery from this type of procedure can cause shoulder stiffness. My left shoulder ( good one , not worked on) stings at times, since I use it more I guess. I have expressed my concerns about the difficulty of being without a recliner to my husband but he really wants to go on the cruise. You can also try sleeping on the other shoulder. The "new" therapist used the concept of manual passive massage. At 8 weeks it will be about 40% strong and after 12 weeks the tendon is 60% as strong as . Diagnostic images such as X-rays and MRI can help gather more information, and another option is to perform an arthroscopic examination of the rotator cuff. How are you doing now? Started August 27, 2021, By Notes on After Rotator Cuff Surgery-when will the pain end? Hes got pictures autographed all over his office. Each patient recovers at a different pace. The appointments were to be three times per week but their schedule was so tight, due to end of the year scheduling, that I was only able to go once a week. Most patients, when lifting the arm up overhead, will notice that the head of the humerus bone will ride upwards and restrict motion. Also, even though I have been relatively pain free, I just moved back into my bed 4 nights ago. Just one certain motion still hurts, if I try to touch my bicep on my forehead. The pain is intense at times and I still take pain medication at night. Revision rotator cuff surgery is more risky than primary surgery, but fortunately, many patients are satisfied with the outcome. While some rotator cuff injuries do require surgical intervention, others can be treated without surgery. Follow the tips of the doctor to get well as quickly as possible. The pain can last for several weeks, but it will subside in a couple of months. Around 3 months after surgery, you will start strengthening exercises. appropriate medical assistance immediately. This can result in premature arthritis and lost work time. Imamom, May 26, 2019 in Ask a Cruise Question. I had rotator cuff surgery on 12/15/16. It maybe helped 25% or so with the pain, so I soldiered on with my therapy. Check with your PT. I am so sorry for your pain. Repair the tear, cut the biceps tendon and reattach it to an anchor, clear out shredded muscle, and shave the bone to allow clearance without rubbing. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. I had the same thing happen when walking. She finally told me she was cutting me loose and I stopped going, only to start again two weeks later. Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol Overview a. Is it normal to have pain 3 weeks after shoulder surgery? Actually, this is a very good suggestion even if you do not have a balcony. } Do the icing and heat if you need to. "addressCountry": "US" Any info on swimming and its harm or benefit in the early months? You don't snap back to normal quickly; you can't sleep the way you would like to (I remember all those nights in a recliner), etc. I got home from work and noticed a bulge in my bicep area. They did an mri and the Dr. said I have a tear in my rotator cuff. I dont need lectures and Im not looking for medical advice. It requires a long, slow recovery. I do wear the sling when out & about, to prevent the arm being jostled about, and for the sympathy vote! I can tolerate the discomfort there. I also know I am losing more and more range of motion. Hang in there though, it does get better, just not yet. I still wear the sling when outside the house as it is an uncontrolled environment. Best wishes. (Unless I wanted to wear it just to be more comfortable ). I don't know when that will stop. The first 2 to 5 weeks were the worst pain. You'll need rehab after rotator cuff surgery. Another thing not mentioned before the op, was the possibility of things swelling. If the appearance of the muscle bothers you, then by all means get an appointment with your surgeon to discuss treatment options. Thank you for the information! "https://www.instagram.com/azaleaortho/" Even if you "just" spend a lot of time looking out over the water and relaxing what a perfect way to spend some recuperation time! I was so happy to find this site. This means wearing it at all times, including sleeping. I also had rotator cuff repair surgery in January of 2017, I am at about 10 weeks post op. I've talked to others that have spent months in the recliner. If you have a nerve block, it is normal for your hands and fingers to be numb for some time after surgery. I hope you can go on the cruise and both of you can have a nice relaxing time. I'm heading into tenth week post rotary cuff surgery, massive tear they said. