Hi, I tore my rotator cuffs and had them surgically repaired and had a biceps tendon release 6 years ago--after recovery of about 6 months, I had rom and strength, and no pain. Recently, I experienced severe shoulder and upper arm pain. Original OS had retired, so I saw a different OS who ordered an MRI asap, which showed the new tears. I did a pred pack for relief of inflammation while waiting for the results. He said the rotator cuffs were not repairable and advised that a reverse shoulder replacement (which he described as major surgery) is most likely in my future. He gave me an injection of triamcinolone to relieve the pain and prescribed muscle relaxants so I could sleep (I only needed the latter for 3 nights). In the meantime, however, he assigned me the Reading Shoulder Unit exercises to do daily to train the deltoid to do the work of the rotator cuffs. http://www.readingshoulderunit.com Anterior Deltoid Exercises
He said that doing these exercises should allow me at least several years before considering a replacement; he also said that he advises patients to do these before scheduling any shoulder replacements of this nature. These exercises (and stretches) really help not only with strengthening the deltoid, but also with restoring rom, and with relieving pain. I have been doing them for 2 months; he has scheduled a 6-month followup. Slow going at first, but the last few weeks, the shoulder has improved dramatically. I have the option for another injection for pain at 3 months, but am not sure if I will need it! I take brand name Celebrex 200mg twice a day for arthritis (generics didn't work so I got a waiver from my insurance for the brand name, which works within 15 minutes, so it is worth the higher copay) and no other pain medications. I am doing these exercises with both arms to strengthen the deltoids in the non-dominant arm as well.