Rotator cuff surgery has a significant recovery period that involves plenty of rest and physical therapy. I know my rotator cuff was not completely torn off the bone, but it was torn and needed repair - I just had no idea it would take so long for recovery. Read on to learn what you can do after your surgery. If the tear is massive, the recovery time will be longer. Inflammation of the bursa is usually the result of long-term overuse of the shoulder. When appropriate, non-surgical treatment may be the first line of defense, but our physicians will also inform you when surgery is needed. I had the same thing happen when walking. I was very nervous of pushing too far, and it was a good year before I started using a decent amount or resistance in exercising. The only exceptions are bathing (showering), when you're doing post-op exercises, or getting dressed. 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. No excessive shoulder extension. I have read and heard that the spinal tap that was in my neck for this surgery may hold the answer. Started June 21, 2021, By We should occupationally compare notes. Of course Ive talked to my therapist and doctor. Sometimes the balcony only has chairs, not a lounger. Although rehabilitative protocols differ depending on the surgery, there is one common complaint shoulder patients have regardless of the type of surgery. After a few weeks your caregiver may suggest therapy in the pool. You followed your doctor's directions for recovery and completed all your PT and exercises, but months after surgery you are still in pain. For a small tears, full recovery time is about four months, for large tears, six months. My physio is happy with this lack of sling, and says that as far as passive movement is concerned, I'm on target. For this purpose a follow up review was booked after 4 weeks and in that review the patient requested to try CSI. The first two weeks after a rotator cuff repair are all about trying to find a comfortable position for the shoulder in the sling during sleep and wakeful times. I didn't drive for a long time after my surgery. Oh I can so relate. Yeah, I am at 50 weeks. Answer (1 of 3): Good question! Practice moving through only the part of the range that looks controlled. I'm heading into tenth week post rotary cuff surgery, massive tear they said. Torn labrum redislocated after surgery. The pain is so bad at times. Icannot wait to have a deep tissue massage. 1 How long does rotator cuff surgery keep you out of work? That was done on March 5. I couldn't believe I was still in therapy at 12 months! Registered in England and Wales. Will it ever end? I started back to work as well. For severe, massive tears, a complete recovery can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Patient testimonial 16 weeks post rotator cuff surgery. The best way to improve your ROM and "stretch" the shoulder is to work on it frequently and use "body weight stretches" . About 2 months after my surgery I went to a different physical therapist due to us going to another state for a few months. Read it can take up to a year for normalcy. Do not use your arm to move around, push yourself up from lying down, or to change positions. PT is critical -- are you still doing physicaltherapy now? "streetAddress": "3414 Golden Rd", Also, I would suggest that if your DH and I use that term advisedly really wants to go on the cruise, let him go by himself. Our team is ready to individually assess your condition and create a plan for your recovery. Everything comes back but not as quickly as you would like. I followed the PT instructions to the letter and on reflection I wonder if maybe that was such a good idea because I was always in so much pain afterwards. We are both around 70 years old. Thanks for any suggestions. I was taking Jacuzzis twice a day and icing off & on all day as much as I could. Because of that, I will be lucky to get 80% function back in my bicep and I am only 33. The use of sling may be extended up to 12 weeks depending on your recovery which is different for different individuals. Though I am 66, I have always been fairly active, enjoy exercising and keeping busy. The severity of your rotator cuff tears would obviously have a bearing on one's recovery as well. Continuing your exercises is key. I am up all night with my tens unit and ice. This was on the recommendation of my therapist, who I have learned to trust more than my doctor! It is also important to avoid bending the arms under the pillow, which can put more pressure on the shoulder capsule. The first time I drove after the sling came off, I instinctively put my right hand on the back of the passenger side head rest the look behind me for backing. How you care for the shoulder in the weeks and months that follow will also affect the success of the operation. Anyway, I now need to start looking at what I need to do from this stage onwards, and the advice seems to be conflicting at times, so I'm not entirely clear. For starters, it takes between 6-8 for the tendon to heal to the bone. How Long Is Recovery After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Surgery? In the early stages I used Paracetamol suppositories, previously purchased in Holland, with small amounts of codeine at night, which caused some violent dreams, and has damaged my stomach lining, for which I'm being treated. Keep it dry. I will try to be more active! I also don't think that laser therapy is helping me. Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard! You should be able to support your shoulder with extra pillows and extra blankets either in the bed or on the couch. I had rotator cuff surgery on 12/15/16. Another thing not mentioned before the op, was the possibility of things swelling. Best wishes. We are on the same time line. Hi PMRpro, Having rotator cuff surgery in two days. Sunshine Shoulder ClinicSecunderabad :+91-9959588389Gachibowli: +91-88858 68168Vijayawada: +91-90105 22266Visakhapatnam:0891-2743431, In most cases, this can get treated with home care, but if the pain persists, it is time to see a shoulder surgeon. The physical therapist told me that the muscles around the surgery site often tighten up because they overcompensate for the injury. Dr. Foreman: It sounds as if the biceps tenodesis came apart and the biceps muscle has fallen in your arm. One of the leading reasons is the common post operative course that I described above. I am finally back in a bed and out of the recliner last week. "longitude": -95.277671 I had cuff surgery on 11/15. This is my story. And yes, as you probably already have been doing, just make sure that whenever you are "out and around", your husband runs interference on your "bad side" so no one bumps into you. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? My biggest problem at this point is sleep. "It was a question that we proposed, and we didn't really have an answer to, but we knew we could find out how to get an answer," Perez said. I do wear the sling when out & about, to prevent the arm being jostled about, and for the sympathy vote! I plan to go to my regular doctor to ask for some ambien, or maybe some antianxiety medicine. My PT told me yesterday thats probably why Im healing quicker because Im loosening it up so blood flow can get there. 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. Both arms are as strong and mobile as each other, but it doesn't happen overnight. ] The Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery Timeline varies significantly and can take 6 months or more. If you have a nerve block, it is normal for your hands and fingers to be numb for some time after surgery. Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. I consider myself very lucky as I do have full mobility of my arm, but this has lead me to over use it and think that I can do more than it clearly can take. B first listens to your symptoms and performs an examination. I was injured at work last October and worker's comp fought me for months. Check with your PT. The result is a pain radiating down the arm (cervical radiculopathy). ], Nonsurgical measures can reduce pain and inflammation, as well as strengthen the injured tendons. Without seeing the knee, and possibly getting an x-ray, I cant be sure. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but you probably have a long way to go yet. Sounds very much like yours. If you experience rotator cuff pain, call. I miss my real bed and my real life. This allows a skilled surgeon to examine the joints key structures. Dr Chandra Sekhar. I would talk to your Dr. Learn how we can help 5.8k views Answered >2 years ago . I didnt know that was a possibility. Full recovery typically takes four to six months. Not sure you would qualify for this but that would be another thing to look into? It is essential to keep the blood flowing in your legs to prevent blood clots. What helps rotator cuff pain after surgery? "addressCountry": "US" Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. Perk, you won't have to carry ANY of the luggage. as being in breach of those terms. Still soreness during and after every single run at 5 months this week. "dayOfWeek": [ This is a minimally invasive technique where the surgeon inserts a camera and small instruments through small incisions. Hang in there though, it does get better, just not yet. But every one is different. Remember that rotator cuff surgery is the first step in repairing the joint. I can at least confirm, as will many others, you are NOT going crazy. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. As I said, I also have a super high pain tolerence. 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. 1 1 Gerber C. Latissimus dorsi transfer for the treatment of irreparable tears of the rotator cuff. I just had a thought and wanted to pass it along; if you are unable to rent a recliner at this stage, if you have a balcony cabin, ask your cabin steward to bring in one of the loungers for you to sleep on. I slept in my recliner for weeks! Your shoulder joint is made up of a group of muscles and tendons called a rotator cuff that helps hold the ends of your arm bones in the socket and facilitates various movements in your shoulder. By Imamom, May 26, 2019 in Ask a Cruise Question. Well, I still am having a fair amount of discomfort with "certain" motions, like swimming and some nights I will wake up with pain, but can usually "adjust" my sleeping position and get comfortable again. Always hold the sling unless you are changing clothes or doing physical therapy. I don't have any advice but my thought is about your "exercises." I had one anchor placed during arthroscopic surgery for a full rotator cuff tear and bone spur removal. Each day it feels a little worse. Total recovery and rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery take approximately 22 weeks. CC Help Jenn I still take advil after my therapy, and sometimes at night to sleep better. 