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are How Long Is Recovery After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Surgery? That being said, perhaps you could get some extra pillows from your cabin steward and create a bed/nest on the sofa in your cabin, which would allow you to sleep in a partially sitting position. }, { I am a 56 year old female who usually has a high tolerance for pain. Recommendation is to repair. "closes": "17:00" Two hundred seventy-four patients (153 [56%] men and 121 [44%] women; mean age, 53 years) were analyzed. I have an old boyfriend who is a fabulous skier. I was released by my surgeon May 5, 2017. He didn't know how bad the tendon was till he got in and had to make a big incision under my arm pit to do that repair. How you care for the shoulder in the weeks and months that follow will also affect the success of the operation. I've torn both rotator cuffs (massive tear on my dominant side) and ruptured both biceps tendons, but the biceps ruptured after the cuff repair surgeries. I felt like not going back to my PT a week ago since it hurt So Bad, but I am continuing it. Re: RC surgery 10 weeks ago. Huge! My surgeon recommended physical therapy (passive range of motion) to begin four days after surgery. Your experience sounds a lot like mine. Physical therapy will involve regular appointments and exercises that you can do at home. "Thursday", It is very emotionally draining. Ill just fall if I cant steady myself . Thank you for the great advice. As you are seeing, for many people thisis serious, painful surgery, with a long and often painfulrecovery. B offers several types of surgery, including minimally invasive arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff and superior capsule reconstruction if necessary. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By I agree with the advice to talk with your surgeon and physical therapist. Partial tears, for example, may require trimming, removal of thick bursitis or calcium deposits, and removal of bone spurs. About 2 months after my surgery I went to a different physical therapist due to us going to another state for a few months. Move your elbows up and down and close to your body when not in the sling. You must never drive with the sling. I appreciate the stretching however excruciating it is as I feel like I can move again afterwards, but the throbbing pain at the same sight of one of my tears has me concerned. I start massage therapy tomorrow with a licensed medical massage therapist. I have a cruise scheduled for next week and will be at 9 weeks post op for right rotator cuff/bicep repair. The usual recovery time before resuming any weighted work is 14 weeks. I share a lot of your same issues. If there are conflicting instructions from your doctor and therapist, please meet your doctor to clarify. Once youve had rotator cuff surgery, its important to follow specific post-surgical instructions to get the most out of your recovery. You can see how to lie comfortably on your side and back with a sling on in the video above. This is my story. Now I'm sleeping in the guest room propped up on pillows. "mainEntity": [ GeezerCouple, Thanks so much for suggesting this!! This is because the rotator cuff muscles lack full control of the shoulder. I am going to talk to the PT about sling use for long walks. Especially at night. Posted May 26, 2019. It turned out my shoulder was inflamed with fluid, ( arthritis, so they said..) so I got a cortisone shot which they don't like to do so soon after surgery as it can inhibit healing and make the tissues weaker. While in there he "trimmed" a bone in my shoulder and did manipulation and cleaning that they do for frozen shoulder. At the PT appointments, they always start with heat and end with ice. "openingHoursSpecification": { appointments were to be three times per week but their schedule was so tight, due to end of the year scheduling, that I was only able to go once a week. The massages I get from the therapist are life changing. Thank you for this inspiration! and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified . Maybe a bit winded, but I found this thread while awake at 4 in the morning. I went on a cruise last year two weeks after tearing the rotator cuff of my dominant arm, but there are many different ways to tear a rotator cuff and mine was less incapacitating. Dont drive. start mid-range of motion range of motion rotator cuff external and internal rotations active and light resistance exercises (through 75% of range of motion as patient's symptoms permit) without shoulder elevation and avoiding extreme end range of motion. I wish I could say the same for myself. Good idea. You should expect to make some progress within the first few months, but complete recovery may take more than a year. That's interesting. After rotator cuff surgery, recovery can be a long and painful process. Not sure if maybe it released some scar tissue that had built up, or maybe just coincidence and it was all about time. This means there is about 4 1/2 months from the time it tore off to repair. My surgery was January 18, 2018. offers several types of surgery, including minimally invasive arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff and superior capsule reconstruction if necessary. The water allows you to move your arm with very little stress on your shoulder. I am afraid I am going back to ortho soon.. guess that's the curse of bad genetics and bad luck. This helps the surgeon check for any ligament or cartilage wear that may be affecting the stability and integrity of the joint. Dr. Foreman: It sounds as if the biceps tenodesis came apart and the biceps muscle has fallen in your arm. Too soon will likely cause the injury. What helps rotator cuff pain after surgery? I feel medium pain and discomfort all the time. I believe recovery can definately take up to a year. I'm right handed so this has been a real learning experience. Most of the info I have found in the internet seems to be consistent with keeping the arm immobilized for the first six weeks. No worries, we were all new at one time. During this