Tammy Said:

Will I be able to qualify for Social Security Disability Income if I have a rotator cuff issue?

We Answered:

Most likely this would not qualify you. If you are over 55 years old there are several circumstances that could possibly result in an allowance, but if you are under 55 the answer is no. Usually most people recover well and are able to return to regular activities. To be considered disabled, you have to be unable to perform ANY work, not just your past/current job.

Justin Said:

Is pain medication usually prescribed for rotator cuff tendonitis?

We Answered:

If I we're you I would go to your standard doctor and explain the situation, I've never had any problem with my doctor, ,if I ask for them, I can usually get something. Some doctors feel really apprehensive about prescribing pain meds, others are more sympathetic. Also, if you really want to sell it, I would recommend a sling or something to show the doctor the pain your in. Just be careful, Pain meds aren't anything to fool around with but if you're in pain then it shouldn't be that difficult to get some relief. If you live in California or Canada you can always try one of the marijuana medical docs, they're pretty liberal and that'll help wthout the problems of addiction and such.. Best of luck....

Brent Said:

Should pain. Rotator Cuff Tendinitis?

We Answered:

While it's true that the "itis" of rotator cuff tendonitis is a misnomer, it has nothing to do with them being "tight" and needing to be "released", the tendonopathy of the rotator cuff is due to dysfunctional collagen bridging that occurs after injury and/or overuse. This is proven at a biological level. These tendons need to be remodeled. This occurs through mechanotransduction...this means that an appropriate amount of force (ie, loading the tendon) needs to be applied so that the mechanical signal that occurs with the appropriate strengthening exercises results in continued collagen maturation and reorganization.

The rate of recovery is highly variable and dependent on if there is any tearing and the degree of that tear. If it's a true tendonopathy without any tearing, or even if there is a partial tear or a small full thickness tear, it most likely will recover. But the process takes about 6 months to a year. You won't need to be in PT that long, but that's how long you'll need to continue the exercises.

Josephine Said:

My bf is having rotator cuff surgery Thursday, how long is recovery time for an operation like this?

We Answered:

It really depends on the degree of tear and approach used by the surgeon. Most repairs are now done arthroscopically, so incision healing time is much less.

However, degree of tear has a signficant impact on length of recovery. At the very short end of things...if he has a small tear, he will probably start physical therapy after the first week and will continue for the next 6-8 weeks.

Moderate to large tears might also start PT the first week, but often require 2-4 months of PT.

Large to massive tears might be immobilized for up to 4-6 weeks and PT will probably last 5-6 months.

However, in all cases, full recovery takes about a year.

Sleeping can be a big issue for people who have a rotator cuff tear...he might be more comfortable using a wedge to sleep on, but be sure he gets good back support. Many people also wind up sleeping in a recliner which can wreck havoc on the back. Just be aware of this and offered as much lumbar support as you can.

Good luck.

Edgar Said:

should I get a second opinion for my rotator cuff tears?

We Answered:

Sometimes rotator cuff tears require surgery, if I were you I would definitely get a second opinion. You have two different docs telling you two very different things, go get the second opinion.