Humerus heaviness feeling and too much PT post Reverse Shoulder Repl

Posted by agilefox @agilefox, Sep 8 1:11pm

Hello,
I am a 65 yrs old female. I was in pretty good shape until I had an accidental
fall resulting in reverse shoulder replacement surgery on my non dominant hand. Surgeon told me from the beginning my recovery might be slower given the amount of pre op trauma. I was doing ok until 2 weeks ago when during PT my arm went weak and could no longer do my regular exercises. I went to my surgeon who suspects a possible scapular stress fracture from too aggressive PT. I am back in the full pillow sling for the next 4 weeks. Stoped al PT. I am now 4 months post Op. I personally did not do anything out if the ordinary, I have been pretty careful. I feel often my humerus very heavy and wiggly. PT said it is because my deltoid is not string enough and we should app it up, and so she did until I could not move it again.
Has anyone else experienced the humerus heaviness and/or set backs/stress fracture from too much PT? I am asking as now I question reliability of opinions between the surgeon and PT as I am left with such a big setback in my view. Thank you and good wishes to all!

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 5 days ago

@agilefox Ouch! Postoperative setbacks are so disappointing, and especially when our providers differ on next steps. I have not had a RSR, but am 2 years out from massive rotator cuff/tendon injury and repair. My surgeon's protocol was VERY conservative for 3 months to give the injuries and surgery time to heal. One of my PT's knew and respected the surgeon, and willingly used his protocol, the other called him "ridiculously conservative" and wanted to be more aggressive. Since I had carefully chosen the surgeon for his skills and high success rate, I chose the conservative path and healed with a few setbacks caused by me trying too hard.

Did the surgeon have imaging done to evaluate the level of healing? If so, I would be inclined to go with their recommendations, if not I would request an x-ray or CT (not a doc so I don't know which is best). And I would probably ask when I could begin passive exercises to limit further loss of motion.

Then, when resuming PT, I would be sure to see a rehabilitation therapist, a Doctor of PT who designs a program based on the patient's situation, and doesn't use a standardized set of exercises.
Can you contact the surgeon for more guidance?

agilefox | @agilefox | 5 days ago

Thank you @sueinmn
The surgeon did imaging at all post op, including the last when he recommended stopping the PT and sling immobilization.
I think the new PT was too aggressive, but I was doing well, slow, but well, and at 4 months post of it felt right to add exercises.
It is also possible the surgeon tensioned the deltoid too much and it was not ready for the extra effort.
I am going to see an orthopedist I have seen before for some advice. I had no choice or research of surgeons as my surgery was the result of an accident. I went where I could. They have a good reputation.
And I will look for another PT.