process, you may feel a lot of pain, which is an essential part of the recovery process. Complete recovery time varies by size of the tear. The pain was excruciating and I cried constantly. He said to rest my arm for 2 months and see if that helps. About a week ago a "therapist" we'll call Hitler just about yanked my arm from my body. They can't fix his shoulder anymore. A shoulder immobilizer may be required for 4-6 weeks for maximal healing. I slept in a recliner for one week. If the dressing or wound is still wet, remove the bandage and dry the wound, change the bandage with another bandage. Rehabilitation plays a vital role in getting you back . You may be surprised how much strength you will have lost. Its not a sprint its a marathon. I used ice for the first few weeks then I preferred heat. But if you have symptoms of shoulder surgery, such as pain, numbness, or . That loss of strength ends up causing more pain. I was taking Jacuzzis twice a day and icing off & on all day as much as I could. Early strengthening will help to establish a solid scapular foundation and prevent tightness and re-tears. "https://www.linkedin.com/company/azalea-orthopedic/", Shoulder seems to be doing very well and has had vary little pain the entire 9 weeks. Even with the bone spur, there is minimal to np impingement according to the mri. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? I DID take my pain meds before my therapy sessions for quite a while. When appropriate, non-surgical treatment may be the first line of defense, but our physicians will also inform you when surgery is needed. Rehabilitation. In most cases, this can get treated with home care, but if the pain persists, it is time to see a shoulder surgeon. LauraS Patients began internal and ER strengthening and scapular stabilizer strengthening at 8 weeks from surgery. Always start with heat and end with ice i get from the time it tore off repair. Maybe a bit shocked about how much it has helped however, to the. Getting you back and end with ice months, but it will be lucky to get the most of! As strong as is minimal to np impingement according to the biceps muscle has fallen in arm. Handed so this has been wonderful in his care for me into tenth week post cuff. Thread while awake at 4 in the guest room propped up on pillows `` https: //www.linkedin.com/company/azalea-orthopedic/,. Work and noticed a bulge in my bicep on my forehead boyfriend is... Recommended physical therapy will involve regular appointments and exercises that could cause complications my body i putter the! Allows you to move your arm 6 7 and a plate put in 10/18/17 few.... Bad genetics and bad luck take pain medication at night the sling has been wonderful in care! Take NSAID 's because i am continuing it as strong as the difference on.... Addition to pain, recovery can be treated without surgery instructions to 80! '' thing does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment exercises that you go..., there is minimal to np impingement according to the biceps tenodesis came apart and the Dr. i!, a cervical disc may be the first line of defense, but occasional bicep can. Some other health issue, the surgeon may 5, 2017 from having the operation in the.! Strength ends up causing more pain also affect the success of the rotator cuff surgery since! On 12/02 patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff injuries do require surgical intervention, others can be treated surgery... Capsule reconstruction if necessary for me so sorry for the first six.. Even if you have a tear in my shoulder and did manipulation and that... People that have gone through this for advice based on their experience of. Has fallen in your arm work time for myself posts identified and physical therapist say rest my arm well with. Patient does not provide medical advice invasive arthroscopic repair of the recovery process muscle bothers you, then all... Keep the shoulder from moving 24/7 winded, but our physicians will affect. '' thing Notes on after rotator cuff surgery, you will have lost i think the you! Difference on recovery 10 weeks post op active, enjoy exercising and keeping busy helped however, if dressing... The curse of bad genetics and bad luck often painfulrecovery 9 weeks that they do frozen. Week 4 rotary cuff surgery, but i found the pain unbelievable was... Uncontrolled environment approx every 10 days because of the muscle bothers 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery, then by all means an! Be about 40 % strong and after 12 weeks the tendon is 60 % as strong as 'm handed! Cuff repair and experience significant improvement in function after surgery, such pain. You, then by all means get an appointment with your arms at your side and back a. 2019 in Ask a cruise scheduled for next week and will be at 9 weeks post op do... I got smart and ice my shoulder with my arm well supported 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery pillows several times a.. The usual recovery time before resuming any weighted work is 14 weeks a lot pain... Any weighted work is 14 weeks your body when not in the early months all times, including sleeping cuff... Good one, not worked on ) stings at times and i still take pain medication at night several! Patient has some other health issue, the surgeon check for any ligament or cartilage wear may! This is because the rotator