1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

Rotator Cuff full tear and retraction of supraspinatus tendon

Posted by jerseyjames @jerseyjames, Oct 28, 2022

General consensus for a senior non-athlete seems to be to give physical therapy a good hard try before jumping into surgery. Thoughts & experiences? Jim

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frances007 | @frances007 | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @mrsflutterby "I didn’t mention a few things: I also had the full thickness tear of the supraspinitus..." + (show)
@mrsflutterby

I didn’t mention a few things: I also had the full thickness tear of the supraspinitus tendon, did “pre-PT” which made me stronger but did not help the continuing pain, sleep problems and inability to manage normal grab, reach and lift chores without pain. The pre-PT made the surgery recovery easier and placed me ahead of the game physically during recovery. I think anyone you talk to will tell you it is a very long recovery. Patience is a test we all struggle with when it comes to getting back to normal. However, my angel PT told me that I had to reconcile a very long recovery with not feeling the bad pain anymore and having better function. So I have had to ask for help, ask for rides, depend on my husband to do the grocery shopping and some cooking, etc. Each week I see improvement with my range of motion and strength but they estimate 3-6 months of recovery. A friend of mine was not a very good patient, took the sling off early, stopped PT and is now back in PT with a re-tear. Seeing that I knew I had better follow the rules.

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Many years ago I had rotator cuff surgery as well as repair of a SLAPP tear, and I recall how I felt following the procedure as well as the physical therapy. I understand how hard it can be to ask others for help, especially when we are used to being so independent. Someone told me a few months ago that it was okay to be selfish as opposed to being selfless, a way I have lived most of my life. The recovery for me was also a long one, but once I completed the therapy I knew that being patient with myself, as well as asking for help paid off in the long run.
Best of luck to you.

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tim1028 | @tim1028 | Jan 29, 2023
In reply to @mrsflutterby "I didn’t mention a few things: I also had the full thickness tear of the supraspinitus..." + (show)
@mrsflutterby

I didn’t mention a few things: I also had the full thickness tear of the supraspinitus tendon, did “pre-PT” which made me stronger but did not help the continuing pain, sleep problems and inability to manage normal grab, reach and lift chores without pain. The pre-PT made the surgery recovery easier and placed me ahead of the game physically during recovery. I think anyone you talk to will tell you it is a very long recovery. Patience is a test we all struggle with when it comes to getting back to normal. However, my angel PT told me that I had to reconcile a very long recovery with not feeling the bad pain anymore and having better function. So I have had to ask for help, ask for rides, depend on my husband to do the grocery shopping and some cooking, etc. Each week I see improvement with my range of motion and strength but they estimate 3-6 months of recovery. A friend of mine was not a very good patient, took the sling off early, stopped PT and is now back in PT with a re-tear. Seeing that I knew I had better follow the rules.

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Did you have the supraspinatus tendon reattached? I have a full-thickness tear with tendon retraction which makes reattachment problematic.

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1 reply
jashandley21 | @jashandley21 | Jan 30, 2023
In reply to @mrsflutterby "I just had the surgery for that, the labrum tear and biceps tear along with decompressing..." + (show)
@mrsflutterby

I just had the surgery for that, the labrum tear and biceps tear along with decompressing the AC joint. I’m 65. Honestly, it has been a fairly easy recovery albeit slow. A full six weeks in the sling with the abductor pillow. During my visit in week 7, he gave me two weeks to wean off the sling which is where I am now. I’ve started PT with very slow range of motion and stretching. It is a long recovery but not having that awful pain makes it worth it.

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thanks for your surgery! info i am 92 and not sure did it affect your hand as well??

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1 reply
mrsflutterby | @mrsflutterby | Jan 31, 2023
In reply to @jashandley21 "thanks for your surgery! info i am 92 and not sure did it affect your hand..." + (show)
@jashandley21

thanks for your surgery! info i am 92 and not sure did it affect your hand as well??

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My wrist on the affected shoulder side was stiff but after a week of stretching was better. I was completely immobilized for 7 weeks so everything was a bit stiff.

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richardab | @richardab | Feb 1, 2023

I had those done 6 years ago. Complete immobilization for 2 weeks afterwards. Physical therapy. I was 61 and had a complete recovery in what I consider a reasonable amount of time. Get the best ortho surgeon you can (although I've been totally impressed with the ones I've had dealings with).

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safarigoddess | @safarigoddess | Feb 1, 2023

I have a partial tear in the rotator cuff. Has anyone done PRP ( Plazma Rich Platelets ) ??? and any success ??

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2 replies
richardab | @richardab | Feb 2, 2023
In reply to @safarigoddess "I have a partial tear in the rotator cuff. Has anyone done PRP ( Plazma Rich..." + (show)
@safarigoddess

I have a partial tear in the rotator cuff. Has anyone done PRP ( Plazma Rich Platelets ) ??? and any success ??

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I had it done in my orthopedic surgeon's office. Unfortunately, it did not work. But I had it done about the time I found out how wonked my immune system was and my ortho thinks it failed because of that.

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mrsflutterby | @mrsflutterby | Feb 2, 2023
In reply to @tim1028 "Did you have the supraspinatus tendon reattached? I have a full-thickness tear with tendon retraction which..." + (show)
@tim1028

Did you have the supraspinatus tendon reattached? I have a full-thickness tear with tendon retraction which makes reattachment problematic.

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Yes. It had detached and the doc pulled it back over the bone and put a layer of collagen over the top to assist with healing. The labrum tear had to be tacked down with two clamps which will remain there. The biceps tear was simply sutured. He said that reattaching the biceps used to be done a lot but would fail in a higher % than those that healed correctly.

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1 reply
rashida | @rashida | Feb 4, 2023

@jerseyjames yes, do try physiotherapy first. Worked for me.

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1 reply
tim1028 | @tim1028 | Feb 5, 2023
In reply to @mrsflutterby "Yes. It had detached and the doc pulled it back over the bone and put a..." + (show)
@mrsflutterby

Yes. It had detached and the doc pulled it back over the bone and put a layer of collagen over the top to assist with healing. The labrum tear had to be tacked down with two clamps which will remain there. The biceps tear was simply sutured. He said that reattaching the biceps used to be done a lot but would fail in a higher % than those that healed correctly.

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Thanks for your reply to my question. I see the surgeon next week to discuss options. At this point I have little pain (more when sleeping) and full range of motion.

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