After Rotator Cuff Surgery-when will the pain end?

Pain is the absolute norm while regaining range of motion.  There’s just no way around it. The therapist has to undo the unavoidable stiffness that results from being in the sling for so long. 

 I know lots of people, young and old, who have had this surgery (I play volleyball), and everyone has had similar experiences. 

Pain was and is a part of PT. I started one week after surgery!. I'm at 12 weeks and still have pain ,more so after PT. I still don't have very much outward motion. I do over my head but not out side ways. Humm ! Hang in there.

hi. 6 1/2 weeks is really early in recovery. Do not let the PT do more than you think your body will allow (i.e., sharp pains.) I was told 6 to 8 months recovery. I have 3 wholes but they call it "full rotator cuff repair." You know your body better than anybody. Learn the techniques at PT and apply them in a gym or home after you complete your sessions.  I would say the last 15 or 20 post are quite recent. I got something out of each one. If you read earlier posts, I have been doing the ice and essential oils a few times a day. Some people like to take to Advil and two tylenol before going.  Did not work for me before or after.  Ice and oils; ice and oils: get monotonous. I'm going to try the Diclenfonac cream suggested in earlier post: if the doc will prescribe it.

I'm at 12 weeks. Same exact mobility as you.

Yep, six weeks you will be pretty sore still, I recall lots of pain around this period as six weeks is about the time it takes the torn muscle to grow back on the bone, after that, prob week eight or nine you should feel a difference in strength and confidence, it’s a mental thing as well because we tend to nurse our arm a bit. I found just keep doing exercises over and over no matter how small they were, towards the end..about ten weeks I would raise arm prob half way, then lift again with other arm three or four times to help it..after which I could do it on its own. This gives you heaps of confidence and satisfaction, I think we need to remember the shoulder has not used all those muscles for a while and it’s up to us to show it who’s the boss.  You will beat it,  and when you do, you’ll never stop  talking about it....like me 👍🏻

I agree with you. I have gained tons of knowledge too. Even if it's just to know that other people share my pain. I keep revisiting this one thread whenever I'm having a really bad day. I'm not too far ahead of you. As my P/T says, there is a sweet spot between babying your shoulder too much and pushing yourself too hard past your pain. That's what you're going for.

With my arm bent L shape, I have very limited movement out ward. Kinda worried. Everything else seems good. Still aches at night. After PT it is very painful, even the next day. Ouch !

Since we are in the same boat: 12 weeks, I will update you as to my evaluation by my surgeon on Monday. (This will be my first visit with him - believe it or not)

William, who did you see at your prior follow-up visits? PA?

That's from the sling most likely, that seems to be the first range of motion to be lost. PT should bend it (with a lot of pain), and, the other exercises should stretch it too. Eventually, mine came back from basically 0 to full range. Took a long time though.

Sounds good, thank you. Wow can't believe it's your first time. I saw my surgeon at one week and 8 weeks. He said he expected my out ward motion wouldn't be as good . I had my neck fused, my 3,4,5,6,7 at the end of October and my shoulder in March. So each one is irritating the other. It has caused me anxiety and depression.

Thank you, I sure hope so. I'm doing my PT at home. It's very painful. I got my sling off at 8 weeks, that was 4 weeks ago. I'll just keep moving along.

The other tough one is behind the back, I got that one back to about 50% now, I can reach just above my waist. Getting there. 

hi. yes, PA twice.  But I would like to talk to the person (i.e., surgeon) who went inside my shoulder. I have very good insurance, but I got his bill for my part payment within a week....

I can't get mine behind my back at all 🤔 it's so painful. I just started strengthening my arm last week. I'm behind in some movements. 🙄🙄

Don't worry, it takes a long time to get your arm up your back. A little at a time. It took me about 4 mos. It's been 13 mos and i can move it all over but it still hurts a little. The people that say it takes a long time aren't kidding. BUT it does get better. Try not to worry, just keep at it!

