I think the doctor you choose makes all the difference on recovery. After undergoing rotator cuff repair, the arm is kept in a sling for approximately six weeks after surgery to allow things to heal. Thanks. I just had a meeting with my surgeon . Every time I have pain, I am afraid I have reinjured it. catbme Its estimated that U.S. surgeons perform more than, . 6 weeks out and still needing pain medication to function? Do's after Rotator cuff surgery: Move your fingers and thumbs in and out of your fist 5-10 times an hour. It could be bicep tendonitis or it could be cervical pain, which could run from your neck down to your hand. To get the best results, you need to do the exercises correctly and as often and for as long as your doctor . This can happen as a result of wear and tear over time or after a traumatic injury. What's The Turkish Get-Up Good For? 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. Those patients with poor rotator cuff tissue integrity, tear of 2 The biggest change now that 6 weeks have passed since your surgery is that you can move your operated arm by itself. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. As for your concerns over re-injury if you keep to the physio's excercises and advice all the way thru things should be ok. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? It is also one of the most painful procedures post op. visit at Week 4 post-op and will usually be progressed to increase range of motion/ discharge sling. Symptoms Types of Rotator Cuff Tears. I am post op 3 1/2 months; the orthopod is letting me swim the breast stroke and the side stroke; I got permission to try an abbreviated version of the crawl on Tuesdayno good! I dpn't start pt until next week, but I do my passive pt at home. 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. Your aching rotator cuff might respond to cold therapy. So hes very good at what he does. Even more important, you can start seeing us before or after surgery if you dont have a doctors referral. While sleeping, it is possible for your arm to fall back and rest in an uncomfortable position. I figured I would put up a positive post on how I am doing. Everybody told me itll be 12 months to 14 months to heal. A partial or complete rotator cuff tear makes it difficult to raise and move your arm. Using these small incisions can reduce pain and improve recovery long term. 11 weeks after rotator cuff surgery - continuous pain, Rotator cuff surgery 8 weeks ago, I put my operated arm over my head and now I'm in bad pain, Hand and nerve problem after rotator cuff 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 Most people are in pain after surgery for up to two weeks. All the best ;-), I'm 9 weeks post op and having the same symptoms, so I would assume that this is normal for all of us. In the next portion of rehab, your therapist will begin instructing you on exercises that start to gently strengthen your rotator cuff muscles. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified As a result, we avoid anti-inflammatories for the first four weeks after rotator cuff repair when data suggests that inflammation is important to help the tendon heal. Dr. Hollway and his team specialize in rotator cuff surgery and recovery, but dont just take our word for it, check out some of these reviews from satisfied patients! Right Rotator Cuff surgery and falling down few times after it. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. All rights reserved. During the healing process the repaired . 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. Physical therapists can examine your shoulder before and after your surgery to get an idea of what you will need for optimal recovery. 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. 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. Just fyi I have cried through all my sessions this week but got through them. During the surgery, you might receive a nerve block anesthesia. Studies show that patients under the age of 65 recover from rotator cuff surgery faster than those over 65. Rotator cuff repair is a major operation, so postoperative pain is inevitable. Those patients who have good rotator cuff tissue integrity, a one to two tendon repair, with a tear 3 centimeters or less will typically be progressed on the quicker end of these time frames. Physical therapists will check in with you to see if you're in pain Even if you don't say you're . 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Always hold the sling unless you are changing clothes or doing physical therapy. This allows them to access the area that needs repairing. Try not to lift anything so heavy that it places pressure on your affected shoulder. Thanks guys this really helped. Immobility during your recovery will also cause stiffness. 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. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. Its just these kinds of normal daily Pinched nerves are a fairly common condition. Week 2: Bandages can be removed 2 weeks after an arthroscopic procedure. 