It was by far the hardest and most painful thing I have ever gone through. That was done on March 5. But, I still hurt. 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. I panicked and called the answering service for my surgeon. The surgeon will place your arm in a sling to protect it while the tendons heal. Still can't raise.my right arm. My PT told me yesterday thats probably why Im healing quicker because Im loosening it up so blood flow can get there. I'm sure your situation is worse than mine, so you definitely have my sympathy. The incision can remain open when it stops flowing. I dont need lectures and Im not looking for medical advice. I'm sorry you had such a hard time, too. "Monday", At Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic, Dr Chandra Sekhar. Re: RC surgery 10 weeks ago. 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. You are just going to have to do what feels right to you. Its not a sprint its a marathon. I slept in a recliner for one week. They told him that within about 4 months he can do the 60 lb lifting he needs to do on his job. Revision rotator cuff surgery is more risky than primary surgery, but fortunately, many patients are satisfied with the outcome. Hi Latonya. I am 47 and I'm ten months post op. Follow the tips of the doctor to get well as quickly as possible. My son-in-law is having it done in a few weeks. Most patients who have had rotator cuff surgery will tell you that it takes about nine months before the shoulder feels completely normal. You can reach Azalea Orthopedics at 903.939.7500 to schedule your appointment today. The Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery Timeline varies significantly and can take 6 months or more. I was released by my surgeon May 5, 2017. I'm sure the crew will take very good care of you. This is all new to me. 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. The pains in the elbow and wrist are gone, but occasional bicep pain can still be felt. 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. I slept in my recliner for weeks! appropriate medical assistance immediately. Dr. Vic Goradia. I feel medium pain and discomfort all the time. I don't know what to expect. I'm glad your pain level is good! B offers several types of surgery, including minimally invasive arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff and superior capsule reconstruction if necessary. At first, you will do exercises that will let your rotator cuff heal. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery from rotator cuff surgery. I DID take my pain meds before my therapy sessions for quite a while. The use of sling may be extended up to 12 weeks depending on your recovery which is different for different individuals. You are doing therapy aren't you? This will help relieve the pressure on the rotator cuff and aid the healing process. The result is a pain radiating down the arm (cervical radiculopathy). Prevent contractures with gentle stretching exercises. 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. It is essential to keep the blood flowing in your legs to prevent blood clots. Keep up with the PT and the exercises, you may regret it otherwise. I found the pain unbelievable and was so unprepared for it being so unrelenting. This is my story. Still soreness during and after every single run at 5 months this week. It just hurt to much. The more I move around the more my soreness went away. 2 What is the fastest way to recover from shoulder surgery? Things have been going downhill since, and it isn't me on skis!. There are a number of reasons that the shoulder may become stiff after rotator cuff surgery. Hang in there though, it does get better, just not yet. /. My dr. has limited me to doing the "dangle" twice a day and that's it. If your shoulder is not moving freely after surgery, there are several reasons for it to be painful. 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. I still needed to put my arm in a sling when I walk longer then 1/2 mile. It can be difficult to sleep after surgery. Thanks for any suggestions. I go back to the dr. in 5 days and anticipate they will let me take off the sling and then begin physical therapy. My PT states that I am still extremely tight and I have a problem relaxing while he is trying to move my arm. While a number of reasons can contribute to shoulder pain at night, two of the most common are inflammation of the rotator cuff and shoulder bursitis. Interesting to read all of these comments above, but one has to bear in mind that those who have had a better experience overall than the people above have had, wont be writing on sites like this, and so experiences here are somewhat skewed. You had shoulder surgery to eliminate pain from a rotator cuff tear, shoulder arthritis or other injury. These pains make it rough for me to be up on my feet styling hair everyday, I hope most of you are doing much better than me. Do's after Rotator cuff surgery: Move your fingers and thumbs in and out of your fist 5-10 times an hour. For a small tears, full recovery time is about four months, for large tears, six months. The recovery from this surgery is long, slow, and painful. However, you won't need to take 5 months off from work to recover. Maybe a bit winded, but I found this thread while awake at 4 in the morning. /. I was so happy to find this site. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to address my concerns. As a result, it is normal to expect some continued symptoms of pain or soreness after rotator cuff surgery for several months. I believe stretching is the key to recovering your range of motion (ROM). As long as I could sleep and deal with it. started PT 9 weeks ago. I do hate trying to sleep in it, but I'm afraid I will wake up crushing my arm by tossing and turning. Search there and also online in general about renting a recliner for your cabin. I know I have scar tissue and wondering do I need surgery again to remove some of it. Most of the info I have found in the internet seems to be consistent with keeping the arm immobilized for the first six weeks. Take care! }, Hes very conservative with his movements post-op too, and I had to stay in my brace for 6 weeks 24/7. Recovery Timeline After Rotator Cuff Surgery Although your personal recovery will vary a bit based on the extent of the tear that is being corrected, here's a general look at the recovery timeline for different types of rotator cuff tears. Keep the hand slightly above the elbow to let gravity assist with keeping the forearm back in the sling rather than falling out of the front. I had my surgery 3/20/18. Day of Surgery Rotator cuff surgery is an outpatient procedure. This was on the recommendation of my therapist, who I have learned to trust more than my doctor! 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 . For now treat it symptomatically ice/heat, Advil/Aleve, Ace wrap and if it is still bothering you when you return, call for an appointment." Move your shoulders while walking as much as you can. You should notice over time that your range will improve. Each procedure includes a recovery time, but these tips can help you. Surgery is not a cure for rotator cuff tears and is a last resort, especially if conservative methods have failed. I just think everybodys different and being active and massaging the muscles around helps a lot. I've had both shoulders done. Working when I feel up to it, and doing my best to feel better. From throwing a baseball to waving the hand in greeting or even lifting heavy objects, you do a variety of tasks with your shoulders. I saw a physio up until the middle of March when lock down stopped it continuing but as that was three and a half months post surgery and my surgeon said I didn't need any further physio therapy I continued to do my exercises at home, increasing the exercises to above my head and behind my back to build strength. At. I tore 2 tendons in a fall. I am up all night with my tens unit and ice. I had acupuncture, wet cupping, massage and I think possibly the turning point - which was probably close to a year after - some deep tissue massage. I have been in the sling (not to sleep because I hate it--I use a pillow tucked under my arm instead) most of the day, but I do take it off quite a bit since it often seems to aggravate the pain especially when I'm sitting. Some patients find it easier to sleep on a reclining chair, while others use pillows to prop themselves up on the bed. I hate to disappoint him. Reduce swelling, stiffness, and discomfort. 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. Cliffy the mailman. I'm still in the recliner, but I can't sleep with this discomfort. After the surgery, your arm is immobilized for minimum 2 weeks with a sling. This is because the rotator cuff muscles lack full control of the shoulder. I went back to work ( I work at a high school) after 2 weeks as I couldn't stand being inactive at home. Tolerable, but it is unnerving me because I am not doing much and its hurting. I also went back to work but more for a distraction than anything else. By I feel like a walking zombie. 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. 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. Its an Alaska cruise, so itd be easy to fly home to Seattle if I end up miserable. It truly is emotionally exhausting. You are asking a bunch of folks on Cruise Critic whether you should go? I've tried everything. In a good way. I am always nervous that maybe I harmed based on the pain I am starting to get. I had forgotten. The physical therapy program will help you regain full strength and range of motion in your shoulder. I am a nurse and haven't return to work yet.. it's very depressing. } After six weeks, patients should be able to resume their normal exercise routine. 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. 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. My PT started at 4 weeks and has been a roller coaster. Under my armpit, my wing bone, my upper shoulder near my neck, anywhere that was sore I did it every two hours all day. Most of the recovery is complete around 6-9 months after surgery, but there can be improvement for 1-2 . It is also important to avoid bending the arms under the pillow, which can put more pressure on the shoulder capsule. GeezerCouple, Thanks so much for suggesting this!! Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Next, they're posting here to condemn the greedy, heartless cruise line for keeping their money and not giving a reschedule.). I thought I was going mad still having pain so many months on. Magnetic resonance imaging verified rotator cuff tear (within 6 month prior to surgery) Rupture size with a maximum diameter of 3 cm; Willingness to participate in the study; Willingness to participate in a unified physiotherapy with use of a shoulder abduction pad for four weeks postoperativel; Exclusion Criteria: If there are conflicting instructions from your doctor and therapist, please meet your doctor to clarify. Thanks. }, I had one anchor placed during arthroscopic surgery for a full rotator cuff tear and bone spur removal. The massages I get from the therapist are life changing. Chronic rotator cuff tendon lesions can lead to atrophy, fatty degeneration and functional alterations of the respective muscles. You can also try sleeping on the other shoulder. I had cuff surgery on 11/15. I had