1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

Looking for Advice on Full Rotator Cuff Tear Recovery After TraumaInju

Posted by aidenkristo @aidenkristo, Jan 8 9:31am

Hi everyone,
My mum was recently diagnosed with a full rotator cuff tear caused by a trauma-based incident. Unfortunately, her tear is irreparable, and she's been told it will likely degenerate over time. She's currently receiving tailored physiotherapy through the NHS, but the injury has significantly impacted her work and daily life.

We’re exploring options like superior capsular reconstruction, tendon transfers, or even reverse total shoulder replacement if necessary. She’s eager to regain as much function as possible and return to her job at the Job Centre, which is primarily desk-based but requires some activity.

If you’ve been through something similar:

What treatments worked best for you?
How long did it take to regain mobility and return to work?
Any tips for managing the emotional and physical challenges of recovery?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | 3 days ago
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Thank you Sue. I think you've summarized the process behind every successful joint replacement, patience and..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

Thank you Sue.

I think you've summarized the process behind every successful joint replacement, patience and persistence. Ironically, this is hardest on the very active (people who want to get back to the gym asap) and very inactive people (just not used to the amount of PT required and the time).

Good surgeons are also required, but surgery is the easy part. The weeks and months of rehab are hard because it seems like it will never end. But it does end and the results are almost always great.

I have heard that a lot of people are unhappy with a reverse shoulder replacement. So for Aiden I suggest talking to as many people who have done it as possible. I do believe that with a great surgeon and a lot of personal commitment and work, successful joint replacements can happen.

Joe

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@heyjoe415 You are so correct. Surgery is the easy step. It’s the time after surgery where the real work begins. You described me as patient and in most situations I am anything but that. The rehab work with PT and encouragement from a friend who had rotator cuff surgery about the same time I did provided me with a realistic time frame. Also, I learned that shoulders are very small joints and it just takes more time and effort to heal. Ten years after the rotator cuff surgery I had a total hip replacement. The rehab and healing time for my hip was far less painful and time intensive.

REPLY
mikaylar | @mikaylar | 3 days ago

I mistakenly said 8 weeks for recovery - it was 8 months! It is brutal and PT is essential.

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 3 days ago
In reply to @mikaylar "I mistakenly said 8 weeks for recovery - it was 8 months! It is brutal and..." + (show)
@mikaylar

I mistakenly said 8 weeks for recovery - it was 8 months! It is brutal and PT is essential.

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What part of recovery did you find brutal?
Perhaps I was lucky to have surgery before the shoulder capsule froze, but the repair my surgeon hoped would take one hour lasted nearly 3 hours, so it was pretty extensive. Most of my pain now comes from the still unhappy bones where spurs were removed - that I manage with ice, tylenol and distraction.
I find many of the exercises taxing but not painful - my PT has been excellent about managing my form to get the most benefit with the least pain from each stretch. Together we have even created a couple just for me to be respectful of the arthritis in my elbow, neck & spine while still getting the best range of motion in my shoulder.

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1 reply
mikaylar | @mikaylar | 3 days ago
In reply to @sueinmn "What part of recovery did you find brutal? Perhaps I was lucky to have surgery before..." + (show)
@sueinmn

What part of recovery did you find brutal?
Perhaps I was lucky to have surgery before the shoulder capsule froze, but the repair my surgeon hoped would take one hour lasted nearly 3 hours, so it was pretty extensive. Most of my pain now comes from the still unhappy bones where spurs were removed - that I manage with ice, tylenol and distraction.
I find many of the exercises taxing but not painful - my PT has been excellent about managing my form to get the most benefit with the least pain from each stretch. Together we have even created a couple just for me to be respectful of the arthritis in my elbow, neck & spine while still getting the best range of motion in my shoulder.

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The first several months. Ice was my best friend. And then starting PT was painful and long. I went 64 times. Doc put a plate in there that he said would dissolve in a year or two. My range of motion is 95% with no pain. Actually, the other shoulder hurts now so I use the surgery-shoulder for everything. I will die before I have another shoulder surgery, especially with my dominant hand. Hang in there.

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 3 days ago
In reply to @mikaylar "The first several months. Ice was my best friend. And then starting PT was painful and..." + (show)
@mikaylar

The first several months. Ice was my best friend. And then starting PT was painful and long. I went 64 times. Doc put a plate in there that he said would dissolve in a year or two. My range of motion is 95% with no pain. Actually, the other shoulder hurts now so I use the surgery-shoulder for everything. I will die before I have another shoulder surgery, especially with my dominant hand. Hang in there.

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Mine was in my dominant hand. My non-dominant hand has already had several bones removed due to arthritis - I am hoping it holds out until the new shoulder recovers.

I have to be judicious with my PT - I only get 50 sessions per year, and need MFR (Myofascial release) on my neck and upper spine about twice a month. Last year I had to pay the last few sessions out of pocket.

So I am one session per week the next 6-8 weeks, then we'll be starting strength work - that will be twice a week for a month.

REPLY
1 reply
mikaylar | @mikaylar | 3 days ago
In reply to @sueinmn "Mine was in my dominant hand. My non-dominant hand has already had several bones removed due..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Mine was in my dominant hand. My non-dominant hand has already had several bones removed due to arthritis - I am hoping it holds out until the new shoulder recovers.

I have to be judicious with my PT - I only get 50 sessions per year, and need MFR (Myofascial release) on my neck and upper spine about twice a month. Last year I had to pay the last few sessions out of pocket.

So I am one session per week the next 6-8 weeks, then we'll be starting strength work - that will be twice a week for a month.

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Have your ortho say you have frozen shoulder, then you will get more sessions approved. That's what mine did. I guess he knew how to play the game.

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 3 days ago
In reply to @mikaylar "Have your ortho say you have frozen shoulder, then you will get more sessions approved. That's..." + (show)
@mikaylar

Have your ortho say you have frozen shoulder, then you will get more sessions approved. That's what mine did. I guess he knew how to play the game.

Jump to this post

My insurance only allows 50 per year for ALL reasons combined. It doesn't matter what condition, how many surgeries, etc.

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