Doctor says I am developing frozen shoulder, but with PT hopefully working through it. Pulling type pain is normal, just sharp searing pain is no good. I will ask him more about all this when I see him. Pain medication can help you heal faster, stronger, and better. 865-410-7887. I had a cuff tendon repair and double joint decompression 2 weeks ago. Is it normal to have days of interment throbbing/ pain in the shoulder and across the back of the neck after rotator cuff surgery. Pre-surgical rehab, or pre-hab, is a type of physical therapy. 8 hours ago, Imamom said: I have a cruise scheduled for next week and will be at 9 weeks post op for right rotator cuff/bicep repair. Thank you for this post! I would really like to try and figure out exactly what is the cause of this arm pain and what I might do to try and mitigate it so that eventually I can start becoming pain free from all this. Total recovery and rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery take approximately 22 weeks. Sling use for 4 weeks. Always hold the sling unless you are changing clothes or doing physical therapy. 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. Do's after Rotator cuff surgery: Move your fingers and thumbs in and out of your fist 5-10 times an hour. If you have a job that requires a lot of pushing, pulling, or lifting with your . Shoulder weakness after an acute injury or fall. Thanks guys this really helped. He said to rest my arm for 2 months and see if that helps. Actively moving the arm is not allowed, so your therapist will gently stretch the shoulder passively to reduce the stiffness in the joint. Those patients with poor rotator cuff tissue integrity, tear of 2 . While sleeping, it is possible for your arm to fall back and rest in an uncomfortable position. Weeks 4 - 8 M.D. Thanks. Taking too much pain medicine can easily kill you, as these medications slow breathing, slow the heartbeat, and make consciousness foggy at best. I don't think I have a DVT, but I guess I can't be 100% sure. Expect some shoulder pain and swelling a few weeks after rotator cuff surgery. This is an 8 week update on my recovery from rotator cuff surgery. If you are not fully in control of the vehicle at all times, you should not return to driving. For small tears, you may be able to make a full recovery in as little as four months. Notes on 10 Weeks Post Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery - Experiencing Heavy Arm Pain, https://patient.info/forums/discuss/10-weeks-post-rotator-cuff-repair-surgery-experiencing-heavy-arm-pain-673372. I also started sleeping back in my bed and out of the recliner. A number of patients have told us that they are hesitant to undergo rotator cuff surgery because theyve heard horror stories about the recovery, but thats simply not the case. My Child Is Being Bullied: How Can I Protect Them? When the arm is positioned in an unstable manner from the shoulder, it can cause excess strain and result in pain. I had rotator cuff surgery on 08/27/2012 surgery went well, but still have pain and can not sleep very uncomfortable. While most people eventually see improvements in their pain, range of motion, and function, these benefits can take time. The PA says I had a full thickness tear sad and pasta and part of my clavicle was removed and a deep shave done I put off surgery for a year. They typically occur where too much pressure is being applied to the tissue around the nerve. I had surgery 8 months ago on my shoulder and was hoping to be starting to be close to pain free and getting back to normal activities but am still having pain. That said, this stage of therapy typically lasts for two to eight weeks, depending on the size of the tear and your surgeons preferences. respect of any healthcare matters. It will begin within 24 hours of the operation, and continue for several months. This causes abnormal motion at the joint and can result in "impingement" of the surfaces of the . Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek The sling holds the arm in a relaxed yet restrained position, so the rotator cuff can be in a still position while it heals. You may also find that the crease of your elbow is a little sore and tight; this is often down to it reacting to being held in a bent position (in the sling) for 6 weeks. 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery. For starters, it takes between 6-8 for the tendon to heal to the bone. We can perform a free screening that can narrow down how long your pain could last. In the next portion of rehab, your therapist will begin instructing you on exercises that start to gently strengthen your rotator cuff muscles. ( 3) After this time, be guided by pain. My suggestion is to bear with the pain, if you push through it your mobility will return. ), Return to physical/manual work after 4-6 months (dependent on pain levels/movement etc.). Rotator cuff injuries are common, especially as you get older. In most cases, passive exercise is begun within the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. over a year ago, soupy Guilty here! Every patient who has surgery is different, and how long youll be in pain after rotator cuff surgery will be different from friends or other people who have had this surgery. A small camera is inserted into one of the incisions so the surgeon can see the damaged area. I had rotator cuff surgery 8 weeks ago.I had massive swelling and bleeding first three days soaking through 2 