Elmer Said:

When you're doing physical therapy for surgery on a ripped rotator cuff, there's a toy you can shake. . .?

We Answered:

Are you thinking of a body blade?...I believe it is made of a carbon composite...although they come in different lengths, I am most familiar with ones that are at least 36 inches long.

Here's an example: http://www.bodyblade.com/

Frank Said:

I'm in my third month post rotator cuff surgery. Just started Physical Therapy...how long before?

We Answered:

Most likely, you will be unable able to reach overhead for up to 5-6 months. Full recovery really takes about 1 year to 18 months. Yet, as long as biceps tendon didn't need to be repaired, you may be able to resume biceps curls, tricep extensions, rowing, etc at this time. Your surgery should not have affected these...but PLEAE disucss with your surgeon because he/she is the only one who really saw what was damaged and repaired and the intergirty of the anchors. As far as completing other lifts...lateral raises, etc...it may be a full year-year and a half if you can perform these with sometime more than a 2-5 pound weight.

Courtney Said:

if physical therapy isn't making any improvement on a rotator cuff problem, what is next?

We Answered:

It is standard to first try physical therapy for a rotator cuff problem without first having tests...as most will get better with conservative care. Failure to have less pain or strength with 6-8 weeks of therapy is indicative for ruling out a rotator cuff tear or bone spur that is impinging the rotator cuff.This would require an MRI for best assessment.

If there is a moderate to large/massive tear, you are probably looking at surgery. This is because tendons have a very poor blood supply and have a limited ability to heal on their own. Osteopathic, massage therapy and accupuncture may help with the pain (and some people do live relatively pain free with chronic tears), but it WILL NOT "heal" the tear...it is physically impossible. Now, can you live with a rotator cuff tear? Absolutely, but how well you can function will depend on the nature of your work, your age, your hobbies etc. For those with large/massive tears, 90% of those people will not regain overhead function without surgery...so, many people choose to never reach with that arm and decline surgery...especially if elderly and retired. Most younger people of working age with large tears opt for the surgery because overhead use of their arm is vital.

Other conservative options include a corizone injection...which may help you tolerate the exercises better.

It should also be noted that if subacromial bone spurring is present, that you may eventually wind up with a rotator cuff tear anyway since it gradually "saws" away at the cuff. Therefore, many will opt for a "subacromial decompression" which a little simpler procedure where the "spurs' are sawed off.

If you do follow up with the doctor, your next step is to probably have an MRI to rule out rotator cuff tear. If a large tear is found, sugery is recommened sooner than later before atrophy of the cuff occurs. If only a small to moderate tear is found...you may wind up continuing PT

Karen Said:

What should be the minimum amount that I settle for my automobile accident with a torn rotator cuff?

We Answered:

Your attorney can tell you what this case is worth. That's his job.

Edwin Said:

If I went to physical therapy for my rotator cuff, why is my neck hurting so much tonight?

We Answered:

The neck bone's connected to the shoulder bone. The shoulder bone's connected to the arm bone. The arm bone's connected to the hand bone. The hand's just connected to the bone-r.