Once the pain is under control, you will be able to resume most normal activities. Rotator cuff tears. After surgery, when you fully regain consciousness, your doctor can advise you on wound care, pain management, and ways to control inflammation. The decreased trauma caused by arthroscopic surgery can translate into faster recovery times. 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. 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. It will begin within 24 hours of the operation, and continue for several months. In the next portion of rehab, your therapist will begin instructing you on exercises that start to gently strengthen your rotator cuff muscles. Unfortunately, our bodies take longer to repair as we age. Come on guys, man up! Bone spurs (extra bone growth at the ends of bones) in the area may also need to be removed depending on the situation. 12 weeks and beyond For those of you that are athletically inclined, most patients who have rotator cuff repairs are able to return to sports and recreational activities within 4 to 6 months after surgery. You may not like asking for help, but it can limit the amount of pain you experience during recovery. This is part of the healing process and will subside eventually. 3. 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. When can I drive again? It was followed by a pain bounce on D1 and D2 and did not return to a level significantly lower than its preoperative value until D30. Read our editorial policy. This is when you lift the weight of your arm against gravity, but no additional weight. Pain medications. 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. I'm both relieved and frustrated. This leads to less trauma, and it can affect how long your postoperative pain lasts. Our team is ready to individually assess your condition and create a plan for your recovery. This protocol is designed for the patient following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Make sure you have about 1 minute's rest in between each set. It will take another six or more months for the muscle tissues to heal completely. There will be pain. Expect that the first days after rotator cuff surgery will be focused on controlling your pain. When appropriate, non-surgical treatment may be the first line of defense, but our physicians will also inform you when surgery is needed. Immediate postoperative pain was less than preoperative pain. This arm pain starts at about 2 inches below the shoulder and is somewhat separate in a way. Find out moreabout how this website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. I was injured at work last October and worker's comp fought me for months. These will still be narcotics and quite powerful, so someone will need to drive him home. e: bellechasse@rehabaccess.com, Gretna I had a torn labrum in 2 spots, my rotator cuff debrided as well as a bicep tear fixed. If you think you may have a medical emergency or a major medical problem, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Rotator cuff pre-surgery jitters and tips for living awhile with just one hand. You may have shoulder pain and arm weakness. The pain also does sometimes return later in the day, especially if I take a nap, and, if it does, I just repeat with hot water and/or ice to relieve it again when that happens. I am post 10 weeks fron rotator cuff. Pain in the outer biceps is likely referred pain from the shoulder that is radiating to the biceps. If you know me, attention is never my modus operandi, and using personal story is not something I come by comfortably. 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. Open surgery involves the surgeon making a large incision in your shoulder. Every time I have pain, I am afraid I have reinjured it. I have had both of these things. 5. 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. appropriate medical assistance immediately. Recovering from a rotator cuff repair requires both persistence and patience. "Most of the time, the normal postoperative pain after rotator cuff repair will diminish within a few days to weeks," continues Dr. Rue. (732) 352-9270, 453 Amboy Ave However, taking a pain reliever before a session with the physical therapist is always a good idea. What is surprising though is that I had no pain in my arm whatsoever before the surgery. . I am 66. The first stage of recovery may last up to 6 weeks after surgery. However, your surgery and recovery are likely to take longer if you have a larger tear. All rights reserved. There are two main types of rotator cuff surgery: open surgery and arthroscopic surgery. If you have any questions please just ask. 1712 Stumpf Blvd The rotator cuff is a grouping of four shoulder muscles (the supraspinatus, the teres minor, the infraspinatus, and the subscapularis). In most cases, passive exercise is begun within the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. In addition, the rotator cuff muscles are expansive, and take some time to heal. I dpn't start pt until next week, but I do my passive pt at home. Your therapist will provide guidance on safely increasing the amount of weight you use and may also incorporate weight-bearing or pushing and pulling techniques. 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. The Skin We're In: What Is The Social And Psychological Impact Of Having A Lot Of Tattoos? Gretna, LA 70056, (504) 370-1733 No driving should be attempted while narcotics are used to control pain. Wondering how long your pain will last after your surgery? Arthroscopic surgery involves the surgeon making small cuts in the skin. Most people who have rotator cuff surgery can expect to feel some level of pain for at least six months after their procedure. 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! I just had a meeting with my surgeon . During the surgery to repair a rotator cuff tear we reattach the rotator cuff tendon to the bone of your humerus. Having this tendon heal correctly is vital to the success of your operation, but that doesnt mean that your shoulder will remain immobilized for that entire duration. Hands-on therapy to help reduce tension and break up scar tissue. 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. The majority of patients report improved shoulder strength and less pain after surgery for a torn rotator cuff. I had rotator surgery 11 weeks ago and still have alot of pain have been doing light exercises so shoulder does not lock up-called doctor today to see if he wanted another x-ray- put i quess ill just suck it up and live with pain untill it heals- had 6 surgerys w/inplants in c2/l2 front and back and then this in last 7 yrs. If you want to get notified by every reply to your post, please register. Regardless, this issue can significantly impact the strength, stability, and movement of your arm. Not sure you would qualify for this but that would be another thing to look into? 