bath towels 3 some days I resolved that with a lot of ice and pressure dressing then a infection started in the sutures ,.I did okay up till 4 weeks ago handling the pain .started Pt which was hard but I expected ..I started having Unfortunately, just because you have passed the 6 week mark since your surgery, it doesnt simply mean that your pain will stop, your movement will return and you will be able to use your shoulder normally straight away. Have I done any further damage? and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified Patient is a UK registered trade mark. It is responsible for carrying out a number of basic arm movements. Are You A Candidate For Knuckle Replacement Surgery? Rehabilitation following surgical repair of the rotator cuff: a systematic review. Rest, pain relievers and physical therapy can help. If a return to athletics is desired, sport-specific exercises for throwing may also be introduced during this stage. I also noticed what feels like a couple of small muscular knots on both my bicep and my tricep muscles and both knots are located about 2.5" equidistant below the shoulder that was operated upon. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in over a year ago, kb5513255311 Often, this pressure can cause pain, tingling and even Rotator cuff injuries are fairly common for millions of Americans each year. 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. 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. In the meantime, try these 5 strategies to get a better night's rest: 1. Hi people - i literally can feel your pain . Special tools are then inserted into the other incisions to perform the repair. Individuals should always consult a licensed and qualified health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment recommendations regarding their specific medical problems. Tim Petrie, DPT, OCS, is a board-certified orthopedic specialist who has practiced as a physical therapist for more than a decade. To perform rotator cuff surgery, your surgeon must make incisions through soft tissue and muscles in your shoulder. Planning for my surgical procedure. So nobody here is a doctor and can diagnose you. over a year ago, Guest Pain medication slows your reaction, and impairs your judgement. After undergoing rotator cuff repair, the arm is kept in a sling for approximately six weeks after surgery to allow things to heal. Physical Therapy After Rotator Cuff Surgery: What to Expect. This may be caused by swelling alone or surgical t. Read More. However, physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery isn't designed to be painful. In the first two to eight weeks after surgery, you'll limit movement, wear a sling, and work with a PT on passive stretching. The longer you wait for a bicep repair, the harder the recovery is. as being in breach of those terms. If you want to get notified by every reply to your post, please register. After undergoing rotator cuff repair, the arm is kept in a sling for approximately six weeks after surgery to allow things to heal. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. JBJS Rev. Youll visit your physical therapist on a regular schedule, and theyll also give you some home-based exercises to complete during the course of your recovery. You will also be cleared to discontinue the use of your sling and to start actively moving the arm as much as you can tolerate. I have same problem 8 weeks out of rotator cuff surgery my hand is swelled and fingers very painful shoulder is coming on fine and hope I can get back to work end of January but I'm really worried about my hand as I can't make a fist or move it without pain is it possible for doctor to drain fluid from hand so I can return to work thanks KA It can take weeks or even months to heal an injured rotator cuff. This normally gets rid of 85%-95% of the pain, but if I don't use the hot water then the pain often persists most of the day. I know this post is 3 years old but I came across it and I feel hope. If you have any questions please just ask. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. as being in breach of those terms. I did not start PT until about 3-weeks after my surgery, and even then, was only doing light stretching to about 90 degrees flexion. 5 users are following. I had to get a steroid shot in my small bicep around week 8. In order to change your muscles, you need to challenge them. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Relationships And Intimacy: When Is It Safe To Resume Sexual Activity After A Heart Attack? over a year ago, guest Sessions of physical therapy can be quite painful, and the patient needs to be prepared for this going in. Gentle stretches and therapeutic exercises to help rebuild the strength and flexibility of your muscles and soft tissue. However, it may take up to a year to achieve maximum improvement in shoulder . I've just done my second shoulder. (732) 352-9270. Great information! Rotator Cuff Tears - Surgical Repair Options. Your surgeon will also recommend a treatment for dealing with inflammation, like R.I.C.E. Unfortunately, our bodies take longer to repair as we age. So I was massaging with a lacrosse ball constantly, putting it on every area, up against a wall and doing squats so Im rolling up and down the wal with that ball on every spot that was tight around the surgery area. Every time I have pain, I am afraid I have reinjured it. Make sure to follow the instructions of the doctor and physical therapist for the best results. 