Getting older sucks - off to see a shoulder specialist - surgery it is (1 Viewer)

[snogger]

Sleep can be a big issue for the first few weeks. The throbbing night pain can be pretty bad at times. The polar packs or ice coolers they send home me some folks usually help a lot with that. Just leaving it on there all night for the first few weeks is the way to go. Then, it becomes all about loosening up the tightened tissues around the shoulder and building the range of motion. The quicker the shoulder can get moving, usually the quicker it starts to heal and hurts less. 

Doc said at the follow-up that he was going to recommend the PT be more aggressive now. I replied "yea, they enjoyed beating me up with less aggressive, can't wait" .. He responded, "we don't call them Physical Terrorist for nothing"

 

[flapgreen]

Doc said at the follow-up that he was going to recommend the PT be more aggressive now. I replied "yea, they enjoyed beating me up with less aggressive, can't wait" .. He responded, "we don't call them Physical Terrorist for nothing"

Sounds like my kind of doc

 

[urbanhack]

Oh cool. I now have a strained Sartorius muscle.  I get a sharp shooting pain in the front of my right thigh when I try to cross my right leg over my left. Pretty sure I did it by playing too much disc golf.  Neat!

The sartorius muscle is something called a bi-articular muscle because it operates on two joints— the hip and the knee. It stretches from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the medial knee. The sartorius is a hip flexor along with the rectus femoris, iliopsoas and tensor fasciae latae.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Well not good. Verdict. Full thickness tear of rotator cuff, torn labrum, issues including tears with bicep and arthritis/spurs that needs clean up. Surgery scheduled in early June. 6 weeks in a sling then 8-10 months of rehab

I hope all is well.

 

[Judge Smails]

I hope all is well.

Thanks. Actually pushed to 6/30. Doing all pre op stuff on Monday. Amazingly patched my shoulder together with KT Pro tape and played in our golf tourney pretty much pain free. And full range of motion. Played great. Now I’m sore again. Can’t wait to get this fixed for good

 

[moleculo]

Last summer, I was playing in the waves at the beach in Puerto Rico.  Took a big wave and landed on my outstretched elbow and immediately felt my arm pop.  I spent the rest of the vacation in a sling before I could get home and see the Dr.

I did PT for 3 weeks or so until the sharp pain stopped but there was a lingering soreness - I figured it would go away, but it never did.  Also, I developed a strange numbness in my thumb.

So, I finally went back to the Dr. and got the MRI.  I handled it fine.  No biggie for me.  Result: torn rotator cuff, impingement syndrome, & some other stuff related to AC joint.  Surgery is an option but I'm going to try PT again.

Getting old sucks.

 

[snogger]

Last summer, I was playing in the waves at the beach in Puerto Rico.  Took a big wave and landed on my outstretched elbow and immediately felt my arm pop.  I spent the rest of the vacation in a sling before I could get home and see the Dr.

I did PT for 3 weeks or so until the sharp pain stopped but there was a lingering soreness - I figured it would go away, but it never did.  Also, I developed a strange numbness in my thumb.

So, I finally went back to the Dr. and got the MRI.  I handled it fine.  No biggie for me.  Result: torn rotator cuff, impingement syndrome, & some other stuff related to AC joint.  Surgery is an option but I'm going to try PT again.

Getting old sucks.

Good luck on PT.. hopefully no surprises waiting.

I  was so hoping PT would work for me.. But once surgery happened, Doc told no amount of PT would have helped as there was more damage that the MRI showed 

 

[flapgreen]

Last summer, I was playing in the waves at the beach in Puerto Rico.  Took a big wave and landed on my outstretched elbow and immediately felt my arm pop.  I spent the rest of the vacation in a sling before I could get home and see the Dr.

I did PT for 3 weeks or so until the sharp pain stopped but there was a lingering soreness - I figured it would go away, but it never did.  Also, I developed a strange numbness in my thumb.

So, I finally went back to the Dr. and got the MRI.  I handled it fine.  No biggie for me.  Result: torn rotator cuff, impingement syndrome, & some other stuff related to AC joint.  Surgery is an option but I'm going to try PT again.

