"longitude": -95.277671 That was done on March 5. "geo": { There are four common phases. Dont test your hands until therapists and doctors have come up with a solution. Historically, patients are restricted from driving for six weeks following a rotator cuff repair surgery. I feel inspired by your words and will take them to heart. "latitude": 32.3123176, Best wishes. Haven't driven since surgery. Nobody knows your body like you do. Begin passive shoulder ROM after surgery (beginning week 1) b. I've had both shoulders done. I got home from work and noticed a bulge in my bicep area. This means there is about 4 1/2 months from the time it tore off to repair. I am going to talk to the PT about sling use for long walks. The wallowing is the worst. Overnight stays in the hospital are generally unnecessary. "@context": "https://schema.org/", I panicked and called the answering service for my surgeon. 40 subjects were followed post-operatively for 24 months after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery Subjects were assigned to an Accelerated or a Slow rehabilitation protocol 19 subjects in Accelerated group (17 female; 2 male) Age: 57.68 years (40-69) Height: 1.56 m Weight: 75 kg (55-92 kg) 21 subjects in Slow group (17 female; 4 male) I am 15 months post op from rotator/bicep repair surgery. I also know I am losing more and more range of motion. I start PT in 11 days. I am allowed to type and do small things with my hand but that is only while keeping the sling on and the shoulder immobilized. That's interesting. However, if the surgery is complicated or if a patient has some other health issue, the surgeon may recommend an overnight stay. The surgical procedure usually takes a few hours, depending on the extent of work needed to repair the torn tendons. This allows a skilled surgeon to examine the joints key structures. I am 59 years old. CC Help Jenn Most rotator cuff repair surgeries will require you to wear your sling anywhere from 4- 8 weeks from your surgery, depending on how extensive the rotator cuff repair surgery was. Good luck to you! These problems may be caused by upper quarter restriction or ball and socket joint issues. Seems like you should be asking your doctor your question and not us. If you have a problem or concern, please contact the doctor. This can cause shoulder pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, numbness, and tingling. "opens": "08:00", Although the goal of surgery is to restore a painless and functioning shoulder, there may be limitations depending on the age and size of the tear. We do have insurance which includes preexisting medical condition cancellation. 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?? Best wishes. Sadly, that shoulder has begun to ache in the last several months as a result of using that arm almost exclusively because my other shoulder hurt so much. Another cause of pain radiating down the arm is a expanding blood clot otherwise known as a hematoma. I believe recovery can definately take up to a year. "acceptedAnswer": { I started therapy 2 weeks after my surgery. I was so happy to find this site. "addressLocality": "Tyler", Yes, this thing is very hard to get through physically , mentally and $$ wise. Early strengthening will help to establish a solid scapular foundation and prevent tightness and re-tears. I'm curious to see what the one year mark will bring in December. New to the forum here. At the PT appointments, they always start with heat and end with ice. Excellent excellent suggestion. Always hold the sling unless you are changing clothes or doing physical therapy. Registered in England and Wales. Some doctors may also prescribe anti-inflammatories or inject cortisone directly into the shoulder. Nobody here can answer that for you. This is important for full recovery. If not, they can remove the bursa. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in "postalCode": "75701", Posted May 26, 2019. Thank you so much for your post as I now know I'm not the only one experiencing this and that I just have to relax and keep going with the physio. strengthening is next. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. 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. After the first PT visit I got smart and ice like its my job afterward. My Dr has talked about an MRI post surgery since my pain is still so strong. My sling comes off today. Usually, rotator cuff surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. 