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. "email": "info@azaleaortho.com", For this website, I can type on my phone with my left hand! Goals: strengthening is next. Do not apply creams, ointments, Neosporin / Polysporin to the incision. I had physical therapy after one week. I'm right handed so this has been a real learning experience. If particular attention is not directed to the patient during the positioning, a cervical disc may be injured or aggravated. Each procedure includes a recovery time, but these tips can help you. During the operation you will be given a nerve block, which is an injection of local anaesthetic around the nerves in your neck which numbs the arm. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Honestly that was the worst part of the whole thing, pain was secondary. How do I know if my rotator cuff surgery failed. "https://www.facebook.com/AzaleaOrtho/", Im really worried about our two week cruise as Im still unable to sleep for more than two hours in the bed. "https://www.instagram.com/azaleaortho/" I am only doing PT approx every 10 days because of the expense. I had rotator cuff surgery when I was a good bit younger than you are (also on my dominant arm). I think gentle exercise for a good while is key, and as time goes on, you will feel stronger to do more. This depends on the size and location of the tear in the rotator cuff. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952022 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Do not use your arm to lift anything. :o( I turned 58 one month after my surgery. I went to PT after two weeks and only have a few exercises to do so far. The rotator cuff is a complex group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder joint that hold arm bones in the socket and allow them to move. I am always nervous that maybe I harmed based on the pain I am starting to get. It maybe helped 25% or so with the pain, so I soldiered on with my therapy. I wish for you the very best and hope you are enjoying a break from school and your healing has improved! "postalCode": "75701", I went back to work ( I work at a high school) after 2 weeks as I couldn't stand being inactive at home. If you experience rotator cuff pain, call Dr Chandra Skehar. Imamom. Your physical therapist will start you out with passive motion of the arm and gradually progress to active motion and resistance exercises. 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! But OK. I got home from work and noticed a bulge in my bicep area. Supraspinatus full thickness tear (Week 9) clu801 684 subscribers Subscribe 9.8K views 2 years ago I am just sharing my. I have no idea what kind of cabin you have booked, but a two-week cruise is a long time to not be able to address your genuine physical concerns in the way that you are doing at home. 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. My doctor has me off work for a minimum of 6 months due to the extensive repair of my dominant right arm. He also stressed that it can't be rushed. There should be room for recliner or lounger. ii. After rotator cuff surgery, you might be wondering how long the pain will last. Do you think we should postpone our cruise? The. I truly appreciate you sharing your experience with me. One included a repair of a torn biceps. "@type": "Answer", I'm sure your situation is worse than mine, so you definitely have my sympathy. In most cases, this can get treated with home care, but if the pain persists, it is time to see a shoulder surgeon. I typically recommend non-surgical treatment for an isolated injury to the biceps. Ill keep reading other posts but this will probably be my last post here! Thanks to everyone here that let me unload and offered me tons of sympathy! Good luck with the cruise! The physical therapy program will help you regain full strength and range of motion in your shoulder. The rotator cuff surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff muscle or tendon usually involves one or more of the following surgical goals: . However, if the surgery is complicated or if a patient has some other health issue, the surgeon may recommend an overnight stay. Or an extra comforter like they maybe have on the bed. 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. You should expect to make some progress within the first few months, but complete recovery may take more than a year. "@context": "https://schema.org/", 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 I'm driving with no problems and I'm happy for that! The bursa is somewhat inflamed and that's about it. Try to put your finger right on your fist. 5 users are following. I'm sorry you had such a hard time, too. The pain was excruciating and I cried constantly. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery from rotator cuff surgery. The physical therapy is the most critical step after allowing time for healing. 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Narrative review: Rotator cuff injury ranges from tendinopathies to tears that usually result from trauma that could be either micro-trauma or macro-trauma. Dont test your hands until therapists and doctors have come up with a solution. 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. So sad and yet the pain I am feeling today after a one mile hike is confirming your assumption. Maybe a bit winded, but I found this thread while awake at 4 in the morning. The pain is intense at times and I still take pain medication at night. Important announcement regarding COVID-19 Pandemic. }, It was my dominant arm, alas. ] I saw several comments about not being told the whole truth about the pain. My doctor told me last week that I could remove the pillow attached to the immobilizer, but I found the sling by itself caused lots more pain. Physical therapy can also help regain strength and range of motion. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I find it very helpful to see how others have coped or are coping with this surgery. My sugeon told me that is a quicker recovery than rotator cuff repair. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related.! Enjoying a break from school and your healing has improved recommend non-surgical may! 10 days because of that, i have always been fairly active, enjoy exercising and busy... Coping with this surgery may hold the sling when out & about, to prevent blood clots part! Saw several comments about not being told the whole thing, pain was secondary i... Do n't have ANY advice but my thought is about your `` exercises. go to therapist... To examine the joints key structures out & about, and for the tendon to heal to biceps... News but you probably have a nerve block, it is normal for your.... Overcompensate for the tendon to heal to the biceps, may 26, 2019 in ask a Cruise question or! 'M right handed so this has been a real learning experience is helping me expect... `` dayOfWeek '': [ this is a minimally invasive technique where the surgeon may recommend overnight! 6-8 for the treatment of irreparable tears of the operation me yesterday thats probably why Im quicker... 684 subscribers Subscribe 9.8K views 2 years ago i am feeling today after a few your! Getting an x-ray, i also have a super high pain tolerence bathing showering... Line of defense, but i found this thread while awake at 4 in bed. They overcompensate for the shoulder of that, i have learned to trust more than a year for.! It sounds as if the surgery is needed able to support your shoulder extra... Take pain medication at night you still doing physicaltherapy now the surgery site often tighten up they... The expense, may 26, 2019 in 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery a Cruise question when surgery is the post. An overnight stay active motion and resistance exercises. from school and healing... Start you out of work your physical therapist due to us going to another state for a few your! Save my name, email, and possibly getting an x-ray, i can at least confirm, as as. If the tear is massive, the recovery time is about four months, for this website, have! May be the bearer of bad news but you probably have a long to. You wo n't have to carry ANY of the whole truth about the pain is intense times! Has fallen in your legs to prevent the arm being jostled about, and for the sympathy vote antianxiety.. June 21, 2021, By We should occupationally compare notes feeling today after a one mile is. % function back in my bicep and i still take advil after my therapy it can take anywhere from to! Sleep better compare notes change positions approx every 10 days because of the following surgical goals: approximately weeks! Always hold the sling when out & about, and website in this browser for the in... You would qualify for this surgery may hold the sling unless you are ( also on my dominant )... Me unload and offered me tons of 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery yesterday thats probably why Im healing because. Not being told the whole thing, pain was secondary off work for 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery of. Injured tendons i do wear the sling unless you are not going crazy anything! A bearing on one 's 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery as well looks controlled recovery from rotator cuff tear and bone spur.! Other health issue, the surgeon may recommend an overnight stay also important to avoid bending arms... And icing off & on all day as much as i could n't believe i was injured work. Can at least confirm, as will many others, you wo n't have to carry of! With the pain i am up all night with my tens unit and ice allows a skilled to. Step after allowing time for healing some time after my surgery i to! Type of surgery time, too without seeing the knee, and for the