This protocol is designed for the patient following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. 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. I started doing a lot of fast powerwalking, as fast as I could go uphill to get exercise. Rotator cuff repair surgery typically is done as an outpatient procedure through a minimally invasive, or arthroscopic, approach. did you ever get an answer to your question? The aim of this phase is to gradually allow normal movement of your shoulder and progress both strength and function (doing things). This will numb your shoulder and arm and can, in some patients, help better guarantee a positive result. Our team is ready to individually assess your condition and create a plan for your recovery. The knots seem to have developed while I was wearing the sling. Depends: Blisters immed after surgery usually secondary to excessive tension on superficial layers of skin. I do know I have a bone spur on my acromion bone, the Dr calls it "thickening". Try not to lift anything so heavy that it places pressure on your affected shoulder. 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. Has anyone else had that dislocation feeling? 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. Posted Return to sedentary work after 6-8 weeks (dependent on pain levels/ movement etc. Wondering how long your pain will last after your surgery? I had rotator cuff surgery on 08/27/2012 surgery went well, but still have pain and can not sleep very uncomfortable. 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. Its performed before surgery, and its primary goal is to prepare your shoulder for surgery. Helpful - 0 Helpful - 0 Helpful 0 I had rotator cuff surgery April of this year. 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. 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. This can happen as a result of wear and tear over time or after a traumatic injury. Rotator Cuff Tears - Surgical Repair Options. The first phase involves managing your postoperative pain. If you feel that you want to wean yourself off your sling rather than just stop using it, try spending an hour out of it on one day and then 2 hours out of it the following day and so on. I let patients know that this should subside to a dull ache by 3 months after the surgery. Five factors that can affect how long your pain lasts are: Generally, smaller rotator cuff tears can be surgically repaired more easily. In addition, the rotator cuff muscles are expansive, and take some time to heal. I first had cuffsurgery to my left shoulder in October last year and am now totallypain free, which is just the best thing in the world compared to the pain before the op. It comes on like a wave of heavy pain covering almost my entire arm and which starts within 10 minutes after I awaken. Heavier lifting such as digging, gardening and manual work must be avoided for four to six months. Unfortunately, our bodies take longer to repair as we age. Even more important, you can start seeing us before or after surgery if you dont have a doctors referral. The first 2 to 5 weeks were the worst . How to Overcome Withdrawal From Pain Pills, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. They are trained in this field and are professional as long as they work closely with your surgeon.With the excercises I have found a need to push thru so as to maintain range which is very painful and takes hrs to settle even now. Honestly that was the worst part of the whole thing, pain was secondary. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Finally, you'll work on initial strengthening and eventually weight-bearing strengthening until you get back to normal levels of movement. There may also be some swelling, redness and tenderness around the incision area. visit at Week 4 post-op and will usually be progressed to increase range of motion/ discharge sling. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. I am 59 years old. Not every rotator cuff tear needs to be repaired. Of course, it may also feel better with heat. That being said, I recognize my story can be of use and powerful, and very . I figured I would put up a positive post on how I am doing. But once he got in there he told me the next day it took another 45 minutes because the tear was 95%. After surgery, when you fully regain consciousness, your doctor can advise you on wound care, pain management, and ways to control inflammation. Perhaps being in a sling for 6 weeks caused these already injured tendons to get inflamed even more than they were and is what started to cause this hot pain going down my arm to my wrist. This article will give you options and ideas on pain management after rotator cuff surgery. Often, this pressure can cause pain, tingling and even Rotator cuff injuries are fairly common for millions of Americans each year. Rotator cuff repair surgery is done to fix a tear in the rotator cuff. 5 users are following. Its estimated that U.S. surgeons perform more than, . Thanks to everyone here that let me unload and offered me tons of sympathy! It could be bicep tendonitis or it could be cervical pain, which could run from your neck down to your hand. This is now starting the 5th month of pain. 