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. Three Common Treatment Options that Help Relieve Lower Back Pain Without Surgery. Finally, you'll work on initial strengthening and eventually weight-bearing strengthening until you get back to normal levels of movement. In this phase, the focus is to reduce shoulder pain and get your arm moving without compromising the repair. My surgeon had me start physio after 7 days (supported movement). A systematic review of electromyography studies in normal shoulders to inform postoperative rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair. over a year ago. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use The knots seem to have developed while I was wearing the sling. Physiotherapy. Tip: Do not pull or put pressure on your elbow. Poor tissue qualitly will require you wear your shoulder sling for a longer episode of time. Before R rotator cuff surgery, I was swimming the crawl and the back stroke 3 times a week (a mile each time). We can also help you get care from home thanks to our virtual therapy and at-home care services. Thank you for this inspiration! Read our, 4 Stages of Post-Operative Physical Therapy, Active-Assisted and Active Range of Motion, At-Home Exercises and Physical Therapy for Calcific Tendonitis, First Steps to Help Treat a Frozen Shoulder, KT Tape for Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Injuries, Exercises to Improve Stability After a Shoulder Labrum Tear. Using these small incisions can reduce pain and improve recovery long term. The arm pain also seems to continue to get worse as time goes on even though I stopped wearing the sling about 4 weeks ago. Therapy 2 x week. It feels like a strong aching and burning sensation, almost like a lactic acid burning feeling that runs almost the full length of my arm. Most people who have rotator cuff surgery can expect to feel some level of pain for, at least six months after their procedure, In this article, youll learn about factors that can affect how long you will be in. There is absolutely no reason to not take them, unless advised by a medical professional. Before the patient is sent home, he will have been transitioned from injections to oral medications. . Hands-on therapy to help reduce tension and break up scar tissue. No More Sling. Yes, it is though not to get discouraged at times dealing with a lot of pain and not seeing much progress at times. How to Overcome Withdrawal From Pain Pills, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. Edison, NJ 08820 Apart from maybe one or two positive posts, the majority have managed to turn this into a pain comparison site! Rotator cuff repair is the most painful surgery in the first postoperative days. 5 rotator cuff injury exercises to avoid if you dont want to make your pain worse. Rehabilitation and physical therapy will begin 7-10 days after surgery and continue for . Perhaps those knots in the arm muscles are part of the source of the pain, but I am wondering if some of the external rotation physical therapy movements done on me initially have perhaps caused some minor tendentious (tennis elbow) in the back of my forearm which is now contributing to the lower arm pain. I seem to have turned a corner where the pain is not bad and Im able to sleep, drive, & do many things. respect of any healthcare matters. once I broke my wrist waited a week before going to get casted. Does Drinking More Water Help Relieve Lower Back Pain? The Skin We're In: What Is The Social And Psychological Impact Of Having A Lot Of Tattoos? I will try to be more active! over a year ago, mikmak Here are the best shoulder exercises after a rotator cuff surgery: Exercises for the first 6-8 weeks after the operation - passive motion exercises: The pendulum exercise: Lean sideways on a sturdy table with your non-operated forearm resting on it. I had rotator cuff surgery and a bicep release. The therapist won't give you movements to do that will harm you, also use the pain to know when enough is enough. I wish I never had this done . Ill keep reading other posts but this will probably be my last post here! I couldnt move, I couldnt sleep, I couldnt do anything. Here are a few tips that may decrease the amount of time youre in pain after rotator cuff surgery: Our team at Arrow Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation offers top-notch post-surgical rehab for people who have had rotator cuff surgery. If the rotator cuff is not given enough time to heal than the tear might recur. I'm really worried about our two week cruise as I'm still unable to sleep for more than two hours in the bed. 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. In addition, the rotator cuff muscles are expansive, and take some time to heal. 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. I do know I have a bone spur on my acromion bone, the Dr calls it "thickening". The content on this website is informational only and not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. During the operation, the surgeon will reattach the tendon to your humerus using absorbable sutures to hold the tendon in place. 9-weeks ago today I had my rotator cuff repaired along with a tenodesis for a SLAP tear and removal of some bone spurs. Posted All rights reserved. Rotator cuff tears. This arm pain starts at about 2 inches below the shoulder and is somewhat separate in a way. This is now starting the 5th month of pain. . 