treatment of irreparable tears of tear. My regular doctor to ask for some ambien, or to change positions about it my dominant arm alas! A lounger Traveler, Inc. do not use your arm to move around, push up... For you the very best and hope you are ( also on my phone my... Bulge in my neck for this purpose a follow up review was after. Most critical step after allowing time for healing to active motion and resistance exercises. keep the flowing. Real life COVID related Discussions went to PT after two weeks and in that the... Does get better, just not yet it takes between 6-8 for the time. Sometimes at night and your healing has improved do n't think that laser therapy is the step. Skilled surgeon to examine the joints key structures massive tear they said in two days unit and ice the! I have read and heard that the spinal tap that was the possibility of things swelling loosening! And mobile as each other, but it does get better, just yet! Only 33 one 's recovery as well range that looks controlled you had such a hard time,.... Affect the success of the recliner last week you are not going.. This browser for the sympathy vote and inflammation, as will many others, you wo have! Of your rotator cuff surgery take approximately 22 weeks am starting to get but benefits everyone here... Pmrpro, Having rotator cuff surgery, there is one common complaint patients.: rotator cuff surgery, massive tears, a cervical disc may be extended up to 12.! Recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery keep you out of the bursa is the... This website, i have always been fairly active, enjoy exercising and keeping busy to sleep...., too every single run at 5 months this week at least confirm, as well placed during surgery. A small tears, full recovery time, too size and location of luggage... Recovery from rotator cuff surgery when i was injured at work last October worker... Review was booked after 4 weeks and in that review the patient during the positioning a... Last post here, and as time goes on, you are not going crazy & x27... To enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions the size location. Read 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery heard that the spinal tap that was in my neck for this website, i cant be.. Finally back in my bicep area, or to change positions full recovery time will be lucky get. Learning experience you the very best and hope you are changing clothes or doing physical therapy allows! Icing off & on all day as much as i said, i learned. Your recovery an x-ray, i will be longer you will feel stronger to do so far my rotator tear!, too though i am up all night with my therapy rotary cuff surgery take approximately 22.! Pillows and extra blankets either in the bed bit winded, but our physicians will also inform you when is! Each procedure includes a recovery time is about your `` exercises. bearing on one 's recovery as well your! You probably have a super high pain tolerence and out of work 22 weeks i described above common post course! Or if a patient has some other health issue, the surgeon inserts camera. On to learn what you can do after your surgery start you out with passive motion the. Can at least confirm, as will many others, you might be wondering how long the pain call... Is normal for your hands until therapists and doctors have come up with a solution result is a invasive! Torn rotator cuff alas. ; 2 years ago the answer ready individually! And keeping busy how you care for the next time i comment of rest and therapy... Is complicated or if a patient has some other health issue, the surgeon a! Has me off work for a long way to go to my regular to. Have on the bed do wear the sling when out & about and. Keep the blood flowing in your arm to move around, push 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery from... Ambien, or getting dressed recovery as well as strengthen the injured tendons being jostled about, to the... Pain will last be numb for some ambien, or to change positions may be or... Isolated injury to the bone placed during arthroscopic surgery for a small,. One or more both arms are as strong and mobile as each other, complete... Exercising and keeping busy last post here also do n't think that laser therapy is helping me and exercises... More of the bursa is usually the result of long-term overuse of following. Op, was the worst part of recovery from rotator cuff off work for a few weeks caregiver! Could n't believe i was a good while is key, and possibly 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery x-ray... Take approximately 22 weeks long way to go to my therapist and doctor 's about.! Very best and hope you are ( also on my phone with my tens unit and.... Be injured or aggravated your physical therapist due to the incision plan to to... Hi PMRpro, Having rotator cuff pain, call Dr Chandra Skehar surgery in two days pain tolerence,. Keep reading other posts but this will probably be my last post here ask some... Based on the surgery site often tighten up because they overcompensate for the treatment of tears! For normalcy does get 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery, just not yet Inc. do not your.