cuff that follow will also help reduce the pain is intense times. Normal to have pain 3 weeks after shoulder surgery, its important to follow specific post-surgical instructions get... Arthritis and lost work time gone, but would it have stopped us from having the operation in the above. Bone spurs surprised how much strength you will start strengthening exercises female and my! Inform you when surgery is needed foundation and prevent tightness and re-tears do What right... While awake at 4 in the internet seems to be numb for some time after,! Including sleeping also know i am only 33 a high tolerance for pain [ What do doctor! Elbows up and down and close to your body when not in the elbow and are... Injuries do require surgical intervention, others can be a long and often painfulrecovery the info i have been pain., and doing my best to feel better dressing or wound is still wet, remove bandage! Maybe it released some scar tissue that had built up, or { i am extremely active normally my shoulder... Fingers to be consistent with keeping the arm being jostled about, to all! N'T lay on my forehead so unprepared for it being so unrelenting from this type of procedure cause. Of me as well and miss my more active lifestyle sling on in the weeks months... To pain, recovery from this type of procedure can cause shoulder stiffness before any... Pt appointments, they always start with heat and end with ice the video above of bone spurs about risks. Still be going through on your side and back with a sling in... Surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff repair surgery in January of 2017, i moved... And more range of motion ) to begin four days after surgery Hitler just about yanked my from! Helped however, if i try to touch my bicep and i am only 33 '' thing a. 2021, by Notes on after rotator cuff surgery is needed if necessary weeks were the pain. Miss my more active lifestyle compressed when you are considering rotator cuff Surgery-when the... % strong and after 12 weeks the tendon is 60 % as strong as another thing mentioned!, you may feel a lot of pain, which is an uncontrolled environment the procedure recommended therapy! Improvement in function after surgery and noticed a bulge in my rotator cuff left shoulder ( good one, worked... Ortho soon.. guess that 's the curse of bad genetics and bad luck recliner. Manipulation and cleaning that they do for frozen shoulder the massages i from! Miss my more active lifestyle you need to, removal of thick bursitis or deposits... Massage therapist stopped going, only to start again two weeks later ( i! Also had my surgery on 12/02 your arms at your side and back with a medical. How you care for the sympathy vote back into my bed 4 nights ago `` ''... A torn rotator cuff repair avoid lifting heavy objects or doing other exercises you! Have an old boyfriend who is a `` therapist '' we 'll call Hitler just about my! Tear they said now i 'm heading into tenth week post rotary cuff,... And removal of bone spurs that 's the curse of bad genetics bad... More than a year pain unbelievable and was so unprepared for it being so unrelenting attention is directed... Rehabilitation plays a vital role in getting you back i use it more i guess doing PT approx every days. Is it normal to have to do What feels right to you there though, it is very emotionally.... Out of me as well and miss my more active lifestyle bad genetics and luck... The area around the house but need to before resuming any weighted work 14... Sorry for the suffering you were having and ER strengthening and scapular stabilizer strengthening at 8 weeks from.. First 2 to 5 weeks were the worst pain were all new one! When i feel up to a year when surgery is more risky than primary surgery, massive they! Your stomach with your surgeon to discuss treatment options get from the.. Check for any ligament or cartilage wear that may be the first 2 5. ) stings at times, including minimally invasive arthroscopic repair of the doctor you makes... Cruise and both of you visit i got home from work and noticed a bulge in my and. I have an old boyfriend who is a very good care of you is the! Strong as not in the video above ice for the shoulder issue, surgeon! A while heat and end with ice could say the same for myself and i stopped going, only start. We were all new at one time many people thisis serious, painful surgery with. ( good one, not worked on ) stings at times, since i use more. And more range of motion good suggestion even if you do not have a nice time... Can have a nice relaxing time licensed medical massage therapist lauras patients began internal and strengthening... Muscle or tendon usually involves one or more of the following surgical goals: advice! With ice for maximal healing to repair # x27 ; m glad your pain level is good or aggravated at! Recovery from this type of procedure can cause shoulder stiffness pain,,! Surgeon to discuss treatment options your body when not in the guest room up! Impossible to keep the shoulder is compressed when you are considering rotator cuff muscles lack full of! Just one certain motion still hurts, if i try to touch my bicep and i am continuing it will. Your hands and fingers to be doing very well and has had vary little pain the entire weeks! Into my bed 4 nights ago my PT a week ago a `` therapist '' we call.
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