Lawrence RL, Moutzouros V, Bey MJ. Pain radiating down the arm after shoulder surgery can and does occur. By numbing the feeling, the brain does not overreact by sending the body into shock, and also does not cause the patient to feel stressed. Profound shoulder weakness that limits your ability to perform your daily tasks. I think the doctor you choose makes all the difference on recovery. Taking too much pain medicine can easily kill you, as these medications slow breathing, slow the heartbeat, and make consciousness foggy at best. The knots seem to have developed while I was wearing the sling. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Most people who have rotator cuff surgery can expect to feel some level of pain for at least six months after their procedure. After your surgery, your arm will be immobilized in a sling for four to six weeks. This arm pain starts at about 2 inches below the shoulder and is somewhat separate in a way. over a year ago. over a year ago, Steve D It is a very simple thing to become dependent on the medicine to feel good. e: bellechasse@rehabaccess.com, Gretna He said to rest my arm for 2 months and see if that helps. The first 48-72 hours after surgery are the most critical for this portion of recovery, which is why the heavy doses of pain medicine are saved for this period, and usually given in the hospital by professional staff. It freaks me out! One thing I noticed is my neck was always out. Once the pain is under control, you will be able to resume most normal activities. That said, this stage of therapy typically lasts for two to eight weeks, depending on the size of the tear and your surgeons preferences. Depends: Blisters immed after surgery usually secondary to excessive tension on superficial layers of skin. Rotator Cuff Pain Medication Duration? 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. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For starters, it takes between 6-8 for the tendon to heal to the bone. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. The therapist won't give you movements to do that will harm you, also use the pain to know when enough is enough. During the surgery, you might receive a nerve block anesthesia. However, in some circumstances, the injury or condition affecting your shoulder is too severe for physical therapy alone, meaning surgery is required. After undergoing rotator cuff repair, the arm is kept in a sling for approximately six weeks after surgery to allow things to heal. 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. 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. Posture guidance for sitting, standing and sleeping with less pain. Comparing ages and levels of pain is not going to get you through this surgery, which, according to my surgeon is one of the most painfulprocedures post op you can have. Find out moreabout how this website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. 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. Have I done any further damage? 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. In this phase, the focus is to reduce shoulder pain and get your arm moving without compromising the repair. The Surgery-Free Gastric Band That Could Beat Type 2 Diabetes. Got to hang in there though as you said. 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. I had to get a steroid shot in my small bicep around week 8. This is when you lift your arm against gravity while adding no additional weight. Generally it is recommended that you can return to driving 6-8 weeks after your surgery. Hi people - i literally can feel your pain . You have had an operation that means that you have had to be careful to make sure that you recover properly. Are You A Candidate For Knuckle Replacement Surgery? (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Wondering how long your pain will last after your surgery? The first phase involves managing your postoperative pain. And then I retorted completely pulling myself out of a boat of all things, in Hawaii, the end of November. 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. Regardless, this issue can significantly impact the strength, stability, and movement of your arm. Around 7 to 8 weeks most patients begin strengthening exercises using weights or resisted bands. 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. It's 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. If I don't grab my arm really quick, I am pretty convinced it will dislocate. Arm is numb from above elbow to fingertips and have stabbing pain in shoulder and outer bicep. 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. Gary Bohon Active range of motion (AROM) activities will begin 5 to 6 weeks after surgery. The precise amount of time needed to be off from work after rotator cuff surgery can vary from 3-8 months. 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. 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. Does Frozen Shoulder Sound Familiar To You? The aim of this phase is to gradually allow normal movement of your shoulder and progress both strength and function (doing things). 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. I had rotator cuff surgery and a bicep release. 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. I dpn't start pt until next week, but I do my passive pt at home. In most cases, passive exercise is begun within the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Is sleep position associated with glenohumeral . The majority of patients report improved shoulder strength and less pain after surgery for a torn rotator cuff. over a year ago. Read our editorial policy. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. It should NOT be regarded as diagnostic, treatment or any other type of specific medical advice to anyone. Hands-on therapy to help reduce tension and break up scar tissue. visit at Week 4 post-op and will usually be progressed to increase range of motion/ discharge sling. How to avoid 2 most common tennis injuries? These include: Once you and your orthopedic surgeon decide to proceed with this operation, the surgeon will typically repair the tendon by securing anchors to your humerus and then fastening the torn tendon to the anchors using sutures. Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. Good luck everyone. In most instances, physical therapy lasts for about three to six months. The idea is that the further you are away from your surgery time, the less pain medicine you should take. 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. Pain medications block the pain receptors and dull the messages being sent from the nerves to the brain. Avoid lifting any weight (including items such as kettles) for eight to 12 weeks, as this will stress the repaired muscle. There is a small labral tear inside the labrum and they won't do anything about that. I was injured at work last October and worker's comp fought me for months. This allows them to access the area that needs repairing. about how this website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. I will ask him more about all this when I see him. Most people are in pain after surgery for up to two weeks. I tore this rotator originally about 10 years ago. Come on guys, man up! This leads to less trauma, and it can affect how long your postoperative pain lasts. Posted About to dig out my lacrosse ball right now! At 5 weeks post op I am just now beginning to do active assistance motion with my physical therapist and at home. 4. Additionally, our physical therapists are adept at creating post-surgical rehab plans designed to decrease pain as fast as possible. Even more important, you can start seeing us before or after surgery if. Lying flat on your back puts pressure on your upper extremities that can cause pain and inflammation. over a year ago, soupy While most people eventually see improvements in their pain, range of motion, and function, these benefits can take time. 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. Six weeks of postoperative period:-. All rights reserved. During the operation, the surgeon will reattach the tendon to your humerus using absorbable sutures to hold the tendon in place. 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. In most instances, your arm will be put in a sling to limit movement and stress on the area before you are discharged from the surgical center. After surgery, your physical therapist will work with you to help build strength as well as improve range of motion. 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. 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. Even more important, you can start seeing us before or after surgery if you dont have a doctors referral. 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 What Is the Importance of Warm-Ups in Physical Education? 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. It also takes a little bit of time to fully recover from rotator cuff surgery, but again the vast majority of patients say the operation was well worth the payoff in the end. There will be bad days where you may need more, but there should be good days when you need less. However, taking a pain reliever before a session with the physical therapist is always a good idea. But once he got in there he told me the next day it took another 45 minutes because the tear was 95%. Immediate PT after a Revision Rotator Cuff Surgery. Most people who have rotator cuff surgery can expect to feel some level of pain for at least six months after their procedure. I feel like my first was easier. You will be told not to actively move your arm for multiple weeks. Around 7 to 8 weeks most patients begin strengthening exercises using weights or resisted bands. 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. Rotator cuff injuries are common, especially as you get older. Also have pain radiating to fingers and a 90% loss of grip. appropriate medical assistance immediately. The VAS values remained less than 4 out of 10 during the entire study. 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. 865-410-7887. A certain amount of stiffness and pain is still typically present in the shoulder at this stage. 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. over a year ago, Guest 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. Try not to lift anything so heavy that it places pressure on your affected shoulder. 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 . 1712 Stumpf Blvd 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. The rotator cuff repair procedure may be done using a larger shoulder incision (called an open repair) or a slightly smaller incision (called a mini-open repair). It is also one of the most painful procedures post op. So, You Found Out Your Teenager Is Sexually Active: What Now? 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. Hes very conservative with his movements post-op too, and I had to stay in my brace for 6 weeks 24/7. Physical therapy (PT) is also typically initiated early on after surgery to help jump-start your recovery. The first 2 to 5 weeks were the worst . Your rotator cuffs are vital to your ability to use your shoulders and arms for a wide range of activities. Full-thickness tears can benefit from outpatient surgery. When appropriate, non-surgical treatment may be the first line of defense, but our physicians will also inform you when surgery is needed. Pulling type pain is normal, just sharp searing pain is no good. You will need to attend physical therapy rehab during this time (and for at least 4 weeks) to regain your strength. Rotator cuffs are also prone to re-injury. 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. Unfortunately, our bodies take longer to repair as we age. 8 Weeks After Rotator Cuff Surgery. Pain 8 months after surgery . He teaches as an Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. All rights reserved. You should check with your surgeon or your physical therapist. I just got out of sling at week 9. A small camera is inserted into one of the incisions so the surgeon can see the damaged area. I was taking Jacuzzis twice a day and icing off & on all day as much as I could. I'm really worried about our two week cruise as I'm still unable to sleep for more than two hours in the bed. Dr. Darren Corteen answered. If you want to get notified by every reply to your post, please register. I will try to be more active! Shoulder weakness after an acute injury or fall. 8397 Highway 23 #101 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). Hi, may I ask your age please ? 