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OT: Rotator Cuff Issue

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SyonaraStanz

Senior
Mar 5, 2010
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My MRI yesterday showed a rotator cuff tear, labral tear and sublabral cyst. My doctor and I thought there was no tears because my strength is good and I'm still able to lift weights with very little discomfort. My symptoms are low soreness, random sharp rubbing pains when I move certain ways and decreased stamina when doing overhead activities.

The doctor recommends surgery to go ahead and fix since I'm relatively young (31). He said it's a 2 month recovery.

Should I have the surgery or just continue on since there's little discomfort? Also, when can I expect to be back to normal, with lifting weights and other activities?

Any body with similar issues?
 
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biodawg

Senior
Mar 3, 2008
624
530
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If I were in your position, I would go ahead and have the surgery. The RTC tear can increase in size over time and the larger the tear, the longer the recovery period. If you have the surgery, he can get in there, fix the cuff, and labrum, and you will be back to activity a hell of a lot quicker than you will be if you put it off for say, 5 years, when you can barely lift your arm to comb your hair.
 
uptowndawg

uptowndawg

Senior
Jul 15, 2010
2,190
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Surgery rarely gets rid of discomfort

I had to have my labrum in my shoulder reattached when I was a teen and it's still uncomfortable, and as a result my non-dominant arm actually has more strength than the right. Now, I can usually toss a ball for about 20 minutes before it starts to hurt too bad to make me want to stop.

The hardest part about the recovery was that I had to cast for trout with my left arm and I couldn't shoulder a gun the next fall.

Although it's uncomfortable now, I have no idea if I am better or worse off for having gotten the surgery, but I like to think I did the right thing.
 
LandArchDawg

LandArchDawg

Junior
Sep 14, 2003
2,542
206
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Generally speaking if something is torn when you are young, it is best to go ahead and get it fixed. The longer you wait, the worse the surgery will be on you, and the older you get, the longer your recovery.
 
thatsbaseball

thatsbaseball

All-American
May 29, 2007
17,855
6,553
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Went to my small town country doctor years ago with a real bad shoulder pain. I knew I had injured it but didn`t know what I had done. He looked at me and said which arm . I said left and he said scratch the middle of your back below you shoulder blades with your left hand. I tried and it hurt so bad I hollered "**** doc ! ". He gave a wry smile and said "yep just what I thought .... rotator, I`ll get you an appointment with a orthopedic surgeon". He was right on the money.
 
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statedawg

Redshirt
Aug 22, 2012
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I had the same thing done last April and I was 32 at the time. I had a posterior tear of the labrum and torn rotator cuff. I was in an immobilizer for 3 weeks and only took it off to shower and sleep. Did PT three days a week, followed it to the letter and six weeks (I think) after surgery, Doc released me. Said I recovered faster than most and said I was good to go to do anything but lift heavy right away. I was playing golf July 4th weekend with no pain. I still have stiffness in it everyday, but it was hurting so bad before the surgery I couldn't do any press movements lifting weights and was not able to put my hand behind my head or behind the small of my back. I don't regret the surgery because after looking at the scope pics and according to the Doc, it was nasty and it will not get better on its on.
 
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Latham12

Redshirt
Mar 3, 2008
8
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2 months is not a true time frame. At least it was not for me. I still have problems 5 years later. I was 31 when I had my surgery. I was a pitcher that played college and couple of yrs of pro ball. My understanding is the younger you are the tighter your muscles are. Just prepare yourself mentally that it is going to be a long road back. I still love shooting basketball but I sometimes have trouble loosing my arm up. One thing that will help if you have the surgery are icyhot patches. I would get a ton of knots in my back from my muscles not moving. The patches definitely helped. Good luck.
 
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patdog

Heisman
May 28, 2007
56,618
25,925
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Had rotator cuff surgery 12 years ago. Haven't had even a hint of a problem since. Pretty sure it took longer than 2 months to fully rehab though. But I would definitely recommend it. Dr. Larry field at ms sports medicine clinic in fortification in Jackson did mine.
 
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Bucky Dog

Redshirt
Nov 10, 2012
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Just had surgery last Friday on left shoulder. Torn RC, bone spurs, arthritis, ac joint, blah blah. I heard it pop in January when I was lifting. Spur cut my RC on negative. Had right shoulder done 25 years ago 3 different times. Still have some issues. Get it fixed because it will only get worse. Therapy three days a week for 6 weeks immobilized that entire time. Then 6 more weeks of strengthening and range of motion. Then cleared hopefully. My pain steadily was getting worse and couldn't sleep.
 
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SyonaraStanz

Senior
Mar 5, 2010
3,224
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I must have a pretty minor tear because I can reach behind my back like that with only feelings of tight internal rotators. My external rotation strength is good - much better than my right, where I have a torn labrum, unrepaired b/c Dr. Ramsey said it wasn't necessary, if I could live without it.

I also still bench press and do lots of horizontal pulling with slight soreness and some premature fatigue.
 
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SyonaraStanz

Senior
Mar 5, 2010
3,224
583
113
Dr. Field is my doctor as well. I want to have the surgery; I just don't want the 2+ months of rehab. I love staying active and don't know how I'll be able to stomach having my dominant arm immobilized.

I'm gonna need this arm healthy this fall when I'm throwing punches at the wall after our football team ***** the bed.**
 
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UnknownDawg

Redshirt
Mar 3, 2008
38
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In the words of Rocky-Cut me doc! At least that is my philosophy/advice

I had a 90% tear of the rotator cuff due to an internal impingement about 12 yrs ago. Diagnosed as a labrum tear that was supposed to take an hour scope job. Four hours later I woke up with a complete reconstruction. Year recovery--but, had I not ignored the symptoms for 9 mos to a yr & self medicated with anti-inflammatories from drug reps, I might have had a much lesser form of surgery & a lot sooner recovery. The cause was overhead repetitious motion--I played years of tennis, softball & swam & lifted weights for fitness. Shoulder never had time to rest & I just chewed it up. Take the surgery. Your young & strong & right now, have minimal damage. Fast forward 5-10 yrs & it gets worse. It wont go away & I am not sold on PT for structural damage. Long term prognosis--I still play tennis 2-3x/wk, lift weights and swim with minimal discomfort. What discomfort I do have is simply age related and the effect of lots & lots of years of hard competitive sports. Wouldn't change a thing. Embrace the knife...
 
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SidneyBurger

Redshirt
Oct 18, 2012
197
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This is true. Go ahead and do it, but expect a three month recovery to be more likely. The older you are, the longer it'll take to heal (usually).
 
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