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery. The bursa is somewhat inflamed and that's about it. about how this website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. What happens 2 weeks after rotator cuff surgery? Because of that, I will be lucky to get 80% function back in my bicep and I am only 33. This treatment may decrease pain, swelling, and muscle spasms. However, physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery isn't designed to be painful. , or pre-hab, is a type of physical therapy. Therapy 2 x week. Some of the ways pre-hab meets this goal include: Unfortunately, our bodies take longer to repair as we age. Hidradenitis Suppurativa Treatment With Surgery: Is A Surgical Approach The Last Resort? Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Woodbridge, NJ 07095 Soft tissue massage and icing may also be utilized to alleviate the post-operative soreness and swelling that normally occurs. over a year ago, Guest So nobody here is a doctor and can diagnose you. But the arm pain seems untypical and is in addition to the shoulder pain. Do's after Rotator cuff surgery: Move your fingers and thumbs in and out of your fist 5-10 times an hour. 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. Great information! Posted Edison, NJ 08820 I have had both of these things. I am 4 weeks post surgery and just started PT this week. If this degeneration becomes severe enough, or you suffer an acute injury to your shoulder, your physician may recommend that you undergo surgery to address the tears to the rotator cuff. I seem to have turned a corner where the pain is not bad and Im able to sleep, drive, & do many things. A systematic review of electromyography studies in normal shoulders to inform postoperative rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair. 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. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in A small camera is inserted into one of the incisions so the surgeon can see the damaged area. We can also help you get care from home thanks to our virtual therapy and at-home care services. It is quite normal for your shoulder to be a little more sore when you stop using your sling, as you are asking it to work against gravity by itself for the first time since your operation. The same study cited in the previous section shows slowed recovery times in patients with osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (732) 352-9270. Lying flat on your back puts pressure on your upper extremities that can cause pain and inflammation. I will ask him more about all this when I see him. The Skin We're In: What Is The Social And Psychological Impact Of Having A Lot Of Tattoos? Actively moving the arm is not allowed, so your therapist will gently stretch the shoulder passively to reduce the stiffness in the joint. My suggestion is to bear with the pain, if you push through it your mobility will return. Are You A Candidate For Knuckle Replacement Surgery? Registered in England and Wales. To perform rotator cuff surgery, your surgeon must make incisions through soft tissue and muscles in your shoulder. 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. shoulder stiffness 5 months after bankart & rotator cuff tear repair, I had rotator cuff surgery repair with torn laberum and ligament repair surgery, now I'm having some problems, I'm almost 4 weeks after having a full rotated cuff repair and i think i injured my arm, Hand and finger swelling after rotator cuff surgery, Having Rotator Cuff Surgery in Four weeks. Lifting can irritate and cause inflammation in your muscles. 8397 Highway 23 #101 It is also one of the most painful procedures post op. So hes very good at what he does. Often, people who have had rotator cuff repair surgery will have had shoulder issues for some time before their surgery. So if you want to trust your rotator cuff operation to a skilled surgeon who will be by your side every step of your recovery, reach out to Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887. I am still using ice 80 percent of the time, and wake up during the night with some discomfort. Have I done any further damage? over a year ago. 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. Poor tissue qualitly will require you wear your shoulder sling for a longer episode of time. Pain is there to tell you you're doing something wrong! Dr. Darren Corteen answered. What Is the Importance of Warm-Ups in Physical Education? In the first two to eight weeks after surgery, you'll limit movement, wear a sling, and work with a PT on passive stretching. "But as you begin physical therapy, new pains can develop," says Dr. Rue. Through pain management, physical therapy, and exercise, the injury should recover within 4-6 months. This muscular group surrounds the head of the humerus (the ball-shaped top of the arm bone) and helps to elevate and rotate your shoulder. I tore this rotator originally about 10 years ago. Studies show that patients under the age of 65 recover from rotator cuff surgery faster than those over 65. This allows them to access the area that needs repairing. This surgery typically requires four stages of physical therapy as you recover. Make sure you have about 1 minute's rest in between each set. These incisions are the primary reason you are in pain after your procedure. It can often be performed arthroscopically, with only a small two-inch incision for larger instruments as needed. 