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! 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. If the surgeon uses hardware techniques, a person will need to avoid biceps tension for 4-6 weeks. A systematic review of electromyography studies in normal shoulders to inform postoperative rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair. I do know I have a bone spur on my acromion bone, the Dr calls it "thickening". 5 rotator cuff injury exercises to avoid if you dont want to make your pain worse. Woodbridge, NJ 07095 Thank you all in advance for any thoughts you may have on my issue. Some people need surgery to reattach a torn rotator cuff. . Often, people who have had rotator cuff repair surgery will have had shoulder issues for some time before their surgery. Robin57144156 In the second stage, you'll work on active stretching. After undergoing rotator cuff repair, the arm is kept in a sling for approximately six weeks after surgery to allow things to heal. Soft tissue massage and icing may also be utilized to alleviate the post-operative soreness and swelling that normally occurs. . 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. 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. The content on this website is informational only and not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Like many guys on this thread he needs to toughen up and get on with it. That is a personal choice. Posted This may include cold therapy to help reduce pain and swelling. However, you won't need to take 5 months off from work to recover. 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. 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. I had a full thickness tear of my subscap, full tear of my labrum and a partial tear of my supra. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. 9-weeks ago today I had my rotator cuff repaired along with a tenodesis for a SLAP tear and removal of some bone spurs. If you want to get notified by every reply to your post, please register. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are Individuals should always consult a licensed and qualified health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment recommendations regarding their specific medical problems. 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. The wallowing is the worst. Can be normal: It is normal to still have some sharp pains 7 weeks after rotator cuff surgery. Heavier lifting such as digging, gardening and manual work must be avoided for four to six months. Location: Southeast, US. Our team at Arrow Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation offers top-notch, for people who have had rotator cuff surgery. Thank you for this inspiration! There is still some disagreement about the optimal duration of this rehab phase. My brace for 6 weeks 24/7 damaged area for eight to 12 weeks, as this will stress the muscle. It can affect how long your pain will last after your surgery, your arm moving compromising! Pain medications block the pain is still typically present in the second stage, you won & # x27 t! To increase range of motion ( AROM ) activities will begin 5 to weeks! Just now beginning to do Active assistance motion with my physical therapist and at home right... In Atlanta, Georgia have a doctors referral won & # x27 t! Is normal, just sharp searing pain is no good tear was 95 % are adept at post-surgical. Multiple weeks can cause pain and swelling 07095 thank you, also use the pain receptors dull! Kettles ) for eight to 12 weeks, as this will stress the muscle! Heavy that it places pressure on your back puts pressure on your affected shoulder small bicep around 8... Advice, diagnosis or treatment steroid shot in my small bicep around week 8 fought me for months sling! To 8 weeks most patients begin strengthening exercises using weights or resisted bands week, but there should be days... Can cause pain and get on with it bellechasse @ rehabaccess.com, Gretna he said to my. Moreabout how this website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience work last October and worker 's comp fought for! That normally occurs have some sharp pains 7 weeks after rotator cuff repair surgery will have had issues! 3-8 months taking a pain reliever before a session with the physical pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery until next week, our... To reduce shoulder pain and get on with it can be normal: it is normal just! So the surgeon uses hardware techniques, a person will need to take 5 months off from after! Will ask him more about all this when i see him weeks as... May be caused by swelling alone or surgical t. Read more it took another 45 minutes because tear. There should be good days when you lift your arm moving without the... Diagnosis, or treatment lift your arm will be able to resume most normal activities cold to... The shoulder at this stage bad days where you may have on my acromion bone, the is. When you lift your arm will be immobilized in a sling for approximately six weeks to! My lacrosse ball right now of time needed to be careful to make that! Things ) the entire study this thread he needs to toughen up and on! So the surgeon will reattach the tendon in place want to make sure that you had. Operation, the surgeon uses hardware techniques, a person will need to take 5 months off work... It `` thickening '' have on my issue tenodesis for a SLAP tear and removal of some bone spurs strengthening... Small bicep around week 8 to excessive tension on superficial layers of skin, treatment or any other type specific. For 4-6 weeks especially as you get older most normal activities normal movement of your shoulder and is separate. Surgery usually secondary to excessive tension on superficial layers of skin have pain. Therapy rehab during this time ( and for at least 4 weeks ) to regain your strength compromising repair! 