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. While in PT, your rehab is commonly divided into several distinct phases: Early on after surgery, the main goal of therapy is to slowly advance your shoulders range of motion while protecting the surgical repair. 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. 5 rotator cuff injury exercises to avoid if you dont want to make your pain worse. Immediately Post-Op The function of pain medication after rotator cuff surgery is to limit the brain from feeling the pain from the incision and from the operating area. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? Pain is subjective and no one can tell you exactly how long you will be in pain after your surgery, but what you can rely on is the fact that there will be some amount of pain for at least a few days. Contact us to see if you are a good candidate for shoulder surgery. 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. How long does it take for pinched nerve-related numbness to go away? Around 7 to 8 weeks most patients begin strengthening exercises using weights or resisted bands. I feel inspired by your words and will take them to heart. Update: 9 weeks post op. 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 While genetics play a factor and some people may recover quickly despite their age, patient age may correlate to slowed recovery time. We can also help you get care from home thanks to our virtual therapy and at-home care services. Return to sedentary work after 6-8 weeks (dependent on pain levels/ movement etc. clicking and popping after shoulder surgery, rotator cuff and bicep tendon repair to right shoulder, second time, 4 weeks after rotator cuff surgery, My shoulder finally loosened up and less pain, Help!!! 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. over a year ago. 4 to 12 weeks You will begin active range of motion (AROM) exercises around 5 to 6 weeks after surgery. Yikes. Your therapist will also provide instruction on how to perform daily tasks like bathing or dressing without activating the affected muscles. Asymptomatic rotator cuff tears. Return to sedentary work after 6-8 weeks (dependent on pain levels/ movement etc.) Through pain management, physical therapy, and exercise, the injury should recover within 4-6 months. Pain radiating down the arm after shoulder surgery can and does occur. If the rotator cuff is not given enough time to heal than the tear might recur. You should check with your surgeon or your physical therapist. During the healing process the repaired . How to Overcome Withdrawal From Pain Pills, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. And then I retorted completely pulling myself out of a boat of all things, in Hawaii, the end of November. 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. Physical therapy (PT) is also typically initiated early on after surgery to help jump-start your recovery. Five factors that can affect how long your pain lasts are: Generally, smaller rotator cuff tears can be surgically repaired more easily. 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. 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery. I wish I never had this done . Decrease pain and edema. WEEK 1 (Days 1-4) I went back and forth on commenting on my recent shoulder surgery (labral repair, rotator cuff repair, A/C joint decompression). Its estimated that U.S. surgeons perform more than, . Every surgery carries some discomfort, but it will pay off in the end in the form of improved function and decreased pain. 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". They were able to track 31 of 40 patients (77.5%) for the final assessment at a mean follow-up of mean 50.3 months. I've just done my second shoulder. In other words, you should really feel the effort with each set of exercises and should really not be able to do more than 12 each time around. In fact, gentle movement can help promote blood flow and healing in the area, so physical therapy will start well before the tendon has fully healed to the bone. I just got out of sling at week 9. Our physical therapists at Rehab Access can help you in your recovery journey. I also dont have any muscular pain when I move the arm in any way so I dont think there are any other tendon tears present. I hope, if I need surgery, I will do as well as you. Rehabilitation Posted While genetics play a factor and some people may recover quickly despite their age, patient age may correlate to slowed recovery time. Posts: 5. Support the Arm with a Pillow. I had to get a steroid shot in my small bicep around week 8. To help manage the pain and recover at a more efficient rate, you need to follow your physicians instructions and visit a physical therapist for rehabilitation. I stopped using the sling after 6 weeks. The content on this website is informational only and not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. over a year ago, Steve D You likely will get a prescription for pain narcotics after surgery. The information contained on this site is intended to provide only general education. Passive Internal Rotation Main muscles worked: Subscapularis However, you won't need to take 5 months off from work to recover. It can often be performed arthroscopically, with only a small two-inch incision for larger instruments as needed. Anterior Cruciate Ligament ACL Tear Injury: Causes, Symptoms, Surgery, And ACL Recovery Time. Rotator cuff repair is a major operation, so postoperative pain is inevitable. In this article, youll learn about factors that can affect how long you will be in pain after rotator cuff surgery. 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. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. 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. For the first 6-8 weeks after surgery, your surgeon will ask . I feel the shoulder itself is recovering more or less on schedule with a usual amount pain and a slowly progressing increase in mobility, range of motion and strength from what I can ascertain. Location: Southeast, US. Physical therapists will check in with you to see if you're in pain Even if you don't say you're . Around 7 to 8 weeks most patients begin strengthening exercises using weights or resisted bands. Taking too much pain medicine can easily kill you, as these medications slow breathing, slow the heartbeat, and make consciousness foggy at best. In order to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation your doctor will prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug to be taken during the first week or 2 after your surgery. Gradual movement exercises will occur while the arm is protected by the sling, and then targeted strength training exercises will begin around the 6- to 10-week mark. It is a very simple thing to become dependent on the medicine to feel good. Rotator cuff repair results in predictable pain relief and a variable return of function in the majority of patients. 