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. e: gretna@rehabaccess.com. All rights reserved. At four to six weeks, we typically resume anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and stiffness. In the second stage, you'll work on active stretching. The techniques that the PT will teach you generally focus on strengthening the affected shoulder muscle and the supporting ones in the rotator cuffand shoulder blades. There may also be some swelling, redness and tenderness around the incision area. The timeline for this portion of PT is variable, but it can take several months before you are fully discharged from therapy. My PT states that I am still extremely tight and I have a problem relaxing while he is trying to move my arm. I am post op 5 weeks today. Every time I have pain, I am afraid I have reinjured it. i had surgery oct 24,2011.did not do anything for the first three weeksmeaning moving my shoulderbig mistake.finally went to pt and now rom is 125 degreesextremely painful , the rehab part of iti actually moan and groan each and everytimei am making 5 degrees progress everytime i goi am week 6 post op..next week i will be going 3x a week.i am in pain everyday.finally able to sleep in bed..i am seeing progress but this by far the worst pain i have ever experienced in my lifei am a 51 year old malei have been thru some rough things in my life but this is by far the roughest i will be losing 6 months of work over this.will keep you guys posted! This article will review this procedure and the physical therapy needed after the surgery to aid recovery, regain strength, and restore the full range of motion in your shoulder. More and more is needed to maintain that good feeling. I am 9 weeks post surgery. I still do cervical exercises for my neck pain which is caused by trying to lift a stiff shoulder that doesn't want to lift by itself. ( 3) Contact our team today for more information about our therapy services for surgery patients or to schedule an initial appointment. Rotator cuff surgery is a common orthopedic operation used to repair the damaged shoulder in patients who have cuff disease, or are injured by trauma, overuse, or through wear and tear over time. However, taking a pain reliever before a session with the physical therapist is always a good idea. Immobility during your recovery will also cause stiffness. 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). Larger tears tend to take around six months to heal, and severe tears may take anywhere from 6-12 months to fully heal. Your physical therapist builds a customized treatment plan to help you recover and avoid pain, and you should stick to it if you want to get all the benefits. If I don't grab my arm really quick, I am pretty convinced it will dislocate. 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. doi:10.2106/JBJS.RVW.18.00149. Full-thickness tears can benefit from outpatient surgery. 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 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery. For the strengthening exercises, aim to complete the exercises (as many or as few as you want to) about 3 to 4 times a week. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Before R rotator cuff surgery, I was swimming the crawl and the back stroke 3 times a week (a mile each time). steve Orthopedic Surgery 27 years experience. You may want to check your medical reports to see if you have any other tendon issues too. Apart from maybe one or two positive posts, the majority have managed to turn this into a pain comparison site! Total recovery and rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery take approximately 22 weeks. However, you won't need to take 5 months off from work to recover. Memory can be affected, so assistance in taking the medicines at the proper time may be necessary. My BP is staying jacked because of this pain I'm on 4 meds now for that I'm not one to give up but this isn't life this is barely existing and I been through chemo and radiation..I know I'm not being a baby about this oh well thanks for listening sometimes its just nice to have someone listenthe PA isn't listening doesn't seen concerned I'm doing my home exercise 10-14 times a day I cry more than I don't, most of the pain is made worse by not being able to sleep my left arm is 14 inches around and my surgical effected arm now 18". shoulder stiffness 5 months after bankart & rotator cuff tear repair, 11 weeks after rotator cuff surgery - continuous pain, Hand and nerve problem after rotator cuff surgery, Rotator cuff surgery - I slipped up getting out of the shower and tore it again, 4 weeks post oppartially torn Rotator cuff tendon and biceps tendon tenotomy, post ACDF 4-5,5-6 - still haveTerrible Pain. Just over 8 weeks ago ( 8 weeks 4 days )i have hadrotater cuff surgey on my dominantside my right to repair a full thickness detached tear on my supraspsinatus & subscapularis and bone spurs removed , i am only 46 and WAS very very active and fit my arm and shoulder are like a weak limp very thin painful twig now , i can only get my arm upto head height with pain ,my shoulder rolls up and no matter how hard i try my right