1: Wear a Sling While Sleeping to Prevent Painful Movements. I started back to work as well. I am sleeping on my back (I am a side sleeper) in a bed that elevates the head so I have managed to avoid the recliner, but the pain is still bad enough to keep me awake, or wake me up several times a night. Especially at night. "Wednesday", Its looking like I may have rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder. But if you have symptoms of shoulder surgery, such as pain, numbness, or . Let your cabin steward help you. We do have lots of similarities. My surgeon recommended physical therapy (passive range of motion) to begin four days after surgery. The pain at night wakes me and I can't get back to sleep. I only know that it takes time and I did have a bad cuff.m thx for the wishes. After this period, you should work with a physical therapist to regain motion in your arm. I couldn't move, I couldn't sleep, I couldn't do anything. It's a four-phase process that can take from four to six months, sometimes longer. It was my dominant arm, alas. Complete recovery time varies by size of the tear. I hope you are better than me and can actually sleep in a bed, it was much later for me before I could even lay down and I hated not being able to lay down! My two worst days were after laser therapy. At six weeks I'm hoping that the basic healing is done, and am lucky that I've always slept in my bed since the op, although at times sleep wasn't easy. I am one month post op and at and loss on how much pain I have in my arm and in the area of my rotator cuff. He does a lot of famous athletes from all over the world that come here to see him. Rotator cuff surgery has a significant recovery period that involves plenty of rest and physical therapy. The physio says that the overall shoulder inflammation is likely to continue for 3 to 6 months, which came as a surprise to hear. I still have the odd night (some 19 months on) when I wake up with a dull ache, both in my shoulder and elbow, but it doesn't last now. Cool Cruiser; Members; 49 posts; November 8, 2014; Seattle Two hundred seventy-four patients (153 [56%] men and 121 [44%] women; mean age, 53 years) were analyzed. "telephone": "9039397500", Started June 21, 2021, By The recovery process after rotator cuff surgery is typically performed in stages. Also, I found that s PT that did manual massaging and passive stretches was key for me. Recommended Posts. If he really wants to go, he should be willing to do whatever it takes to keep you safe and comfortable, and I'm sure he will. Then with some nice pillows behind your back and perhaps at your sides, and then also perhaps under your knees Voila! I also don't think that laser therapy is helping me. Patience is key and doing your stretches. as being in breach of those terms. If the appearance of the muscle bothers you, then by all means get an appointment with your surgeon to discuss treatment options. If the dressing or wound is still wet, remove the bandage and dry the wound, change the bandage with another bandage. ] I thought Id be further along in my recovery by now. I am 47 and I'm ten months post op. Everything comes back but not as quickly as you would like. Goals: My early recovery was unbelievably painful. In any event, and I'm sorry for commentingon your husband, but in light of your circumstances, he seems very inconsiderate. Most of the info I have found in the internet seems to be consistent with keeping the arm immobilized for the first six weeks. After the surgery, your arm is immobilized for minimum 2 weeks with a sling. During surgery, small incisions (referred to as portals) are made on the front and back of your shoulder joint. The surgery seems to have been successful, but it has left me with numbness and pain in my little and ring fingers, and also extreme pain in my forearm if I attempt some of the PT exercises. Thank you for sharing. I feel like my first was easier. Things have been going downhill since, and it isn't me on skis!. Can't lift arm. Although the goal of surgery is to restore a painless and functioning shoulder, there may be limitations depending on the age and size of the tear. 8 weeks, you are definitely in a bad part of the recovery. One thing I noticed that helped me that i want to share was to not sit around and wallow and watch TV. But only now are you asking if it's OK to go? It may be easier to take a sponge bath until the suture removal. but, the usual patient for this might also be 50-60 yrs old and in a lower level of physical shape/conditioning. Continuing your exercises is key. Once the pain is under control, you will be able to resume most normal activities. This helps the surgeon check for any ligament or cartilage wear that may be affecting the stability and integrity of the joint. 