Rotator Cuff Repair

[Wood_Butcher_Dav]

I remember some of you out there talking about having rotator cuff surgery. I had mine in Nov and believe my therapy is coming along. Just seen the surgeon yesterday and he mention the possibly of doing a manipulation (knocking me out, shot of cortisone and moving shoulder through out range of motion.) This does not sound like fun! Has anybody else had this done? Is he just trying to motivate me to do more on my own? My weekly measurements taken by the therapist always shows my range of motion increasing. I know the recovery can take 6 to 9 months.

Thanks
Dave

 

[RichZ]

I never heard of having that done. I wonder if you've developed scar tissue that has to be torn. When I tore my rotator cuff, I was determined to get full range of motion back. I did my range of motion exercises three times of day, as I was instructed to. Let me tell you...they hurt!!! But, no pain, no gain. You have to do them to both build up the shoulder again, and pop any scar tissue before it becomes a problem.

Cowboydoc is the one who can answer your question. I wish I knew him when I tore my rotator cuff. I think I would have been willing to take the big trip just to see him!!!

 

[Wood_Butcher_Dav]

I'm doing mine twice a day during the week and 3 times a day on weekends. I do know about no pain, no gain, it even brings back memories of boot camp. I am also determined to get my full range back.

Semper Fidelis
Dave

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Dave,

With a history of a host of surgeries including rotator cuff repairs (twice) and knee work (seven times) there is one thing I have come to believe and that is that the quality of your rehab is absolutely critical to your recovery and regaining full use and range of motion. Good luck with your rehab. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[cowboydoc]

Dave,

How old are you? It's not uncommon to have this done. I know you've been working hard but you have a limited window of opportunity to get your full range of motion back. You are nearing the end of this window. Your doc is trying to get full rom back. This is not something we like to do. If he is suggesting it you are probably way behind schedule on where that shoulder would be.

 

[TresCrows]

I high sided my dirt bike and landed on my arm. My shoulder hurts. I applied duct tape liberally. It feels much better now! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Is this considered a standard medical practice?
In 1970 I was in my first moto-X. I crashed and my scrambler was laying on top of me and I was crying. Some big dude with Harley tatooed across his chest jumped over the net and grabbed my bike and stood it up. He then with one arm grabbed me and put me back on it. He said--"suck it up kid and get back out there" --so I did, I think that was the best medical advice I ever got. J

 

[MossRoad]

Never had the surgery, but had problems with it just short of surgery. Besides physical therepy, they gave me a book by Nolan Ryan(the pitcher) that was very inspirational and motivational with regards to taking care of your shoulder and working the therapy in your favor. I don't know the name of the book, but I kept up with it and things got much better. I like his quote about weight training... "Just me and a pile of iron." Good luck to you /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[thcri]

I tore my rotator cuff three years ago snowboarding. Yeah I am 46 now and it still hurts a bunch. Doc won't do anything with it. Says it is best to heal it on its own. I don't know if that means I didn't rip it much or if he is afraid surgery will do more damage. I am ok until I go past that range of motion or if I lift something to heavy.

Murph

 

[cowboydoc]

You're in danger of developing adhesive capsulitis, ie frozen shoulder. I'd go get another opinion if I was you. You are a textbook case of how it starts.

 

[thcri]

I first went to urgent care and then I ended up in Sports medicine. They did therapy for about 6 months. I had different forms of not sure what they called it but it helped a lot. (they would put these electrodes on me and send electrical waves through my shoulder and arm) Anyway they helped. I am ok after three years but I just have to watch it some. I am from Rochester Minnesota and I doctored at the Mayo Clinic.

Murph

 

[MossRoad]

Yep, electrodes, gel, heat, ultrasound, manipulation by some guy with big meat-hook hands, warm towel and a nap for 20 minutes, 3 times a week for 6-8 weeks. I used to be able to throw a softball 300 feet on the fly, but now am down to about 200 after warming up. I'm 42. I miss being able to just stand up and toss one a mile, but that is what caused the damage in the first place. I'm pretty sure if I started working out regularly I could get back to 250 feet. I'll never be able to toss it 300 again, but now I just throw to my cutoff man like I should have in the first place. At least I can still go down to the river and skip rocks with my daughters and my arm doesn't hurt. That's good enough for me. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Wood_Butcher_Dav]

I just turned 45. I injured my left shoulder last Labor Day by falling backwards and catching myself with a straight arm, which tore the cuff. The surgery was November 15th. I am doing therapy three times a week and will continue to work hard at home. Just have to see what the next 30 days will get me. It is less painful (almost none) during the course of everyday activities. Thanks for the support

Dave

 

[cowboydoc]

You're young enough Dave that you shouldn't have to have that done. Push it extremely hard. You won't injure it. That's the most common thing I hear from my patients is that it hurt and they were afraid to push it further.

 

[TresCrows]

Leaving the duct tape idea behind. I know Cowboydoc is an expert but I am surprised that swimming has not been mentioned--that is assuming you can swim (dog paddling does not count) I think water is an excellent resistence provider. I am (was) a swimmer, ran 6 k and even a few marathons and have done the Triathlon thing also. I think if you had access to a pool that would be a good exercise for you. J