Judy Said:

What are the normal procedures and problems following torn rotator cuff surgery?

We Answered:

This level of conservatism should only be reserved for cases where there is an exceptionally massive rotator cuff tear. If he is restricting hand and elbow movement, I also suspect she may have had a labral repair as well (the head of the biceps attaches to the laburm therefore elbow movement is not encouraged).

Otherwise, yes, for anything up to and including a large tear (but not massive), PT is usually started a week or two later.

I do work with a surgeon who immobilizes pretty much all his rotator cuff tendon repairs for eight weeks before sending them to PT...they all turn out crappy.

I'd discuss with the surgeon the extent of her surgery and whether prolonged immobilization is really necessary. I'd also discuss the use of ibuprofen (unless he specifically recommended it)...there is controversy that it may actually delay healing.

Caroline Said:

Torn Rotator Cuff Surgery...?

We Answered:

http://wheelessonline.com/ortho/repair_o…

Rick Said:

Is a torn muscle or torn rotator cuff worse?

We Answered:

i always thought a torn rotator cuff was worse....but it'll probably depend on where the muscle tear is...but i'd still go w/ the torn rotator cuff

Sara Said:

Can a torn rotator cuff heal without surgery?

We Answered:

Nope. Some rotator cuff injuries will heal with time or physical therapy. It depends largely on the size and location of the tear. Mine healed with those two options. As for your doctor being nuts that's another question. I'd trust him though on this one.

Gordon Said:

What is the rehab like for a mini open incision torn rotator cuff surgery?

We Answered:

The basis of the surgery is relatively simple: re-attach the detached/torn rotator cuff muscle. In addition, most surgeons will remove a spur on the undersurface of the acromion bone that usually has developed in conjunction with the tear (which came first is sort of an orthopedic chicken-and-egg story).

After surgery, rehabilitation will be critical to your recovery:

First, it will be important to control your pain. Your doctor will prescribe narcotics. In addition, cryotherapy is extremely useful in providing pain relief after surgery. The DonJoy Iceman is the device recommended by many surgeons to help decrease pain after shoulder surgery. For a more portable solution that does not require electricity, consider the PolarCare Cub as a highly effective way to control your pain after surgery. The DonJoy Durakold unit is an economical cryotherapy option.

Second, you need to perform the proper exercises to guide your shoulder to recovery. Following your surgeon's plan is very important. Often, you will be sent to physical therapy after surgery to help regain motion and strength. In my experience, however, people who do their therapy at home, in addition to at their therapists office, will have the best and fastest recovery. Your therapist will set up an at home program for you.

Gwendolyn Said:

has any one had a small torn rotator cuff surgery. and how long did it take to heal?

We Answered:

It can take awhile unfortunately and is a very slow process. It can take up to 3 months just to be able to perform simple tasks again, let alone be back to 100%. Keep up with the physical therapy and ice it really well afterwards. If you're finding PT too hard going then talk to your doctor about effective pain relief. You can't keep up with the necessary physical therapy if it hurts too much.

Finally, try to remember that everyone is different and whilst one person may be back at work after a month, for some it can take six.