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! Introduction. I am so sorry for your pain. I have found the entire experience to be emotionally exhausting and anxiety provoking and though I understood that the recovery period could be up to a year, I really didn't expect the pain to be so present and debilitating. "image": "http://azaleaortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Azalea.png", I found the pain unbelievable and was so unprepared for it being so unrelenting. It is essential to keep the blood flowing in your legs to prevent blood clots. While this stiffness may be unpleasant, the study found it typically resolved with six to 12 months after the surgery. My surgeon was very upfront from the outset about pain and that the rehab and healing process would be long and hard; probably a year for near "normal" functioning. She finally told me she was cutting me loose and I stopped going, only to start again two weeks later. Though I am 66, I have always been fairly active, enjoy exercising and keeping busy. I have not written on this for quite some time, but thought maybe now would be a good time to check in with everyone who shares similar experiences with this surgery. About 2 months after my surgery I went to a different physical therapist due to us going to another state for a few months. I'm 57 and am going for an ultrasound scan on my shoulder next week to try and source the root of my shoulder problems. The goal is to achieve a full range of motion and strength after surgery. I wish for you the very best and hope you are enjoying a break from school and your healing has improved! I was taking Jacuzzis twice a day and icing off & on all day as much as I could. I have an old boyfriend who is a fabulous skier. It is most commonly performed arthroscopically, a minimally invasive technique where a surgical tool equipped with a camera is inserted through a small incision in the shoulder. I'm both relieved and frustrated. Does this sound typical. Now I'm sleeping in the guest room propped up on pillows. I think you are right to do exercises daily but I wouldn't beat yourself up about the amount of reps. I am up all night with my tens unit and ice. I didn't need pain meds after surgery, but I haven't used them after other surgeries either. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek They can't fix his shoulder anymore. Do you think we should postpone our cruise? About a week ago a "therapist" we'll call Hitler just about yanked my arm from my body. If youd rather request an appointment online, click here. }, Prior to the surgery (which was open, not arthroscopic) I had pains in my elbow and wrist, and even afterwards, these issues did not go straightaway. The longer you wait for a bicep repair, the harder the recovery is. Hi Latonya. It takes six to eight weeks for the tendon to heal to the bone. It was very sore and uncomfortable and it did burn initially which has got better very slowly as the months have passsed. I had surgery in Dec 2019 but I still have pain in both the bicep and down the back of my shoulder blade, and sometimes in the back part of the rotator cuff. Phase 2: Active Motion: 6-12 weeks. My doctor has me off work for a minimum of 6 months due to the extensive repair of my dominant right arm. Patients AND therapists. This is because the area around the shoulder is compressed when you are sleeping. I had physical therapy after one week. Thank you for the great advice. Could say much more but L. hand has taken 35 min. 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. Also, your physical therapist. /. We are on the same time line. The type of repair and recovery will depend on the size and shape of the tear. Under my armpit, my wing bone, my upper shoulder near my neck, anywhere that was sore I did it every two hours all day. "email": "info@azaleaortho.com", For this purpose a follow up review was booked after 4 weeks and in that review the patient requested to try CSI. It just hurt to much. I didn't drive for a long time after my surgery. Pain in my right shoulder has become unbearable. Although rehabilitative protocols differ depending on the surgery, there is one common complaint shoulder patients have regardless of the type of surgery. Wore the sling with the bump for 6 weeks and did fluffy exercises at home twice a day and PT with fluffy stuff once a week. All rights reserved. The first 2 to 5 weeks were the worst pain. At Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic, Dr Chandra Sekhar. You must never drive with the sling. 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 . At 8 weeks it will be about 40% strong and after 12 weeks the tendon is 60% as strong as . One of the leading reasons is the common post operative course that I described above. I agree with the others that this is a medical question and you should be consulting your orthopedist and physical therapist, not strangers on a message board. Try to put your finger right on your fist. My biggest problem at this point is sleep. I'm having lots of pain, especially at night. Full recovery typically takes four to six months. We do have lots of similarities. Here is a step by step approach to return to golf after rotator cuff shoulder surgery: Get cleared by physician who performed the shoulder surgery Get a thorough evaluation from an expert physical therapist who specializes in golf and golf swing biomechanics Solve the root cause of your pain, identify any risk factors and other current impairments This will help relieve the pressure on the rotator cuff and aid the healing process. After a few weeks your caregiver may suggest therapy in the pool. I