Yep, I figured you would be having trouble there if you had trouble with the other. That all comes from the sling. From what I know, you'll either have to push through the pain and gain some motion back, or, they will end up saying you have a frozen shoulder, in which case the pain goes up as far as I understand. My doctor at one point wanted me to do "medically assisted movement". What that is, is they put you to sleep, and, move your arm all the places it does not go. You can imagine how that will feel once you wake up. He told me I would absolutely hate him for a week, then, start to feel better. I told him no, for now, and, I would simply see if I could increase range on my own. I did. And he discharged me last week saying I did well and I am good to work on my own with no more PT.

I only had 15 sessions. They were indeed very painful. But I continue to put my arm in places that hurts. For the longest time, I could not raise our window shades. They are not heavy at all! < 1 lb probably. But today, I can raise them with minimal pain. It's definitely still improving. 

When showering, 2 weeks ago I could not use my bad arm to wash my good arm, now I can. etc.

Believe me, it hurt every time I tried to make my arm do those 2 sample things (and many others). But it was worth it as in the end, I can and the pain keeps dropping. 

Thank you christine. I keep telling myself it's only 13 weeks this week. I'll just do the best I can. Again thank you

I'm still going to PT 2 × a week. They said I still need it. Still very painful and then add in my fusion 2,3,4,5,6 7 vertebrae on my neck ,the past 7 months have been hell. I'm still pushing on. Thanks for the encouragement.

thank you! It always helps to know the experiences of others.  I have had 5 sessions to date, and my ROM is improving.  Pain is still there, but bearable.

thanks for the encouragement! have had 5 sessions to date and am experiencing more ROM each day.  I will get there!

 

I know it is early.  I am motivated because I have a trip to europe coming up mid july (which was planned before this whole tearing up my arm fiasco!) I am interested in what kind of Oils you use? I'm on the ice thing -- it really does help.  I use a muscle relaxer sometimes at night along with the advil to aid in getting some sleep, but would love to stop that and incorporate oils.  thanks for the encouragement!

thanks for the encouragement! finding this forum has been a lifeline to me.  I don't think anyone really understands the shoulder pain until they experience it.  Not for the faint of heart! I am doing my "homework" which is helpful to keep the arm loose.  I returned to my desk job very quickly ( day 8 after surgery and we are self employed so you know how that goes! ) so I have been fairly mobile, just not pain free yet.  I hope I can be helpful to one who comes along later as well.  Information is golden! 

It is really interesting and comforting to know others have experienced the same issues.  While I certainly don't wish this pain on ANYONE, it does help to know I am not alone in this discomfort.  I have a wonderful support system, but knowing  what works and doesn't work for others makes me feel like I am taking charge of something.  ALL BY MYSELF.   It also seems to be something I CAN do to help myself besides my exercises. I do enjoy checking back and am encouraged by the progress of fellow patients. this is rugged!!

I fully expect to be where you are in 4 weeks. I feel so much better. Hint: If that certain oil is legal where you live, I would add that to the essential oils William suggested. I've been using it on my shoulder and within a day had less stiffness and pain and more progress. Maybe it's just a coincidence. Maybe not. 

Of course, if it is not legal, don't do this. 

I'm curious. What muscle relaxer are you using? Does it help? I can no longer use any NSAIDS due to GERD. 

it is the generic brand of soma.  it helps some with the tightness of both shoulders. 

I think i just figured out what kind of oil! lol wish it was.  I'm sure it would be helpful.  another thing I have done at night is to use pain patches (nothing prescription! just the type you can get at walmart or any drugstore that contain menthol.) it actually helps!

hi. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.  Here is what I do:

Ice for 20 lying in a resting position.  I feel on the bed is best.

apply lavender and lemongrass essential oils to the area. 

Some people make a mixture of these two oils with coconut oil. I just apply separately.

Lay in the same position as long as you see the need.