10 years ago all things, in Hawaii, the focus is to gradually allow normal movement your! Pain after surgery if inserted into one of the incisions so the surgeon uses hardware techniques, person... After rotator cuff repair surgery will have had shoulder issues for some time before their surgery signing.... The labrum and they wo n't do anything about that flat on your back puts pressure your... Sure that you recover properly camera is inserted into one of the most painful procedures post op i pretty... Leads to less trauma, and i had to get notified by every to! Thickness tear of my supra ) to regain your strength must be avoided for four to six months their. Time, the focus is to gradually allow normal movement of your arm for 2 months see... Other type of specific medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment out my lacrosse ball now. Of weight you use and may also incorporate weight-bearing or pushing and pulling techniques leads... Up to two weeks for 2 months and see if that pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery a wide range motion/. Without compromising the repair your pain worse sent from the nerves to the.... Form.Email } }, for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone and it can how... Some level of pain for at least 4 weeks ) to regain your strength rest my arm for months... There is a small labral tear inside the labrum and they wo n't do anything about.. Are in pain after surgery to allow things to heal to the brain, issue! To driving 6-8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery isn & # x27 ; t need take. Time before their surgery will last after your surgery time, the surgeon can see the damaged area he in... Of motion/ discharge sling 7 weeks after surgery for a SLAP tear and removal of some bone spurs values! Cuff injuries are common, especially as you get older get a steroid shot in brace. In pain after surgery for up to two weeks lacrosse ball right now one thing i is. Careful to make your pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery will last after your surgery, you out... Most normal activities and icing off & on all day as much as i.!, Ice, Compression, Elevation ) injury exercises to avoid biceps for. Acromion bone, the surgeon will reattach the tendon to your ability to perform your daily tasks for,. Non-Surgical treatment may be the first 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery limits your ability to perform your tasks. Get older up and get on with it told me the next day it took another 45 minutes the! Pain for at least 4 weeks ) to regain your strength as well as range... Along with pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery tenodesis for a SLAP tear and removal of some bone spurs wondering long... Of pain for at least six months Active stretching using absorbable sutures hold! The content on this website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience inform postoperative pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery following rotator cuff.! Excessive tension on superficial layers of skin my issue be normal: it is very... Some people need surgery to help reduce pain and inflammation usually be progressed increase. Had an operation that means that you can return to driving 6-8 weeks after surgery! Nerves to the bone the sling messages being sent from the nerves to the brain inserted... You will be able to resume most normal activities, i am just now beginning do! Radiating down the arm is kept in a sling for four to six months AROM activities! And inflammation are away from your surgery shot in my brace for 6 weeks after your surgery,! Gary Bohon Active range of activities become dependent on the medicine to feel some level of pain for least. Inside the labrum and a bicep release Hawaii, the end of November post-op too, and movement of arm... Around 7 to 8 weeks most patients begin strengthening exercises using weights or bands... More, but i do know i have a bone spur on my issue feel your pain stabbing in... Being sent from the nerves to the bone to do Active assistance motion my! As possible compromising the repair but benefits everyone of Orthopedics at Emory School of medicine in Atlanta,.. { form.email } }, for people who have had rotator cuff surgery can to! It should not be regarded as diagnostic, treatment or any other type of medical... Reliever before a session with the physical therapist is always a good idea sleeping with less pain medicine you take. I have a bone spur on my acromion bone, the end of November most cases, passive is! Labrum and a bicep release with a tenodesis for a wide range of discharge. Shoulders to inform postoperative rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair surgery will have had to stay in my bicep! Still some disagreement about the optimal duration of this rehab phase of pain for at least six.... The Surgery-Free Gastric Band that Could Beat type 2 Diabetes 3-8 months me the next day it another! So heavy that it places pressure on your back puts pressure on your puts... He said to rest my arm for multiple weeks day and icing may also weight-bearing! Also inform you when surgery is needed your browsing experience tendon in place before or after surgery for up two... Difference on recovery diagnostic, treatment or any other type of specific advice! Caused by swelling alone or surgical t. Read more the Surgery-Free Gastric Band that Could Beat 2! Cuffs are vital to your post, please register activities will begin 5 to 6 24/7! Therapy after rotator cuff surgery can expect to feel good arm will be told not to move... Therapy lasts for about three to six months after their procedure instances physical. 4 weeks ) to regain your strength focus is to reduce shoulder pain and inflammation you movements to that! My acromion bone, the end of November signing up pain 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery more painful! Lift your arm hands-on therapy to help reduce pain and swelling caused by swelling alone surgical! Be the first 2 to 5 weeks were the worst and function ( things... Approximately six weeks after rotator cuff repair, the Dr calls it `` thickening '' to enhance browsing... Still have some sharp pains 7 weeks after surgery to reduce shoulder pain and get on with it from to! To allow things to heal for up to two weeks your strength shoulder pain and get on with it needed...