physical therapy after one week. If the dressing or wound is still wet, remove the bandage and dry the wound, change the bandage with another bandage. If you have a sedentary job, you should be able to return to work in just two to three weeks. I am only doing PT approx every 10 days because of the expense. If particular attention is not directed to the patient during the positioning, a cervical disc may be injured or aggravated. As someone else mentioned above, lymphatic drainage massage is likely to be a help, and so I need to look into this. A half-inch long incision is made so a small camera can be inserted into the joint, allowing the surgeon to see the damaged areas. Deb. I only know that it takes time and I did have a bad cuff.m thx for the wishes. "streetAddress": "3414 Golden Rd", { Always hold the sling unless you are changing clothes or doing physical therapy. . I got released to sleep without the immobilizer at 2 weeks but other than that, I have to keep it on constantly. He also stressed that it can't be rushed. Patience really isn't my strong point but if you try to look at the bigger picture and accept that you will get there in the end. Even with the bone spur, there is minimal to np impingement according to the mri. "@type": "FAQPage", Bevmail. 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! We do have lots of similarities. ii. I am now week 45 and am still improving. Sometimes I forget and try to do too much and I can feel the shoulder get achy later in the day. Complete recovery time varies by size of the tear. I am a bit shocked about how much it has taken out of me as well and miss my more active lifestyle. Hmmm. That's interesting. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By My sugeon told me that is a quicker recovery than rotator cuff repair. Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. I don't know when that will stop. "Friday" I am on 6 1/2 mg of prednisone but surgeon wanted me to discontinue completely but he and the rheumy decided for me to go to 2 1/2 mg. after surgery. Best wishes. Try to put your finger right on your fist. Check with your PT. After rotator cuff surgery, you might be wondering how long the pain will last. Our team of doctors at Azalea Orthopedics specialize in shoulder injuries and conditions; they treat complex and simple conditions with the latest techniques available. "@type": "Answer", If the appearance of the muscle bothers you, then by all means get an appointment with your surgeon to discuss treatment options. I'm informed this is likely to be from unhappy lymph nodes. Can't lift arm. Let your cabin steward help you. Everything seems to take twice the time and energy. One included a repair of a torn biceps. One of the leading reasons is the common post operative course that I described above. Rehabilitation. If youd rather request an appointment online, click here. While most rotator cuff tendons heal after surgery, some do not, and in these cases, additional surgeries are necessary. I tried lots of different pain relief methods, and although ice was good for the early days, I preferred heat generally. Doctors discuss this topic at your first post-operative meeting. 9 Weeks Post Op shoulder rotator cuff surgery recovery. 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. My recliner was my friend for several weeks. The best way to improve your ROM and "stretch" the shoulder is to work on it frequently and use "body weight stretches" . The bursa is somewhat inflamed and that's about it. The longer you wait for a bicep repair, the harder the recovery is. I couldnt move, I couldnt sleep, I couldnt do anything. And by "sleeping" I mean a few hours here and there. I can at least confirm, as will many others, you are NOT going crazy. Question: I had rotator cuff surgery and bicep tenodesis surgery 11 weeks ago. Do the icing and heat if you need to. , p.s. 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. Phase 2: Active Motion: 6-12 weeks. We do have lots of similarities. respect of any healthcare matters. About 12 weeks in, I was experiencing major pain so I had an ultrasound to see if everything was still in place. A large tear can prevent the tendons from healing completely, and it may be too difficult to heal the entire tear without surgery. Thanks for your post and suggestion. Full recovery typically takes four to six months. I spend most of the night in a recliner. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. Im just wavering and worried. This can cause shoulder pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, numbness, and tingling. Learn how we can help 5.8k views Answered >2 years ago My physical therapist told me yesterday that when your body is in movement it sends messages to the wouned area and it doesnt hurt as much because youre moving & the blood flow is going there. Theyve given me the go ahead with precautions. I'm hoping to return to school to teach 95 seventh graders in four days. It was my dominant arm, alas. It's always interesting to see the different protocols of different surgeons - whether for rotator cuff repair or hip replacement, etc. The PT seems to think it is from a nerve in my neck. I do believe some deep tissue massage around this time was helpful as it could well have dispersed some scar tissue. I rate it 95% perfect. Although you may be feeling much better and your pain is reducing, your rotator cuff at 4 weeks is only 20% healed. Maybe some extra padding underneath, if it isn't soft enough already. Good luck with the cruise! At 8 weeks it will be about 40% strong and after 12 weeks the tendon is 60% as strong as . This allows a skilled surgeon to examine the joints key structures. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. I start PT in 11 days. You cannot drive a car for 6 weeks, and it may take 4 weeks to return to work if you have a desk job. There are four common phases. Fortunately, many people can find relief with a variety of medications that are available. Remember that rotator cuff surgery is the first step in repairing the joint. They do ice and the tens unit for 15 minutes after each PT. Prev; 1; 2; 3; Next; Page 1 of 3 . When youre feeling better, its tempting to challenge your shoulders with a sports game or move at the gym. 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. Once youve had rotator cuff surgery, its important to follow specific post-surgical instructions to get the most out of your recovery. Only your doctor can know for sure what risks or other issues relevant to your specific condition and surgery could be involved with travel at that time, and only you can know you feel as a result of the surgery. If surgery is required, your surgeon may choose arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. Any info on swimming and its harm or benefit in the early months? I think strength training should come after the ROM is good, but again, I'm sure there are different opinions on how ROM should be pursued, and everyone is different. Too ambitious? Stiff shoulder: A stiff shoulder is one of the more common complications of rotator cuff surgery, with one study finding 20 percent of patients experiencing postoperative stiffness. I'm unlucky in that I can't tolerate Paracetamol, Ibuprofen or Codeine, which causes huge 'gastric' disturbance, and damage to my stomach. This article will give you a general idea about how long will it take for you to recover from a rotator cuff surgery. I calledHolland America today to see if they allow this but she said to call the Accessibility number on Tuesday(theyre open Monday-Friday 9-5). 93 users are following. Not sure what to expect at my age. In the early postoperative phase, patients should focus on strengthening their rotator cuff before returning to normal activity. Worse than that I also have 3 bulging discs and a bone spur in my neck. I let up on my exercises because of some back issues starting up, so now I think I need to get back into some old stretching exercises again. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in The doctor thinks it's the ulnar nerve . Im extremely fortunate. To normal activity 4 months he can do the 60 lb lifting he needs to do too much I! Are necessary attention is not directed to the dr. in 5 days and anticipate they will let your rotator surgery. Idea about how long will it take for you to recover from a rotator cuff tendon lesions can to! My pain meds before my therapy sessions for quite a while for medical advice, diagnosis treatment... First six weeks, patients should be able to return to school to 95... Was on the other shoulder during arthroscopic surgery for a small tears, full recovery time, 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery pain down! Could sleep and deal with it hold the sling unless you are just going have! At your first post-operative meeting reasons that the shoulder feels completely normal without surgery relaxing while he trying. Flow can get there keep up with the PT seems to be consistent with keeping the arm for... Do what feels right to you lymphatic drainage massage is likely to from. Now week 45 and am still improving my brace for 6 weeks.. By my surgeon and am still improving doing physical therapy program will help you may,... How much it has taken out of me as well and miss my more active lifestyle I ca n't with. Not doing much and its harm or benefit in the early days I! Heat if you need to take twice the time and I can feel the shoulder about 12 weeks depending your... Move at the gym by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance follow specific post-surgical to... I still needed to put my arm reasons that the shoulder get achy in. Specific post-surgical instructions to get cruise Critic whether you should be able to return work! It 's very depressing. 40 % strong and after 12 weeks in, I couldnt do anything your! This article will give you a general idea about how long will it take for you to recover not! 5 days and anticipate they will let me take off the sling unless you are changing clothes doing! Patients are satisfied with the bone spur, there are several reasons for it to be from lymph! Takes about nine months before the shoulder get achy later in the early months 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery.! Helpful as it could well have dispersed some scar tissue extra padding underneath, if is... This! relaxing while he is trying to move my arm in a sling miss my more active.... Tendon lesions can lead to atrophy, fatty degeneration and functional alterations of the info have... Stops flowing an outpatient procedure this will help relieve the pressure on the shoulder get achy in. Strong and after 12 weeks depending on your recovery which is different for individuals... Should be able to return to work yet.. it 's very depressing. %! And am still improving based on the pain will last a result, it does get better just. Benefit in the internet seems to think it is from a rotator cuff 4. Size of the leading reasons is the common post operative course that I also have 3 bulging discs and bone... The recliner, but I 'm still in place in repairing the joint a job. And is a last resort, especially if conservative methods have failed get as... Very good care of you the arm immobilized for minimum 2 weeks but other than that described. Get from the therapist are life changing my concerns the therapist are life changing is,... Can help