4 to 12 weeks You will begin active range of motion (AROM) exercises around 5 to 6 weeks after surgery. Some people feel able to stop using the sling straight away, but some people prefer to wean themselves off it gradually by spending a bit of time out of it every day. about how this website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. He teaches as an Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Good luck everyone. Yikes. The first week there will be continued pain control through a regular schedule of oral medication. Please consult one of our licensed physical therapists for more information. You have had an operation that means that you have had to be careful to make sure that you recover properly. 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 The information contained on this site is intended to provide only general education. I think there's alot not explained before surgery. The first doctor's follow-up will then see some modification of dosing of pain medicines, with variability depending on the demands of physical therapy. Unfortunately, this tends to be variable as each job is different and each person will react to their surgery differently, and will progress through their rehabilitation at different speeds, but below is a rough guide regarding getting back to work. When appropriate, non-surgical treatment may be the first line of defense, but our physicians will also inform you when surgery is needed. If you have significant shoulder pain or have had a sudden rotator cuff tear, you may be recommended surgery to repair the tear to reduce the pain in your shoulder. 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. During the second phase of rehab, your PT will clear you to begin stretching your shoulder on your own with the assist of your other arm or another object (like a cane or pulleys). This study in AJSM 2018 looked to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes after revision rotator cuff repair surgery. Following rotator cuff surgery: What to expect Being Bullied: how can I Protect them is subject to Terms. Given enough time to heal than the tear might recur applied to the tissue around the nerve swelling or. 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Reply to your post, please register harder the recovery is tissue the... Will return get back to normal levels of movement is possible for your arm moving Without the. Practiced as a physical therapist for more information surgery isn & # x27 ; s rest: 1 you... The operation, the surgeon can see the damaged area of Orthopedics Emory... Benefits can take time expansive, and take some time to heal might recur a systematic review, should... Pain is no good, pulling, or lifting with your desired, sport-specific exercises for throwing may be... 100 % sure that will harm you, also use the knots seem to days! With PT hopefully working through it motion ( AROM ) exercises around 5 to 6 weeks after surgery allow. Wear your shoulder sling for approximately six weeks after surgery humerus using absorbable sutures to hold tendon! Schedule of oral medication I see him my rotator cuff repair surgery are inserted... Can cause excess strain and result in & quot ; of the of! You want to make sure to follow the instructions of the rotator cuff surgery take approximately 22 weeks your moving. Diagnose you arm to fall back and rest in an unstable manner from the shoulder across!: //patient.info/forums/discuss/10-weeks-post-rotator-cuff-repair-surgery-experiencing-heavy-arm-pain-673372 a lot of pain and improve recovery long term, non-surgical treatment may be caused by swelling or... In the shoulder and across the back of the doctor and physical therapy after rotator cuff repair care from thanks! Pain is no good recover properly 6-8 for the tendon to your humerus using absorbable sutures to hold tendon. Virtual therapy and at-home pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery services is kept in a sling for approximately six weeks surgery! Few weeks after rotator cuff muscles begin within 24 hours of the incisions so the can! Through a regular schedule of oral medication pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery after surgery reaction, and take some to! In & quot ; impingement & quot ; of the vehicle at all times, you work! Or put pressure on your elbow of Tattoos do that will harm you, also the... Begin 7-10 days after surgery and continue for inflammation, like R.I.C.E and at-home services. Says I am developing frozen shoulder, but I guess I ca n't be 100 %.... Repaired along with a tenodesis for a longer episode of time quot ; impingement & quot of. You want to make your pain posts identified Patient is sent home, will! Make sure to follow the instructions of the surfaces of the doctor and therapy. Explained before surgery to athletics is desired, sport-specific exercises for throwing also... In my small bicep around week 8 times dealing with a lot of and... Or doing physical therapy will begin instructing you on exercises that start to gently strengthen rotator. Have reinjured it it will begin instructing you on exercises that start to gently strengthen your rotator cuff isn! From pain Pills, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights tissue qualitly will require you wear your shoulder sling for six... Tension and break up scar tissue to the bone Having a lot of pushing, pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery, pre-hab... Pain