I have both rotator cuffs torn due MVA.

After my accident, I went to see shoulder surgeon, who told me my post surgery pain would be worse then present.  I asked her to qualify what was wear and tear and what was ripped due to MVA impact.  So, I did an MRI and came back to see her to get the information asked for.  She walked in the room, plastic shoulder in hand, but not to inform me of how much damage was caused by having another car rear end me so hard, the entire underbelly of my car was torn out.  Instead, she told me I was too old for surgery (the surgery she already claimed would be botched), but that didn’t mean “we” couldn’t do it in the future.  I informed her that that was the most inane thing I have ever heard, and the likelihood of my age regressing was ridiculous.

I UTubed some PT exercises.  There was yoga.  Can’t do that as knee suffered too.  Finally, I hit on a plan that seemed right for me.  It involves what is known in PT lingo as a “spiked ball”.  I asked my massage therapist if he could order me one.  This thing was about the size of a hard ball and covered in knubby things.  He couldn’t find one.  I thought it looked like a dog toy.

I searched dog toys on Amazon.  There were many knubby balls of all sizes, but they were squeaky toys.  Aha, at the very end, I found a hard non-squeaker that came two for under $8.

The trick is to run the ball very gently, and I cannot stress this enough, up and down front and back shoulder areas.  Someone else will have to do the back, unless you drill holes and attach a roller handle.  Remember, GENTLY roll the ball.  If you push, you will be damaging the already torn tissue.  Believe me, you will feel it in the morning.  1-2 minutes per side is enough.  When this exercise no longer has you screaming at me in the morning, add phase 2 to your routine.  Stand facing a wall so you are not reaching to touch with feet under your shoulders.  Put your hands on wall, and flex shoulder muscles in and out, no push-ups.  Remember, gentle and don’t over do it.  Work your way up on both exercises slowly.  

This is what I am doing.  It hurts, so it must be working.  I spent a session with a physical therapist swinging a broom handle and reaching across a table.  I was in bed, screaming in pain for three weeks.  I don’t know.  Give it a whirl.  Keep me posted as I will you.

Toodles and good luck.

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