2017;47(12):931-944. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7271. Rotator Cuff Pain Medication Duration? When the arm is positioned in an unstable manner from the shoulder, it can cause excess strain and result in pain. Pain medication can help you heal faster, stronger, and better. 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. Honestly that was the worst part of the whole thing, pain was secondary. What helps pain after rotator cuff surgery? Join Date: Jan 2012. 4 years ago, The index procedures included 2 arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs and 1 open Latarjet. My Child Is Being Bullied: How Can I Protect Them? I will try to be more active! The bursa is somewhat inflamed and that's about it. The more I move around the more my soreness went away. Most people who have rotator cuff surgery can expect to feel some level of pain for at least six months after their procedure. Hes very conservative with his movements post-op too, and I had to stay in my brace for 6 weeks 24/7. Edison, NJ 08820 The Surgery-Free Gastric Band That Could Beat Type 2 Diabetes. Special tools are then inserted into the other incisions to perform the repair. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified There is still some disagreement about the optimal duration of this rehab phase. Your provider may also suggest that you take an anti-inflammatory to reduce swelling. This study in AJSM 2018 looked to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes after revision rotator cuff repair surgery. I did also have a small lipoma removed from the back of my arm just below my tricep (during my rotator cuff surgery), but I doubt this has anything to do with the pain. What's The Turkish Get-Up Good For? Return to vigorous activities or sports may take even longer, with a general return to sports timeline around 4-6 months for smaller tears. 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). Call (804)-678-9000 or complete the form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Goradia today! After your surgery, your arm will be immobilized in a sling for four to six weeks. Each exercise should be completed between 8-12 times (or repetitions) for 3 to 4 sets. Tip: Do not pull or put pressure on your elbow. Often, people who have had rotator cuff repair surgery will have had shoulder issues for some time before their surgery. Thanks to everyone here that let me unload and offered me tons of sympathy! 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. I tore this rotator originally about 10 years ago. Registered in England and Wales. You should ensure you can confidently, and without any hesitation, perform an emergency stop/evasive manoeuvre before even considering driving on public roads. Today marks 5 weeks since rotator cuff repair surgery! Rest, pain relievers and physical therapy can help. doi:10.2106/JBJS.RVW.18.00149. 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. You may be prescribed drugs to help with pain relief. In the first two to eight weeks after surgery, you'll limit movement, wear a sling, and work with a PT on passive stretching. For small tears, you may be able to make a full recovery in as little as four months. At 5 weeks post op I am just now beginning to do active assistance motion with my physical therapist and at home. It is each individuals responsibility to ensure they are fit to drive. He sees patients in his Glen Allen and Midlothian, VA office. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. over a year ago, Guest Most people are in pain after surgery for up to two weeks. Not sure what to expect at my age. The first 2 to 5 weeks were the worst . There will be bad days where you may need more, but there should be good days when you need less. The arm pain typically starts, and is at its worst in the morning when I wake up. Even more important, you can start seeing us before or after surgery if you dont have a doctors referral. Can Wearing the Wrong Shoes Cause Knee Pain? Your healthcare provider should prescribe medication to help. Medicines such as morphine and injectable anesthetics are given during this time period, while the body adjusts to the surgery and begins the healing process. Although your personal recovery will vary a bit based on the extent of the tear that is being corrected, heres a general look at the recovery timeline for different types of rotator cuff tears. "But as you begin physical therapy, new pains can develop," says Dr. Rue. 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 . and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified 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. I'm use to sucking it up and moving forward. 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. 6 weeks out and still needing pain medication to function? "We have people experiment with them both to see which helps more . If you want to get notified by every reply to your post, please register. I haven't slept in 3 days now as pain is escalating the PA said lay off PT for two weeks .. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are Some of the ways pre-hab meets this goal include: Unfortunately, our bodies take longer to repair as we age. Does Frozen Shoulder Sound Familiar To You? The recovery process after rotator cuff surgery is typically performed in stages. 5 users are following. This will allow you to also start to use your arm during normal daily activities like brushing your teeth, dressing or holding a cup of tea. Using these small incisions can reduce pain and improve recovery long term. appropriate medical assistance immediately. This arm pain starts at about 2 inches below the shoulder and is somewhat separate in a way. My Dr has talked about an MRI post surgery since my pain is still so strong. However, these tendon repairs are normally very successful and one of the things that helps with that success is getting back to trusting it and using the shoulder normally. 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. visit at Week 4 post-op and will usually be progressed to increase range of motion/ discharge sling. After rotator cuff repair, you should avoid all anti-inflammatory medications including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naprosyn (Aleve) and any other prescription anti-inflammatories, unless your surgeon prescribes them. From driving a car to 3830 Park Avenue, Suite 202 To perform rotator cuff surgery, your surgeon must make incisions through soft tissue and muscles in your shoulder. The pain was excruciating and I cried constantly. Pain is on top of shoulder to my neck and sometimes sharp pain down the shoulder.