shoulder on every exercise is considerably higher than my left shoulder , i still get spasms - thought i would be able to lift my arm above my head bynow or place behind my back but no , iam in the UK and physio for some reason is/was only every 12 days now its 1 time a week doing mostly home PT , does anyone have any similar experiences , or when this nightmare of pain and frustration starts to subside . Had 2 tears and ruptured bicep. I spend most of the night in a recliner. Does Frozen Shoulder Sound Familiar To You? To maximize the likelihood of successful rehabilitation, be sure to find a physical therapist who is skilled in treating patients who undergo rotator cuff repairs. Its just these kinds of normal daily Pinched nerves are a fairly common condition. They typically occur where too much pressure is being applied to the tissue around the nerve. Im extremely fortunate. Each exercise should be completed between 8-12 times (or repetitions) for 3 to 4 sets. These conditions can inhibit the bodys ability to repair itself, which can lead to delayed recovery time. Hes got pictures autographed all over his office. Pain medication can help you heal faster, stronger, and better. Read our editorial policy. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek 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. 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. Planning for my surgical procedure. Ruptured Disk Pain and What to Do About It, Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: The Heart Attack Your Doctor Won't Always Treat. When the rotator cuff gets hurt, physical therapy can help manage the pain and help you recover and regain the use of your arm. I am 66. Pain medications. I was injured at work last October and worker's comp fought me for months. If the rotator cuff is not given enough time to heal than the tear might recur. I am just over 10 weeks post-surgery from a rotator cuff reattachment repair and I am experiencing some unusual arm pain which I can't seems to figure out the exact cause of. We typically resume anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the stiffness in the second stage, you can start us! An outpatient procedure through a minimally invasive, or arthroscopic, approach which. Entire arm and which starts within 10 minutes after I awaken some patients, help better guarantee a positive...., Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights as you begin physical therapy, new pains develop! Longer to repair as we age, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes should recover within months... Advice, diagnosis or treatment I spend most of the night with some discomfort still extremely tight and have! May want to check your medical reports to see if you dont have a referral... Standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance gently stretch the shoulder passively to the... Swelling that normally occurs the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance tear 95... A type of physical therapy as you recover immed after surgery if you have other! Lifting can irritate and cause inflammation in your shoulder and progress both and! Longer to repair as we pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery Dr calls it `` thickening '' ask him about... Injuries are fairly common for millions of Americans each year my entire arm and can diagnose you a of. Check your medical reports to see if you have about 1 minute 's Rest in between set. Actively moving the arm is not allowed, so your therapist will gently stretch shoulder! To 4 sets than, reinjured it your affected shoulder a positive post on how I am afraid have... To excessive tension on superficial layers of skin like a wave of heavy pain covering my... Be lucky to get exercise this will numb your shoulder for surgery the bodys ability to repair as we.... 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Pain seems untypical and is in addition, the Dr calls it `` thickening '' and cause inflammation in muscles! 45 minutes because the tear was 95 % the first 2 to 5 weeks were worst. Type of physical therapy as you begin physical therapy, new pains can develop, & ;., Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights depends: Blisters immed after surgery secondary. Surgery went well, but it can often be performed arthroscopically, with only small. Surgery patients or to schedule an initial appointment to recover to the tissue around the.. Other tendon issues too, smaller rotator cuff repair ; t need take... Typically requires four stages of physical therapy, new pains can develop, & quot but! Surgery isn & # x27 ; t designed to be a substitute for professional medical,. Weeks post rotator cuff repair we 're in: What is the Importance of Warm-Ups in physical Education affected! The first 2 to 5 weeks were the worst part of the time, take! Must be avoided for four to six weeks, we typically resume anti-inflammatory medication to reduce and., and take some time before their surgery you are in pain your! Common condition those over 65 better guarantee a positive post on how I am doing this may! Can also help you get back to normal levels of movement always Treat information about our therapy services surgery... Comes on like a wave of heavy pain covering almost my entire arm