Getting old sucks.

Smart move. Find a good hands-on therapist and give that your best shot before considering surgery. Except for the most severe tears, conservative outcomes with therapy have been shown to be no different than surgical outcomes over the long-term.  The numbness in your thumb sounds a little different and could be a seperate issue from the rotator cuff injury. 

 

[Judge Smails]

Did my pre op. Probably going to get the nerve block to help with pain. Now deciding on whether to do PRP. Mixed studies on benefits of healing and reducing re-tear rate. $900 a pop. Can do just one with Surgery or a series of 3. But heck, we paid for PRP for my daughters dog, so I guess I’m worth it

 

[moleculo]

Smart move. Find a good hands-on therapist and give that your best shot before considering surgery. Except for the most severe tears, conservative outcomes with therapy have been shown to be no different than surgical outcomes over the long-term.  The numbness in your thumb sounds a little different and could be a seperate issue from the rotator cuff injury. 

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel.  I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards. 

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve.  The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

 

[flapgreen]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel.  I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards. 

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve.  The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either. 

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate. 

 

[SoBeDad]

Did my pre op. Probably going to get the nerve block to help with pain. Now deciding on whether to do PRP. Mixed studies on benefits of healing and reducing re-tear rate. $900 a pop. Can do just one with Surgery or a series of 3. But heck, we paid for PRP for my daughters dog, so I guess I’m worth it

Good luck. Worth a shot.

 

[Judge Smails]

Surgery yesterday am. Doc said it went well. No curve balls just a lot of inflammation. So glad I got the nerve block. Made the first 18 hours or so pretty easy. Working through pain today though. Got the medical grade cooling machine plugged in and taking meds as today is rougher. But I’ll get through it. Mindset is every day that passes I’m one day closer to being 100% again. 

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Glad to hear it.  Too bad there's no NFL to watch.

Maybe this clip will cheer you up.  It sure made me laugh.

 

[snogger]

Surgery yesterday am. Doc said it went well. No curve balls just a lot of inflammation. So glad I got the nerve block. Made the first 18 hours or so pretty easy. Working through pain today though. Got the medical grade cooling machine plugged in and taking meds as today is rougher. But I’ll get through it. Mindset is every day that passes I’m one day closer to being 100% again. 

Good to hear no surprises

Agree on the nerve block.. Mine lasted until the morning after.. To bad it doesn't last longer.

Good luck on recovery.. I'm at about 10 weeks from surgery.. Still limited, but can reach and pickup coffee without any pain.. Couldn't do that before surgery so that's a win.

 

[flapgreen]

Surgery yesterday am. Doc said it went well. No curve balls just a lot of inflammation. So glad I got the nerve block. Made the first 18 hours or so pretty easy. Working through pain today though. Got the medical grade cooling machine plugged in and taking meds as today is rougher. But I’ll get through it. Mindset is every day that passes I’m one day closer to being 100% again. 

Get yourself a pulley for home use if you don't have one. 

 

[Guest]

Had rotator cuff surgery Dec. 20......now frozen shoulder and need second surgery

 

[moleculo]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

 

[flapgreen]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Worst case scenario, you have surgery but you go into it with a little more motion and strength than you would have without therapy, and you have piece of mind that you tried the conservative route first.

If I have someone I know is likely to go into surgery, I'm also teaching them things to be doing right after surgery when the time gets closer.

 

[Judge Smails]

Surgery yesterday am. Doc said it went well. No curve balls just a lot of inflammation. So glad I got the nerve block. Made the first 18 hours or so pretty easy. Working through pain today though. Got the medical grade cooling machine plugged in and taking meds as today is rougher. But I’ll get through it. Mindset is every day that passes I’m one day closer to being 100% again.

Get yourself a pulley for home use if you don't have one.

What kind of pulley? So tomorrow is a big day. 6 weeks since the surgery. Sling/harness comes off except if I’m outside the next 2 weeks. Thought this day would never come. It was rough early and sleeping in a recliner gets old. But it’s getting better now. Been doing PT 2X a week since week 2 and home exercises every day. Icing after every session. Mega ibuprofen. Range of motion improving everywhere except with elbow close to side as they move my arm outwards. That hurts and motion is limited. Likely due to the bicep repair. At least it doesn’t throb when resting like it did before surgery.

