Some of the ways pre-hab meets this goal include: Having you do therapeutic exercises to strengthen and stretch your shoulder. You may be prescribed drugs to help with pain relief. I had more rom before surgery and far less pain the PA doesn't seem concerned but I have always been strong and active I'm 58 yr old female was a marathon runner and a weight lifter kayaker before all this. "We have people experiment with them both to see which helps more . Unfortunately, many patients feel that the use of drugs to lessen their pain is a mistake, that because the medications are addictive, they will become "hooked" and unable to stop taking the drugs. There may also be some swelling, redness and tenderness around the incision area. This allows them to reap the full benefits of their workout and not be inhibited by the pain that is caused by the exercises. Sessions of physical therapy can be quite painful, and the patient needs to be prepared for this going in. By the way, I'm 66 and the only difference I can see between my progress and that of others here is that I want to get better and am prepared to work at it, rather than spend valuable PT time writing about how much pain I'm in. Physical therapists can examine your shoulder before and after your surgery to get an idea of what you will need for optimal recovery. Expect that the first days after rotator cuff surgery will be focused on controlling your pain. Gary Forging On (Blacksmith_Pop) 1.19K subscribers Subscribe Share 7.8K views 4 years ago This is an 8 week update on my recovery from. Heavier lifting such as digging, gardening and manual work must be avoided for four to six months. Passive range of motion shoulder flexion/scaption 0-70 degrees, External rotation to 30 degrees. During the healing process the repaired . 5. While genetics play a factor and some people may recover quickly despite their age, patient age may correlate to slowed recovery time. Manual: The wallowing is the worst. doi:10.2106/JBJS.RVW.18.00149. Helpful - 0 Helpful - 0 Helpful 0 I had rotator cuff surgery April of this year. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Is sleep position associated with glenohumeral . If pain continues after several months of these treatments and steroid injections have provided only temporary relief, then surgery becomes an option. I also dont have any muscular pain when I move the arm in any way so I dont think there are any other tendon tears present. Here's a breakdown of the timeline for rotator cuff surgery recovery. Neurologic pain, muscle spasms, hand and wrist swelling, and joint stiffness were seen in the shoulder, wrist, and hand, but the elbow was spared in all patients. I don't think I have a DVT, but I guess I can't be 100% sure. My PT states that I am still extremely tight and I have a problem relaxing while he is trying to move my arm. Rotator Cuff Post Surgery (8 Weeks) - External Rotation Exercise SportsMD 2.03K subscribers Subscribe 28 Share Save 10K views 5 years ago Get detailed instructions on External Rotation post. Having this tendon heal correctly is vital to the success of your operation, but that doesnt mean that your shoulder will remain immobilized for that entire duration. So nobody here is a doctor and can diagnose you. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified Now that 6 weeks have passed since your operation, an important part of your rehabilitation is allowing your shoulder to get used to gravity/normal demands of home life, therefore you can stop using the sling. Rotator cuff repair surgery is done to fix a tear in the rotator cuff. At four to six weeks, we typically resume anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and stiffness. Lots of pain in the R arm in different spots. Finally, you'll work on initial strengthening and eventually weight-bearing strengthening until you get back to normal levels of movement. The VAS values remained less than 4 out of 10 during the entire study. So, You Found Out Your Teenager Is Sexually Active: What Now? At 5 weeks post op I am just now beginning to do active assistance motion with my physical therapist and at home. The duration of this phase can vary widely depending on the extent of the surgery and your pre-existing strength, but generally, it lasts between two and three months. The minimum time interval between surgery and diagnosis was 3 weeks (average, 8 weeks). Rotator Cuff Pain Medication Duration? Make sure to follow the instructions of the doctor and physical therapist for the best results. The first week there will be continued pain control through a regular schedule of oral medication. They can appear on several points of the body, including legs and back. After rotator cuff repair, you should avoid all anti-inflammatory medications including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naprosyn (Aleve) and any other prescription anti-inflammatories, unless your surgeon prescribes them. Most patients wear this sling for 1-3 weeks at the beginning of their rehab, with physical therapy starting about a week after the surgery. This can happen as a result of wear and tear over time or after a traumatic injury. It was followed by a pain bounce on D1 and D2 and did not return to a level significantly lower than its preoperative value until D30. Regardless, this issue can significantly impact the strength, stability, and movement of your arm. Your healthcare provider should prescribe medication to help. These will still be narcotics and quite powerful, so someone will need to drive him home. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. They were able to track 31 of 40 patients (77.5%) for the final assessment at a mean follow-up of mean 50.3 months. Do's after Rotator cuff surgery: Move your fingers and thumbs in and out of your fist 5-10 times an hour. I'm tough but this is really scary at what point will they listen or entertain the thought maybe one of the three anchors may have come loose? In fact, gentle movement can help promote blood flow and healing in the area, so physical therapy will start well before the tendon has fully healed to the bone. My surgeon had me start physio after 7 days (supported movement). [contact-form-7 id="207" title="Make appointment"]. Location: Southeast, US. After a few weeks of trial and error I seem to have figured out at least how to relieve most of the pain by putting a hot water compress on my arm immediately after I wake up and moving it up and down my arm and applying the heat to various parts of the arm for about 20 minutes. Physical Therapy After Rotator Cuff Surgery: What to Expect. Come on guys, man up! Of course, it may also feel better with heat. Also have pain radiating to fingers and a 90% loss of grip. 6 Types Of Exercise That Help Arthritis Patients Ease Joint Pain, Swelling, And Stiffness. It is FREE! Patients can return to a lot of normal activities around the 3-month mark, but again this can shift based on the severity of the tear. I do my exercises 3 x per day and I am now in less pain than before the surgery and for the fist time in 18 months, sleeping right through the night. Bone spurs (extra bone growth at the ends of bones) in the area may also need to be removed depending on the situation. Rest, pain relievers and physical therapy can help. These muscles are also responsible for adding stability to the joint and ensuring that the humeral head stays centered in the socket (glenoid) portion of the joint. Not every rotator cuff tear needs to be repaired. I will trust my PT and try and have patience. 6 weeks out and still needing pain medication to function? It may take some experimentation to find the best type of medication for you. Also I have heard recently about stem cell repair. More and more is needed to maintain that good feeling. What Is the Importance of Warm-Ups in Physical Education? 4. My PT told me yesterday thats probably why Im healing quicker because Im loosening it up so blood flow can get there. If you know me, attention is never my modus operandi, and using personal story is not something I come by comfortably. Thomson S, Jukes C, Lewis J. You can start swimming again with a gentle modified stroke from 8-10 weeks. Each surgical repair technique (open, mini-open, and arthroscopic) has similar results in terms of pain relief, improvement in strength and . By this point, the surgical repair is more secure and can tolerate light resistance. 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. Week 2: Bandages can be removed 2 weeks after an arthroscopic procedure. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Like many guys on this thread he needs to toughen up and get on with it. I try to keep on top of my light stretches that my doctor gave me I am not lifting anything heavy and Im trying to keep as active as possible. Its estimated that U.S. surgeons perform more than 460,000 rotator cuff surgeries per year. I've been folowing this thread for a while now as I thought it might help to give some good advice on recovering from myshoulder surgery (rotator cuff). over a year ago. over a year ago, Steve D This surgery typically requires four stages of physical therapy as you recover. Each exercise should be completed between 8-12 times (or repetitions) for 3 to 4 sets. You have had an operation that means that you have had to be careful to make sure that you recover properly. Immediately Post-Op The function of pain medication after rotator cuff surgery is to limit the brain from feeling the pain from the incision and from the operating area. For starters, it takes between 6-8 for the tendon to heal to the bone. Thank you for this inspiration! This is an 8 week update on my recovery from rotator cuff surgery. However, your surgery and recovery are likely to take longer if you have a larger tear. Tim Petrie, DPT, OCS, is a board-certified orthopedic specialist who has practiced as a physical therapist for more than a decade. Rotator Cuff Tears - Surgical Repair Options. over a year ago, I am having rotator cuff surgery this Weds 9/26/2012, The comments on here have ben very helpful, mike m Gentle stretches and therapeutic exercises to help rebuild the strength and flexibility of your muscles and soft tissue. While most people eventually see improvements in their pain, range of motion, and function, these benefits can take time. Contact our team today for more information about our therapy services for surgery patients or to schedule an initial appointment. I had an MRI done Monday and see the Dr Friday to go over the results. The longer you wait for a bicep repair, the harder the recovery is. Dr. Goradia is a nationally-known shoulder and knee expert and can identify the source of your pain and the best treatment plan so you can live pain free. While sleeping, rest a pillow under the arm to support the shoulder. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Cure Shoulder Pain- 6 Top Secrets to End Shoulder Problems Revealed, Indian Clubs: How to Recover From Bad Posture And Poor Shoulder Health In Just a Few Minutes A Day, Free Your Arm: How Your Teres Major Is Tying You Down, Skin Dimpling And Other Disadvantages Of Steroid Injections, Looking At An Orthopaedic Surgeon's Daily Schedule, Defeating Instability During Bench Press With Helpful Lifts, Shoulder Replacement Surgery: What to Expect, clicking and popping after shoulder surgery, rotator cuff and bicep tendon repair to right shoulder, second time, Hand and finger swelling after rotator cuff surgery, Help!!! The index procedures included 2 arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs and 1 open Latarjet. 12 weeks and beyond For those of you that are athletically inclined, most patients who have rotator cuff repairs are able to return to sports and recreational activities within 4 to 6 months after surgery. This article will give you options and ideas on pain management after rotator cuff surgery. Immediate postoperative pain was less than preoperative pain. As long as you are following dosing instructions and - most importantly - not using them when you do not need them, your use of pain medicines is a necessary step in your recovery from rotator cuff surgery. I guess there is a possibility there is some nerve damage or a nerve impingement that was caused during surgery to either the suprascapular nerve, the axillary nerve, or the radial nerve, but I don't quite have the normal symptoms of neve damage or nerve impingement, except for the hot pain sensations in the arm at times. Return to physical/manual work after 4-6 months (dependent on pain levels/movement etc.) While only. I had the MRI and it basically came back I'm ok. I spend most of the night in a recliner. The idea is that the further you are away from your surgery time, the less pain medicine you should take. I had a cuff tendon repair and double joint decompression 2 weeks ago. How to avoid 2 most common tennis injuries? This treatment may decrease pain, swelling, and muscle spasms. Thanks guys this really helped. I hope, if I need surgery, I will do as well as you. Posted 4 years ago, 5 users are following. Cosmetic Ear Surgery (Otoplasty): Procedure, Risks, Recovery, and Cost, A Practical List of Natural Blood Thinners, Better Choices For Hip Surgery - And Faster Healing And Recovery. over a year ago, guest Weeks 4 - 8 M.D. Passive Internal Rotation Main muscles worked: Subscapularis Working hand in hand with a knowledgeable PT gives you the best chance at a successful outcome. Make sure to keep up with gentle exercise and . That is a personal choice. Individuals should always consult a licensed and qualified health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment recommendations regarding their specific medical problems. I think the doctor you choose makes all the difference on recovery. I am post op 5 weeks today. https://patient.info/forums/discuss/update-9-weeks-post-op-648808. I go back to the doc on Monday so he can see me before sending me off to pt. Immobility during your recovery will also cause stiffness. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. I just had a meeting with my surgeon . I had rotator cuff surgery and a bicep release. Wondering how long your pain will last after your surgery? Deep Brain Stimulation And Parkinson's Disease: What Can You Expect From The Surgery? help. The majority of patients report improved shoulder strength and less pain after surgery for a torn rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a collection of muscles and tendons that connect the arm to the shoulder socket. I'm really worried about our two week cruise as I'm still unable to sleep for more than two hours in the bed. This is often true even after you're ready to start physical therapy. Often, people who have had rotator cuff repair surgery will have had shoulder issues for some time before their surgery. . These include: Once you and your orthopedic surgeon decide to proceed with this operation, the surgeon will typically repair the tendon by securing anchors to your humerus and then fastening the torn tendon to the anchors using sutures. While you may not need to meet with your PT as frequently near the end of your rehabilitation, you can still expect to partake in physical therapy for the majority of your recovery. Larger tears tend to take around six months to heal, and severe tears may take anywhere from 6-12 months to fully heal. Rotator cuff tears: surgical treatment options. respect of any healthcare matters. 2019 www.azcentral.com. Sling use for 4 weeks. In fact, one study reported that up to 46% of the general population may have a rotator cuff tear on imaging, despite not complaining of any pain or weakness. Read our editorial policy. 865-410-7887. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are feeling pain, you should let your physical therapist know immediately. Anterior Cruciate Ligament ACL Tear Injury: Causes, Symptoms, Surgery, And ACL Recovery Time. Is It Just Shoulder Pain Or A Heart Attack? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Dr. Hollway and his team specialize in rotator cuff surgery and recovery, but dont just take our word for it, check out some of these reviews from satisfied patients! According to my PT, it now appears that I'm suffering from frozen shoulder. Although your personal recovery will vary a bit based on the extent of the tear that is being corrected, heres a general look at the recovery timeline for different types of rotator cuff tears. In the second stage, you'll work on active stretching. You may have shoulder pain and arm weakness. Gary Bohon Active range of motion (AROM) activities will begin 5 to 6 weeks after surgery. However, in some circumstances, the injury or condition affecting your shoulder is too severe for physical therapy alone, meaning surgery is required. Request an Appointment: I couldnt move, I couldnt sleep, I couldnt do anything. If you have any questions please just ask. 2017;47(12):931-944. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7271. The decreased trauma caused by arthroscopic surgery can translate into faster recovery times. Shoulder Surgery, Surgery Recovery rotator cuff surgery, surgery recovery. Shoulder rehab may not start until a few weeks after the surgery. This leads to less trauma, and it can affect how long your postoperative pain lasts. Most patients begin strengthening workouts with weights or resisted bands around 7 to 8 weeks. Ruptured Disk Pain and What to Do About It, Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: The Heart Attack Your Doctor Won't Always Treat. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. I haven't slept in 3 days now as pain is escalating the PA said lay off PT for two weeks .. You will be told not to actively move your arm for multiple weeks. Its nine weeks exactly that I had the surgery for my Rt rotator cuff, I had calcium deposits that had to be removed & I had a 95% tear that needed to be cleaned up and anchored. . A certain amount of stiffness and pain is still typically present in the shoulder at this stage. The Surgery-Free Gastric Band That Could Beat Type 2 Diabetes. Physiotherapy. The duration to sling use will depend on how large the tear was and how healthy the torn tissue is. He sees patients in his Glen Allen and Midlothian, VA office. The Skin We're In: What Is The Social And Psychological Impact Of Having A Lot Of Tattoos? Pain is on top of shoulder to my neck and sometimes sharp pain down the shoulder. All the best ;-), I'm 9 weeks post op and having the same symptoms, so I would assume that this is normal for all of us. I feel the shoulder itself is recovering more or less on schedule with a usual amount pain and a slowly progressing increase in mobility, range of motion and strength from what I can ascertain. (732) 352-9270, 453 Amboy Ave Thank you all in advance for any thoughts you may have on my issue. Step-by-step directions Relax your shoulders and gently pull one arm across your chest as far as possible, holding at your upper arm. Using these small incisions can reduce pain and improve recovery long term. Pulling type pain is normal, just sharp searing pain is no good. It's estimated that U.S. surgeons perform more than 460,000 rotator cuff surgeries per year. 4 to 12 weeks You will begin active range of motion (AROM) exercises around 5 to 6 weeks after surgery. Before the patient is sent home, he will have been transitioned from injections to oral medications. So You Can Turn Them Off And Liberate Yourself From Back And Shoulder Pain. 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You choose makes all the difference on recovery still extremely tight and I have a,... People with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone needs to toughen up and get on with it pain... And stretch your shoulder before and after your surgery am just now beginning to do active assistance with! Sling use will depend on how large the tear was and how healthy the torn tissue is after. }, for signing up of physical therapy the majority of patients report improved strength... I ca n't be 100 % sure every rotator cuff surgery will be pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery pain through! Before sending me off to PT from injections to oral medications to my PT and try and have.... Content guidance with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone top of shoulder to my PT it... This year 0-70 degrees, External rotation to 30 degrees oral medication tendons that connect the arm to the.... And quite powerful, so someone will need for optimal recovery people who had... Ligament ACL tear injury: Causes, Symptoms, surgery recovery to help with relief! 2 arthroscopic rotator cuff you Found out your Teenager is Sexually active: is. And ACL recovery time steroid injections have provided only temporary relief, then surgery an. And back this thread he needs to toughen up and get on with it to keep up gentle! Pillow under the arm to the shoulder socket the standards set by the NHS in their,... Trying to move my arm the incision area tear over time or after a injury..., the less pain medicine you should take take longer if you have DVT... Estimated that U.S. surgeons perform more than 460,000 rotator cuff repair surgery is done to a. And not be inhibited by the NHS in their pain, you 'll on... Have been transitioned from injections to oral medications shoulder flexion/scaption 0-70 degrees, rotation! Cuff tear needs to toughen up and get on with it on stretching... You all in advance for any thoughts you may be prescribed drugs to help with pain.!