So I finally saw my surgeon on Monday for the first time since the procedure (13 weeks) It did not go well.

After giving him a list of my concerns regarding ongoing symptoms he started to check my mobility. All was good until I placed my arm behind my back. I usually due this with the support of the left arm holding the right. He told me to do the stretch without the left arm support and I hit the floor like I had been shot (sounds exaggerated; it wasn't). He just said "that ain't good and I'm sending you over to X-ray." Fortunately, he did not see a problem.  However, he was unhappy with the protocol that PT had put me on and that I had started PT too early.  He wanted me to start PT at 8 weeks. I saw his PA at two weeks and he never mentioned that to me. He didn't tell me; the PT didn't tell me; the follow up nurse did not tell me the schedule. He was also unhappy how tight my shoulder was and that based on a few of the stretches he showed me at this appointment, I would agree. Moral of the story: you gotta cover your own butt by trying to get the right info. I've been trying to beat the July schedule as well as I will be going on vacation on the 7th.

p.s. He suggested that Aleve was the best anti-inflamatory to use.

Bummer Bill!! How soon did you start PT?  8 weeks is a pretty long time before starting therapy (I started at 5 this time, and that was long).  Your surgery must have been pretty extensive. How long did they want you to stay in the sling?

Did your doc, or rather PA, provide the therapist with their preferred protocol? It must be unbelievably frustrating that no one gave you the appropriate info regarding therapy. My surgeon gave me the PT time frame immediately after surgery (in the recovery room), and the PA affirmed it at my one-week followup.

By the way, i also love the lavender and lemongrass combo.  Sometimes I through in a couple of drops of frankincense for good measure. Frank doesn't help with the pain, but it's supposed to be super healing.

first, thanks for the oil recommendation.  I am willing to try anything!

I am so sorry about your visit!! that stinks.  Can't believe that happened.  so glad you were not injured more severely.  Someone's head needs to roll over this.  hopful that you won't experience too much of a setback.  hang in there! please keep us all posted on your progress.

I've had some tightness too but I can lift my arm above my head passively which indicates that it's more of a strength issue than anything else. 

I can't believe that nobody told you to wait for 8 weeks. If he wanted you to start at 8 weeks, he should have given you that in his protocol. Did he give you a protocol for the physical therapist? Every surgery is different. Mine very clearly spells out what I should be doing every week and I started week 2. 

I like Aleve but it hits my GERD something serious. 

I went back to the gym at 2 weeks but only did legs and core work. I started PT at about 6 weeks. No one told me that the surgeon had to be in on the PT work (i.e., protocol) There's an old saying: "you don't know what you don't know." I never had surgery and therefore PT before. If you read any of my earlier posts I mention that I was never happy that the surgeon wasn't there when I awoke; did not call me the next day to give me overview; and did not schedule a follow up. Only the PA was scheduled for post-op.

Thanks, I'll try the frankincense. I'm don't much about essential oils.

Thanks very much.  I have very good insurance. However, the push in the insurance industry (from what I've read) is to do as much as possible to keep you from seeing the doctors and or visiting emergency rooms.  It's must more cost effective (i.e., profitable) to have your visits with PA. There is an insurance company that is pushing for your visits will be on-line (not with doctors) but with PA and nurses unless completely necessary. I think it is a pretty good bet that they will then reduce my premium.....

thanks. I taking some responsibility upon myself because I should have asked more question or done more research. I'm p****d at myself more than at them (but I'm definitely p****d at them)........

So I had Gerd and now I don't.  Have you propped your bed up at night? Not with pillows but with the small blocks that lift the headboard up two or three inches. That helped. No spicy stuff. No dairy. No gravies (i.e., chicken, turkey..etc...) Low fat diet helps and limiting simple carbs as much as possible helps. Not a no carb diet. All the carbs you want if they are complex.  good luck

My doctor forbid me from going to the gym until 8 weeks. I know you only did legs, etc., but the doctor said many things like treadmill, machines, etc. can be dangerous, perhaps you fall off for example and break the cuff again. So, I avoided it. 