Keeping the faith that it will be much better in a few months.

 

[snogger]

Had rotator cuff surgery Dec. 20......now frozen shoulder and need second surgery

Hate to hear that.. Been 4 months now since mine. Most of the pain is gone, but still can't lift the Arm to the top of my head without effort. Doc has me continuing PT until November and decide next steps if I am still limited

 

[snogger]

Surgery yesterday am. Doc said it went well. No curve balls just a lot of inflammation. So glad I got the nerve block. Made the first 18 hours or so pretty easy. Working through pain today though. Got the medical grade cooling machine plugged in and taking meds as today is rougher. But I’ll get through it. Mindset is every day that passes I’m one day closer to being 100% again.

Get yourself a pulley for home use if you don't have one.

What kind of pulley? So tomorrow is a big day. 6 weeks since the surgery. Sling/harness comes off except if I’m outside the next 2 weeks. Thought this day would never come. It was rough early and sleeping in a recliner gets old. But it’s getting better now. Been doing PT 2X a week since week 2 and home exercises every day. Icing after every session. Mega ibuprofen. Range of motion improving everywhere except with elbow close to side as they move my arm outwards. That hurts and motion is limited. Likely due to the bicep repair. At least it doesn’t throb when resting like it did before surgery.

Keeping the faith that it will be much better in a few months.

Hope it keeps going well.. Most of my pain is gone now, still working on range of motion..

 

[flapgreen]

Surgery yesterday am. Doc said it went well. No curve balls just a lot of inflammation. So glad I got the nerve block. Made the first 18 hours or so pretty easy. Working through pain today though. Got the medical grade cooling machine plugged in and taking meds as today is rougher. But I’ll get through it. Mindset is every day that passes I’m one day closer to being 100% again.

Get yourself a pulley for home use if you don't have one.

What kind of pulley? So tomorrow is a big day. 6 weeks since the surgery. Sling/harness comes off except if I’m outside the next 2 weeks. Thought this day would never come. It was rough early and sleeping in a recliner gets old. But it’s getting better now. Been doing PT 2X a week since week 2 and home exercises every day. Icing after every session. Mega ibuprofen. Range of motion improving everywhere except with elbow close to side as they move my arm outwards. That hurts and motion is limited. Likely due to the bicep repair. At least it doesn’t throb when resting like it did before surgery.

Keeping the faith that it will be much better in a few months.

Your therapist will know but any type of shoulder pulley on Amazon. A lot brands.
Vive Shoulder Pulley - Over Door Rehab Exerciser for Rotator Cuff Recovery https://a.co/d/0UlKbq9

 

[flapgreen]

The first 2-3 months post rotator cuff repair is about getting the range of motion back while protecting the surgery. Unless it's a major multitendon repair, you should be on therapy within a few days to start gentle passive range. After about 3 months, the surgery is full healed and you can get much more aggressive with the strengthening.

 

[Judge Smails]

The first 2-3 months post rotator cuff repair is about getting the range of motion back while protecting the surgery. Unless it's a major multitendon repair, you should be on therapy within a few days to start gentle passive range. After about 3 months, the surgery is full healed and you can get much more aggressive with the strengthening.

Yep. Tracking to that. Been religious with PT so far. She said I'm a few weeks off before I can do any bands etc. Still working on range of motion. I have a ways to go.

 

[flapgreen]

The first 2-3 months post rotator cuff repair is about getting the range of motion back while protecting the surgery. Unless it's a major multitendon repair, you should be on therapy within a few days to start gentle passive range. After about 3 months, the surgery is full healed and you can get much more aggressive with the strengthening.

Yep. Tracking to that. Been religious with PT so far. She said I'm a few weeks off before I can do any bands etc. Still working on range of motion. I have a ways to go.

Sounds like you're well on your way.

 

[snogger]

The first 2-3 months post rotator cuff repair is about getting the range of motion back while protecting the surgery. Unless it's a major multitendon repair, you should be on therapy within a few days to start gentle passive range. After about 3 months, the surgery is full healed and you can get much more aggressive with the strengthening.