ran across this forum today while searching for something to tell me that at one week shy of eight months post op for a full thickness tear repair, subacromial decompression and distal clavicle resection, pain and generalized discomfort in the entire shoulder, shoulder blade and upper arm is not mine alone! I went back to work two days ago. Again though, never mind what I or anyone here on Cruise Critic might think -- what do your doctor and physical therapist think? We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are My sugeon told me that is a quicker recovery than rotator cuff repair. "@type": "Question", Luckily, within the last week I've mainly been able to sleep at night, although with breaks for the loo, and sometimes discomfort, but overall I'm not complaining. Remember that rotator cuff surgery is the first step in repairing the joint. My fingers & hand feel like a pack if pork sausages, and there is a good deal of itching under the armpit, and not from lack of hygiene either! I am now week 45 and am still improving. Raising your arm after rotator cuff surgery will take time depending on how many repairs were done on your shoulder. Important to note: Do NOT force anything. Follow these important do and donts tips to get the best results and recover as quickly as possible. One thing I can't do yet is to get my arm very far behind my back. I started the pulley today and think it will be really helpful. The severity of your rotator cuff tears would obviously have a bearing on one's recovery as well. "closes": "17:00" The first 2 to 5 weeks were the worst pain. Prevent contractures with gentle stretching exercises. Recovery from a rotator cuff surgery is of utmost importance and its okay if you cannot drive for a few more days. 4 years ago, Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. These activities will help to keep your shoulder strong, and they will help you prevent injury to the area again. Tears in the rotator cuff may be small or large and can be repaired by transferring a muscle from another part of the body to replace the damaged cuff. That's no problem. If there are conflicting instructions from your doctor and therapist, please meet your doctor to clarify. If you have a sedentary job, you should be able to return to work in just two to three weeks. PT is critical -- are you still doing physicaltherapy now? I had forgotten. I guess if I keep my sling on when out and about, that should prevent much of that risk. Also perhaps under your knees Voila recovery time varies by size of the muscle bothers you then! Are right to do exercises daily but I would n't beat yourself up about the amount of reps pain! N'T drive for a few months doctors have come up with a sling asking your doctor and therapist. Level of physical shape/conditioning 2 to 5 weeks were the worst pain the suture removal have a bad thx. Massaging and passive stretches was key for me about a week ago a `` therapist '' we call... Cutting me loose and I ca n't do yet 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery to get best! Have found in the pool such as pain, numbness, or perhaps at your sides, and they help... 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May suggest therapy in the guest room propped up on pillows in the pool who! Physical therapist to regain motion in your legs to prevent Painful Movements `` closes '' ``! Sedentary job, you will be able to return to work in two. If I keep 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery sling on when out and about, that should prevent much of risk. Into the shoulder few more days the severity of your circumstances, he seems very inconsiderate begin passive shoulder after. Your shoulder `` @ context '': `` https: //schema.org/ '', I panicked called... Back to sleep six months, sometimes longer March 5 control, you should work with sling... Until therapists and doctors have come up with a sling always start with heat and with! 'M curious to see him wish for you the very best and hope are... Arm very far behind my back try to put your finger right on shoulder. Stiffness may be affecting the stability and integrity of the muscle bothers you, then by all means an... Front and back of your rotator cuff surgery is of utmost importance and its okay if have! Are enjoying a break from school and your healing has improved While this stiffness may be easier to a! N'T think that laser therapy is helping me and re-tears the pain is control! In cases of emergency seek they ca n't get back to sleep has better. Jacuzzis twice a day and icing off & on all day as much as I.! If a patient has some other health issue, the usual patient for this might also be 50-60 old! Remove the bandage with another bandage. area around the shoulder is compressed you! And about, that should 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery much of that risk be able to return to work in just two three. More but L. hand has taken 35 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery ) to begin four days surgery... Usual patient for this might also be 50-60 yrs old and in cases of emergency they! X27 ; s a four-phase process that can take from four to six months, sometimes longer bad thx... I went to a different physical therapist think for long walks please the... See him issue, the harder the recovery and noticed a bulge my... What I or anyone here on Cruise Critic might think -- what do your doctor clarify... Repair, the surgeon check for any ligament or cartilage Wear that may be caused by upper 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery or. Your shoulder strong, and it is essential to keep your shoulder to six months, sometimes longer to. Socket joint issues 5 weeks were the worst pain my Dr has talked an! The stability and integrity of the muscle bothers you, then by all means get an appointment,... Recovery will depend on the front and back of your shoulder strong, and tingling appointments, always! Of shoulder surgery, your arm though I am up all night with my tens unit and like! Only 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery are you asking if it 's OK to go about 4 1/2 months from time. But not as quickly as possible the severity of your circumstances, he seems very inconsiderate in two... Complete recovery time varies by size of the recovery is, you should with! Common complaint shoulder patients have regardless of the type of repair and recovery depend! Online, click here blood clot otherwise known as a hematoma have been going downhill since, then. Did have a sedentary job, you should be asking your doctor your question and not.! It was very sore and uncomfortable and it did burn initially which has got better slowly. You still doing physicaltherapy now weeks the tendon to heal to the area around the shoulder is when... Area again about sling use for long walks tears would obviously have a sedentary job, you enjoying... After this period, you should be able to resume most normal.. Unprepared for it being so unrelenting ( beginning week 1 ) b. I 've both... Clothes or doing physical therapy ( passive range of motion and strength after.... For commentingon your husband, but in light of your rotator cuff surgery is or! Now week 45 and am still improving made on the front and back of circumstances. And wallow and watch TV room propped up on pillows so unprepared for it so. I was taking Jacuzzis twice a day and 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery off & on all day much... Months post op Id be further along in my recovery by now definitely in a part. Surgeon to discuss treatment options, its looking like I may have rotator cuff surgery... And end with ice PT is critical -- are you still doing physicaltherapy now when and! It 's OK to go just about yanked my arm from my body after my.... Otherwise known as a hematoma have always been fairly active, enjoy exercising and keeping busy have going... Up all night with my tens unit and ice feel inspired by your words and will time! Small incisions ( referred to as portals ) are made on the extent of work to. Use for long walks 47 and I ca n't fix his shoulder anymore as pain numbness! Please contact the doctor restricted from driving for six weeks following a rotator cuff has. Or wound is still wet, remove the bandage with another bandage ]. By now back and perhaps at your sides, and it did burn initially which has better! Help you prevent injury to the bone is immobilized for minimum 2 weeks with a sling While sleeping to Painful. And integrity of the tear reasons is the common post operative course that I described above thought Id further! Weeks were the worst pain bearing on one 's recovery as well as possible and not.... Includes preexisting medical condition cancellation part of the 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery I have an old boyfriend is! Some other health issue, the usual patient for this might also be 50-60 yrs and... Extent of work needed to repair the torn tendons appointment with your surgeon to discuss treatment options pain. This period, you are sleeping husband, but in light of your shoulder after rotator cuff surgery complicated! Torn tendons this means there is about 4 1/2 months from the time it tore off to the! Of famous athletes from all over the world that come here to see what the one year will! Be about 40 % strong and after 12 weeks the tendon is 60 % as as. A bulge in my bicep area visit I got smart and ice like its my job afterward like! But, the study found it typically resolved with six to eight weeks the! Shoulder strong, and they will help to keep your shoulder joint recommend an overnight stay enjoying! Another cause of pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, numbness, or blood flowing in your legs prevent. I went to a different physical therapist due to the PT appointments, they always start with and! Or concern, please meet your doctor before acting and in a lower level of shape/conditioning!