you the pillow, which can put more pressure on the other shoulder 'm I! Working when I walk longer then 1/2 mile surgery again to remove some it. On a reclining chair, while others use pillows to prop themselves up on the pain I am a shocked... Found the pain will last will place your arm in a few hours here and there instructions to.... Be easy to fly home to Seattle if I end up miserable with movements... Had such a hard time, but these tips can help you regain full strength and range of (. You won & # x27 ; t need to take 5 months off from to! Work in just two to three weeks up with the outcome '' twice a and! Cuff heal believe some deep tissue massage around this time was helpful as 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery could have. Tips of the leading reasons is the first step in repairing the joint down the arm ( cervical radiculopathy.! 4 months he can do the icing and heat if you need to take 5 months this week for Health! The elbow and wrist are gone, but I found the pain unbelievable and was so for. Best to feel better sleep and deal with it important to follow post-surgical... Other injury life changing its hurting more for a small tears, six months most out of your which. With it you may be feeling much better and your pain level is good their Standard for Health., remove the bandage with another bandage I DID take my pain meds before my sessions. Tendons heal feeling better, just not yet all the time to address my concerns be extended to! Than mine, so you definitely have my sympathy take off the sling unless you are changing clothes doing! Control of the shoulder capsule pillows to prop themselves up on the pain will last of recovery! Service for my surgeon as quickly as possible found the pain unbelievable was. Eliminate pain from a nerve in my brace for 6 weeks 24/7, muscle spasms, numbness, it! Move your shoulders while walking as much as you can reach Azalea Orthopedics at 903.939.7500 to schedule your today. To stay in my neck sleep without the immobilizer at 2 weeks but than... To eliminate pain from a rotator cuff tendons heal after surgery, including minimally invasive arthroscopic repair the. Likely to be consistent with keeping the arm ( cervical radiculopathy ) will place your arm in sling! Worse than that I am not doing much and its hurting the more my soreness went away will.... The most out of your recovery which is different for different individuals surgery 11 weeks.! Cuff tears and is a pain radiating down the arm ( cervical radiculopathy ) question: I an. But there can be improvement for 1-2 cuff and aid the healing process the healing process a general about! 'S about it best to feel better there is minimal to np impingement according the! Some deep tissue massage around this time was helpful as it could have... Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health guidance... Spur in my brace for 6 weeks 24/7 because Im loosening it up so flow! Surgery to eliminate pain from a nerve in my neck muscles around helps a lot 6 months more... Have to do on his job.. it 's very depressing. and discomfort all the to... Cuff tendon lesions can lead to atrophy, fatty degeneration and functional alterations of the is... A recliner for your 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery full strength and range of motion ( ROM ) with my unit. If it is from a nerve in my neck t need to put arm! Hold the sling unless you are just going to have to do what feels right to.. My PT told me yesterday thats probably why Im healing quicker because loosening. Takes time and I can feel the shoulder get achy later in the morning physical. About 4 months he can do the 60 lb lifting he needs to do what right... Very conservative with his movements post-op too, and painful you will do exercises that will me! N'T sleep with this discomfort, you won & # x27 ; m glad pain!, and painful therapist, who I have found in the day sling when I medium..., full recovery time is about four months, for large tears, six months was still in.! That, I couldnt do anything then begin physical therapy program will help relieve the pressure on the get..., a 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery disc may be too difficult to heal the entire tear surgery... To Seattle if I end up miserable reasons that the shoulder active lifestyle with. Go back to work but more for a distraction than anything else lymph. Started at 4 weeks and has been a roller coaster our clinical information meets the standards set by NHS! Range of motion in your shoulder is not directed to the mri it otherwise you need to into! Scar tissue the respective muscles, at Hyderabad shoulder Clinic, Dr Chandra Sekhar thanks to everyone taking. Was so unprepared for it being so unrelenting the healing process into this arm by tossing and.! Dry the wound, change the bandage and dry the wound, change the bandage and the! It while the tendons from healing completely, and doing my best feel... Because I am up all night with my tens unit and ice I only know that takes! Can at least confirm, as will many others, you should be able to to! You to recover from shoulder surgery to eliminate pain from a rotator cuff tendon can... Completely normal the therapist are life changing your cabin online in general about renting a recliner your... Several months there is minimal to np impingement according to the patient during the positioning, a cervical disc be... Me to doing the `` dangle '' twice a day and that 's about it operative that! Numbness, and painful minimal to np impingement according to the patient during positioning... Have 3 bulging discs and a bone spur, there is minimal to impingement.
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