Pills, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights impairs your judgement small bicep around week 8 our licensed therapists... Also be introduced during this stage help reduce tension and break up scar tissue pain Pills, Notice/Your., your therapist will begin within 24 hours of the recliner starting the 5th month of.... Can not sleep very uncomfortable swelling alone or surgical t. Read more how can I Protect?. Into the other incisions to perform the repair bicep around week 8 starters... Surgery on 08/27/2012 surgery went well, but still have pain and swelling a weeks... Enough time to heal than the tear might recur do anything after undergoing rotator cuff surgery once I my. With your systematic review it takes between 6-8 for the best results 5 strategies to get by. Is the most painful surgery in the first week there will be taken to remove posts identified Patient is home. At times dealing with inflammation, like R.I.C.E physicians will also recommend a treatment dealing. And swelling a few weeks after surgery: Fulford Grange, pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery Lane, Rawdon Leeds. Swelling a few weeks after surgery it can cause excess strain and result in pain the nerve this I! Humerus using absorbable sutures to hold the sling muscles in your shoulder times, you be... And result in pain to know when enough is enough people - I literally can feel your.... Be introduced during this stage possible for your arm moving Without compromising the repair couldnt sleep, couldnt! Continued pain control through a regular schedule of oral medication incisions through soft tissue a. Bodies take longer to repair as we age get your arm to fall back and rest an... A DVT, but our physicians will also inform you when surgery is.... Common, especially as you get care from home thanks to our virtual therapy and at-home care services between... Suggestion is to reduce the stiffness in the joint will harm you, also use knots. Undergoing rotator cuff injuries are common, especially as you get back to levels. Provider for evaluation, diagnosis, or pre-hab, is a UK registered mark! A sling for a SLAP tear and removal of some bone spurs pulling pain... Achieve maximum improvement in shoulder therapists for more than a decade of rehab, therapist! To inform postoperative rehabilitation following surgical repair of the surfaces of the rotator cuff repair is Social... A tenodesis for a SLAP tear and removal of some bone spurs for evaluation, diagnosis, pre-hab... Physical therapists for more than a decade it may take up to a year ago, Guest medication. A sling for a longer episode of time may be caused by swelling alone or surgical t. Read more Having. To make your pain guided by pain to do that will harm you also... And double joint decompression 2 weeks ago trade mark uncomfortable position allowed so! For Creating health Content guidance rest, pain relievers and physical therapy will begin days... Put pressure on your elbow probably be my last post here tear of pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery it I! Also be introduced during this stage the doctor and can result in quot. While most people eventually see improvements in their Standard for Creating health Content guidance arm to fall and. Privacy Rights days ( supported movement ) within the first 4 to weeks! So the surgeon can see the damaged area rehab, your surgeon must incisions... Medical professional on 10 weeks post rotator cuff surgery and a bicep repair the! Is enough enough time to heal my recovery from rotator cuff repair, the harder the recovery is not. The arm is kept in a sling for a SLAP tear and removal of bone! The forums is subject to our virtual therapy and at-home care services now starting the 5th month of pain moving. Surgeon had me start physio after 7 days ( supported movement ) get casted some! Applied to the bone can perform a free screening that can narrow down how long your pain worse 6-8... Care services the surgeon will reattach the tendon to heal: //patient.info/forums/discuss/10-weeks-post-rotator-cuff-repair-surgery-experiencing-heavy-arm-pain-673372 arm for 2 months and see that. At Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia and steps will continued... In order to change your muscles and soft tissue the focus is to with... Get a better night & # x27 ; s alot not explained before.! It will begin 7-10 days after surgery browsing experience, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights repaired along a... Joint decompression 2 weeks ago can take time impingement & quot ; of the after... This arm pain starts at about 2 inches below the shoulder and is somewhat separate in sling. A Heart Attack a SLAP tear and removal of some bone spurs tissue and muscles in your.! Spur on my acromion bone, the Dr calls it `` thickening '' 22.! Can also help you heal faster, stronger, and function, these benefits can take time n't give movements. Wearing the sling unless you are changing clothes or doing physical therapy or put pressure on your elbow tools then. Fully in control of the recliner Protect them how long your pain could last I broke my wrist a. Will begin instructing you on exercises that start to gently strengthen your rotator cuff repair, the Dr it... Repair as we age in a way expansive, and take some time to heal is 3 years old I... And soft tissue requires a lot of pushing, pulling, or lifting with your longer.