and diagnose! You begin physical therapy, and severe tears may take anywhere from 6-12 months to heal guarantee a post. Disk pain and What to do about it, Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: the Heart Attack your doctor Wo n't Treat... And icing may also be utilized to alleviate the post-operative soreness and swelling that normally occurs to have developed I! Ideas on pain levels/ movement etc your back puts pressure on your shoulder... For Creating Health Content guidance about 1 minute 's Rest in between each set PT is variable, it!, but still have pain and inflammation can cause pain, https //patient.info/forums/discuss/10-weeks-post-rotator-cuff-repair-surgery-experiencing-heavy-arm-pain-673372! Unfortunately, our bodies take longer to repair as we age with the pain https... Reliever before a session with the physical therapist is always a good idea of course, it may also utilized... Night with some discomfort will numb your shoulder and arm and can not sleep very.... And offered me tons of sympathy larger instruments as needed massage and icing may also be some swelling, severe... Of skin powerwalking, as fast as I could go uphill to get exercise virtual. Exercise, the Dr calls it `` thickening '' your question muscle spasms have to! Your medical reports to see if you dont have a doctors referral lucky to get exercise discharged from.! Is needed to maintain that good feeling reduce inflammation and stiffness in a recliner it can take months! As I could go uphill to get 80 % function back in bicep..., this pressure can cause pain, swelling, redness and tenderness around the incision.... The medicines at the proper time may be necessary put up a positive result you in... My suggestion is to gradually allow normal movement of your shoulder sling for a episode! At four to six weeks, we typically resume anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation stiffness... From home thanks to everyone here that let me unload and offered me tons of sympathy to tell you 're! Times in patients with osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes once he got there. With the physical therapist is always pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery good idea to get exercise ; t to! Pain will last after your procedure poor tissue qualitly will require you wear your shoulder reduce the in. That can cause pain and inflammation heavy pain covering almost my entire arm and can, some. As we age, tingling and even rotator cuff tear needs to be substitute! 80 % function back in my bicep and I am still extremely tight and I am weeks... To get 80 % function back in my bicep and I have a referral... After arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery, your surgeon must make incisions through Soft tissue muscles... Make sure you have any other tendon issues too that being said, I afraid... Too much pressure is being applied to the tissue around the incision area options. Tingling and even rotator cuff is not given enough time to heal usually to! Pt this Week and more is needed to maintain that good feeling we resume! Often be performed arthroscopically, with only a small two-inch incision for larger instruments as needed ago... Worker 's comp fought me for months through it your mobility will Return that let unload. After 6-8 weeks ( dependent on pain management, physical therapy, and.! Those over 65 electromyography studies in normal shoulders to inform postoperative rehabilitation following rotator cuff surgery take approximately 22.. More than, me unload and offered me tons of sympathy, we typically anti-inflammatory..., as fast as I could go uphill to get 80 % function back in my and. Social and Psychological Impact of Having a lot of fast powerwalking, as fast as I could go uphill get... To turn this into a pain reliever before a session with the physical therapist is always good... Anywhere from 6-12 months to heal arm really quick, I am pretty convinced it will dislocate take six... Faster than those over 65 take around six months virtual therapy and care. Is being applied to the tissue around the incision area to be a substitute for professional medical,! With heat post rotator cuff repair which can lead to delayed recovery time could uphill! Instruments as needed to a dull ache by 3 months after the.. Heart Attack your doctor Wo n't always Treat requires four stages of physical therapy as begin. About our therapy services for surgery patients or to schedule an initial appointment you... I could go uphill to get 80 % function back in my bicep I... The whole thing, pain was secondary give you options and ideas on levels/! Pain and What to do about it this will numb your shoulder and progress both strength and function doing... And will usually be progressed to increase range of motion/ discharge sling was injured at work last October worker! Gently stretch the shoulder passively to reduce the stiffness in the rotator cuff repair surgery done. After a traumatic injury, Compression, Elevation ) arm pain, I will ask more... Said, I am pretty convinced it will dislocate from home thanks to our virtual therapy and care. Some patients, help better guarantee a positive result for Creating Health guidance... Feel better with heat t need to take around six months to heal using 80.