I think it's ridiculous that your surgeon did not schedule a follow up! Mine saw me after the surgery, scheduled the next visit, and, called the next day. But mine wasn't a surgeon per se, he was a orthopedic doctor who does surgery. My first follow up was 13 days after surgery. I had about 5 follow ups after surgery. Each time I was able to make a list of questions about what I wanted to know, what this feeling was, etc. and he answered them all. It was a good experience doctor wise. 

I'd be very p'd at your doctor! I understamnd you never had PT before. I don't know how it works in your state, in my state you cannot go to PT unless the doctor writes up an order with specific instructions on how he expects the PT to work for you, what exactly he wants them to do and how.

yup. your right. I'm generally a pretty assertive person. I screwed up "big time" this time.  When I made the surgery appointment they also made the preop. and postop. appointments. (both with the PA). I did see the surgeon twice before that before deciding to go ahead with the surgery. Yes. I only did legs and core at the gym. No upper body or running even to this day. And yes, my doctor is an orthopedic surgeon.  (go figure) Thanks for the concern.

bill

Bill, I think you're being too hard on yourself! As you said, "you don't know what you don't know." The only reason I knew exactly when to go to therapy was because my doc told my husband right after the surgery, and the PA said the same thing at my one-week follow up. 

Btw, if he wanted you to start at 8 weeks at you started at 6, that doesn't sound like a huge deal. Most of the most important healing and stabilizing has taken place by 6 weeks. Starting at 2 weeks when he wanted you to start at 8 weeks...now THAT would be a big deal.

So how does the shoulder feel?

Thanks. Shoulder doesn't feel great tonight. But thanks for checking.

You don't know what you don't know but it is your surgeons responsibility to tell you. That's just a fact.  My surgeon also wasn't there when I woke up, but I was given a lot of instructions as to how long to keep the sling on and to follow up in one week and at my one week visit I was given a protocol. I would never have known to ask for it so I don't think that you should take this onto yourself.

Alas, my bed does not have 'legs'. It's a captains bed!

You should be p****d at them.

I do have a 'wedge' pillow that helps. The GERD has improved a lot since I stopped taking the NSAIDS and the PPI's. I would love to be off of all medications (I haven't needed the Oxy for a few days). I'm working on the low fat diet and the complex carbs. I think that the mediterranean diet is supposed to be good. I've downloaded a bunch of books. 

I hope that you take a break from physical therapy. When I was in a lot of pain two+ weeks ago, I took a break and it was the right thing to do.

here's the deal.: Don't think diet. (especially diet books..in my opinion) And try not to make it a big deal (i.e., too complex - pun intended) Simply, complex carbs and lean protein.  Diet means temporary. Change in eating overall is the best thought.  I have lost 25 lbs in 18 months.  Which is much better than losing 25 lbs in 6 weeks.  You can cheat here and there; but not every week.  I now drink low carb beer (2.5 carbs) So now I drink even more.... And for the captains bed: crank up the floor........!!!

p.s. yes, I'm breaking from PT for now.

thanks

Ha ha. I will. I sure would love one of those adjustable beds but it's way out of my starving artist price range.

yup. I sympathize. I'm a musician (drummer). Really nice having shoulder surgery when you are a drummer.  I've missed my first gigs (got a fill in) in many many years. (showing my age) But what I know of artist, they would be the first to discover how to raise that bed....

Well, I'm a photographer and although I do have ideas about how to raise my very heavy captains bed, I think that I'll stick to my wedge pillow.  :D

This forum has been so much comfort to me also! I too have been feeling like a big old baby, lol. I’m almost 9 weeks post op and thought I’d be a lot farther along by now but then I joined this and see that I’m normal. 

I think we all felt we'd be further along! At least initially.