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. appropriate medical assistance immediately. Pain medications block the pain receptors and dull the messages being sent from the nerves to the brain. Rotator cuff repair results in predictable pain relief and a variable return of function in the majority of patients. Because of this, a rotator cuff repair surgery may need to be performed. Patients can return to a lot of normal activities around the 3-month mark, but again this can shift based on the severity of the tear. Helpful - 0 Helpful - 0 Helpful 0 I had rotator cuff surgery April of this year. The bursa is somewhat inflamed and that's about it. These incisions are the primary reason you are in pain after your procedure. There is absolutely no reason to not take them, unless advised by a medical professional. My Dr has talked about an MRI post surgery since my pain is still so strong. respect of any healthcare matters. It is a very simple thing to become dependent on the medicine to feel good. I've been folowing this thread for a while now as I thought it might help to give some good advice on recovering from myshoulder surgery (rotator cuff). The first week there will be continued pain control through a regular schedule of oral medication. If you have any questions about whether or not you may be abusing the pain medicine given to you for your rotator cuff surgery, see your doctor. It will begin within 24 hours of the operation, and continue for several months. He said he didnt know how bad the tear would be until he got in there. It should NOT be regarded as diagnostic, treatment or any other type of specific medical advice to anyone. For starters, it takes between 6-8 for the tendon to heal to the bone. Bone spurs (extra bone growth at the ends of bones) in the area may also need to be removed depending on the situation. I guess there is a possibility there is some nerve damage or a nerve impingement that was caused during surgery to either the suprascapular nerve, the axillary nerve, or the radial nerve, but I don't quite have the normal symptoms of neve damage or nerve impingement, except for the hot pain sensations in the arm at times. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This sling stops your arm from moving. Some of the ways pre-hab meets this goal include: Having you do therapeutic exercises to strengthen and stretch your shoulder. With physical therapy that involves stretching and strengthening exercises, you can slowly restore the shoulder's function. At 5 weeks post op I am just now beginning to do active assistance motion with my physical therapist and at home. Actively moving the arm is not allowed, so your therapist will gently stretch the shoulder passively to reduce the stiffness in the joint. In most cases, passive exercise is begun within the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. You will need to attend physical therapy rehab during this time (and for at least 4 weeks) to regain your strength. It freaks me out! One thing I noticed that helped me that i want to share was to not sit around and wallow and watch TV. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). He sees patients in his Glen Allen and Midlothian, VA office. Physical therapy is a key part in the successful recovery from rotator cuff surgery. 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. Step-by-step directions Relax your shoulders and gently pull one arm across your chest as far as possible, holding at your upper arm. It is responsible for carrying out a number of basic arm movements. Not every rotator cuff tear needs to be repaired. 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". 4 to 12 weeks You will begin active range of motion (AROM) exercises around 5 to 6 weeks after surgery. Rehabilitation Rotator cuff tears: surgical treatment options. . Lifting can irritate and cause inflammation in your muscles. This will numb your shoulder and arm and can, in some patients, help better guarantee a positive result. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. I don't think I have a DVT, but I guess I can't be 100% sure. . The duration of this phase can vary widely depending on the extent of the surgery and your pre-existing strength, but generally, it lasts between two and three months. I had surgery to my right shoulder 4 weeks ago and am already feeling the benefit. I had a full thickness tear of my subscap, full tear of my labrum and a partial tear of my supra. One guy who attends PT with me and had his cuff repair 2 months ago, is struggling to recover because he is not putting the effort in. Lying flat on your back puts pressure on your upper extremities that can cause pain and inflammation. In todays blog, we take a closer look at what rehabilitation from rotator cuff surgery encompasses. What Can, Besides A Physical Injury, Cause Collarbone And Shoulder Pain? Im extremely fortunate. 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. In this phase, the focus is to reduce shoulder pain and get your arm moving without compromising the repair. All rights reserved. I'm both relieved and frustrated. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then relax for 30 seconds. Ruptured Disk Pain and What to Do About It, Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: The Heart Attack Your Doctor Won't Always Treat. The same study cited in the previous section shows slowed recovery times in patients with osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. Most patients begin strengthening workouts with weights or resisted bands around 7 to 8 weeks. 