Rotator Cuff full tear and retraction of supraspinatus tendon

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I had rotator cuff tear surgery and a plate inserted. It was the worst surgery I have ever had - worse than my open heart surgery. I did 64 sessions of PT to regain almost 90% range of motion. It is a grueling 8 months but worth it if you want full recovery.

I have twice. No help for me
Johnmacc

so now what will you do ???

I agree. I tore two tendons in my shoulder last summer and have been doing dedicated physical therapy for 6 months. The pain has lessoned and range of motion is better but overall I'm at approx. 65-70% and still some pain. My goal was 80%. I can get to 90% with surgery and no pain. Had a new MRI yesterday and my torn tendons and actually a little worse. I will now opt for surgery and 6+ more months of pt. I'm 71, fit and love to excercise. Pretty excited to move forward. Johnmacc

I had the same surgery in 2017, and while the recovery was lengthy, I was fortunate to have a very good sports medicine surgeon who did the surgery. While I have occasional pain, I am still able to lift 2 pound weights, doing ten repetitions 10 times each day. I agree that having another surgery would probably not be productive, but whatever you decide I wish you well.

I had a completely torn rotator cuff, and torn bicep tendon and had surgery 2 years ago. When they got in there they also repaired labrum. I suffered with it for many years and it just kept getting worse. I could lift my arm up but when I bent my elbow and tried to raise to the side I couldn't. ( like trying to rent elbow on car window with it down) One doctor said because you are 66 I can't guarantee surgery. I went to another doctor that a friend recommended and he said yes you will do fine. It was painful the first 3 months but my shoulder is 100 % now. You have to be dedicated to the PT and especially not overdue it between second and third month. But I am so happy I got the second opinion!

Does anyone know if, after surgery, I can resume lifting weights? I lifted all the time prior to this injury. Have lost almost all of my muscle tone and mass. Not sure if at 75 years old I can get any of it back

I agree. Surgery is the last resort, I just had shoulder surgery after 6 months of pt trying in vain to avoid it. Johnmacc

I had a complete supraspinitus tear and had two other partially torn tendons along with AC joint repair in November. Please do not focus on weight lifting as your answer as you will almost assuredly re-injure yourself. My doctor did a great surgery but due to the amount of repair kept me immobilized for 2 months. Now I still cannot lift items using my upper arm and won’t be allowed to for about 18 months. Elbow is always tucked to the waist when using left arm to protect the shoulder. My doc initially said a year but has since extended to 18 months due to complexity. Be careful and patient with yourself. It takes a very long time to rebuild the strength. Feels like forever and can be frustrating but when I remember the pain from before it is worth it. Good luck. BTW, my doc told me I would know if and when I needed surgery and I did. It became very apparent to me!