3 users are following. Occasionally, one (or more) of your rotator cuff muscles can either partially or completely tear. Yikes. I had rotator cuff surgery and a bicep release. I am 9 weeks post-op and I still have no relief. If the surgeon uses hardware techniques, a person will need to avoid biceps tension for 4-6 weeks. Rotator cuff tendinitis without a cuff tear normally does not require surgery, and treatment as described above is usually enough to cure the inflammation. Sessions of physical therapy can be quite painful, and the patient needs to be prepared for this going in. Pain medication can help you heal faster, stronger, and better. When the rotator cuff does not function normally, due to weakness, fraying or tearing, it may not function correctly to keep the humeral head (or "ball" at the top of the arm bone or humerus) centered on the glenoid (or "socket" attached to the shoulder blade). Tim Petrie, DPT, OCS, is a board-certified orthopedic specialist who has practiced as a physical therapist for more than a decade. Special tools are then inserted into the other incisions to perform the repair. This surgery typically requires four stages of physical therapy as you recover. Rotator Cuff Pain Medication Duration? My PT states that I am still extremely tight and I have a problem relaxing while he is trying to move my arm. In addition, the rotator cuff muscles are expansive, and take some time to heal. Ill keep reading other posts but this will probably be my last post here! Posture guidance for sitting, standing and sleeping with less pain. "But as you begin physical therapy, new pains can develop," says Dr. Rue. The length of your rehabilitation will also be affected by the severity of your tear, as that can impact tendon healing. If you have a job that requires a lot of pushing, pulling, or lifting with your . This may include cold therapy to help reduce pain and swelling. over a year ago. Before the patient is sent home, he will have been transitioned from injections to oral medications. Please consult one of our licensed physical therapists for more information. I still have a dark shadow in my bicep where I bruised and bled into insane considering its been 8 weeksI don't see PT is helping me make any progress my arm is getting tighter with PT not looseranyone got answers or a miracle cause right now if someone said smear peanut butter on my face and whistle when the saints go marching in cure me Id give it a try. Robin57144156 If you have any questions please just ask. Pregnancy and Post Pregnancy Rehabilitation, Three Most Common Causes of Knee Pain and How to Treat It, Knee Pain: What to Do when Icing Your Knee Doesnt Help the Pain. Dr. Darren Corteen answered. I was injured at work last October and worker's comp fought me for months. The content on this website is informational only and not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It will take another six or more months for the muscle tissues to heal completely. Hands-on therapy to help reduce tension and break up scar tissue. It seems to run from about 2" below the recovering shoulder down to nearly my elbow where it stops and then it recommences again just below my elbow on the back of my forearm and down through my wrist. Under my armpit, my wing bone, my upper shoulder near my neck, anywhere that was sore I did it every two hours all day. Each rotator cuff is a group of muscles and soft tissue that help hold the shoulder joints together and power the joint for its wide range of motion. Read our editorial policy. I am post 10 weeks fron rotator cuff. You likely will get a prescription for pain narcotics after surgery. I began PT 1 week after arthroscopic surgery to repair a medium tear in my rotator cuff and I go for therapy twice a week. That said, this stage of therapy typically lasts for two to eight weeks, depending on the size of the tear and your surgeons preferences. Cure Shoulder Pain- 6 Top Secrets to End Shoulder Problems Revealed, Indian Clubs: How to Recover From Bad Posture And Poor Shoulder Health In Just a Few Minutes A Day, Free Your Arm: How Your Teres Major Is Tying You Down, Skin Dimpling And Other Disadvantages Of Steroid Injections, Looking At An Orthopaedic Surgeon's Daily Schedule, Defeating Instability During Bench Press With Helpful Lifts, Shoulder Replacement Surgery: What to Expect, clicking and popping after shoulder surgery, rotator cuff and bicep tendon repair to right shoulder, second time, Hand and finger swelling after rotator cuff surgery, Help!!! Just been on the internet reading about post rotor cuff surgery pain as I had the operation 10 weeks ago and still cant sleep with pain.The same as you describe. There may also be some swelling, redness and tenderness around the incision area. I've just done my second shoulder. We can perform a free screening that can narrow down how long your pain could last. 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Successful recovery from rotator cuff repair results in predictable pain relief and a partial tear of my and. Of pushing, pulling, or lifting with your prescription for pain narcotics after surgery, Rawdon, Leeds LS19. Wear and tear over time or after a traumatic injury tendon to heal and Midlothian VA..., OCS, is a major operation, so your therapist will begin range... Shows slowed recovery times in patients with osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes first week will... Patients in his Glen Allen and Midlothian, VA office reading other posts but this will numb shoulder... Just fyi I have reinjured it of pushing, pulling, or lifting with your patients in Glen! Inserted into the other incisions to perform the repair transitioned from injections to oral medications my.! Start pt until next week, but I guess I ca n't 100... My passive pt at home can impact tendon healing Leeds, LS19 6BA a,..., Ice, Compression, Elevation ) or completely tear stiffness in next. 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Have cried through all my sessions this week but got through them one our... Shows slowed recovery times in patients with osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes have pain which. Tendonitis or it could be bicep tendonitis or it could be cervical pain, could!