Yep. Tracking to that. Been religious with PT so far. She said I'm a few weeks off before I can do any bands etc. Still working on range of motion. I have a ways to go.

No matter the pain or frustration( believe me, after a couple months you will get frustrated, or at least I did that I wasn't further along) keep up with the at Home PT.

My Physical terrorist mentioned that she could tell I was doing my homework and went onto explain how some give up and it only makes their recovery longer.

I'm 4 months out now and unless I reach to far, or move the wrong way, there is no pain at all

 

[Wish]

I've had two shoulder surgeries. One at 22 yo and the other at 42. The one at 22 was the left shoulder, rotator cuff playing flag football and landed on the back of the shoulder while prone. The one at 42 was the right shoulder and was rotator cuff, labrum and bicep tendon. It was from years of softball and likely would have only been on the rotator cuff but I ignored it for a few years, kept playing and compensated with a different throwing motion (thus causing damage to other parts). In both cases I had to go through 10 weeks of physical therapy before they would do testing (the first one was so long ago it was an arthrogram and not an MRI). I was kind of irritated that I did 10 weeks of PT for nothing and asked why they didn’t just test up front. As it was explained the vast amount of people experiencing shoulder pain are able to recover via therapy. So, the insurance companies don't want to pay for testing given statistics that show PT will improve their condition (10 weeks of PT is < an MRI). Kinds BS but that's the game you're forced to play (or at least it was in my case).

Fully recovered from both no lingering issues. If you do have to have it, I hope you don't, PT after is extremely important. It's a hard recovery but if you take it seriously, don't skimp on any of your daily exercises, then you're likely to have a full recovery.

Good luck.

 

[Judge Smails]

The first 2-3 months post rotator cuff repair is about getting the range of motion back while protecting the surgery. Unless it's a major multitendon repair, you should be on therapy within a few days to start gentle passive range. After about 3 months, the surgery is full healed and you can get much more aggressive with the strengthening.

Yep. Tracking to that. Been religious with PT so far. She said I'm a few weeks off before I can do any bands etc. Still working on range of motion. I have a ways to go.

No matter the pain or frustration( believe me, after a couple months you will get frustrated, or at least I did that I wasn't further along) keep up with the at Home PT.

My Physical terrorist mentioned that she could tell I was doing my homework and went onto explain how some give up and it only makes their recovery longer.

I'm 4 months out now and unless I reach to far, or move the wrong way, there is no pain at all

Physical Terrorist

 

[flapgreen]

I'll also add that you should continue the routine even after you are discharged from PT for 2 to 3 days a week for quite a few months following. I've seen people do great and meet all of their goals but revert back to normal life after discharge and start losing their range of motion and strength over time. It doesn't have to be a lot, but a half hour a week of continued stretching and strengthening will do wonders for your long-term outcome.

 

[moleculo]

The first 2-3 months post rotator cuff repair is about getting the range of motion back while protecting the surgery. Unless it's a major multitendon repair, you should be on therapy within a few days to start gentle passive range. After about 3 months, the surgery is full healed and you can get much more aggressive with the strengthening.

Yep. Tracking to that. Been religious with PT so far. She said I'm a few weeks off before I can do any bands etc. Still working on range of motion. I have a ways to go.

No matter the pain or frustration( believe me, after a couple months you will get frustrated, or at least I did that I wasn't further along) keep up with the at Home PT.

My Physical terrorist mentioned that she could tell I was doing my homework and went onto explain how some give up and it only makes their recovery longer.

I'm 4 months out now and unless I reach to far, or move the wrong way, there is no pain at all

Physical Terrorist

I call my therapist "the rapist" and I go in for "physical the rapey"

 

[snogger]

The first 2-3 months post rotator cuff repair is about getting the range of motion back while protecting the surgery. Unless it's a major multitendon repair, you should be on therapy within a few days to start gentle passive range. After about 3 months, the surgery is full healed and you can get much more aggressive with the strengthening.

Yep. Tracking to that. Been religious with PT so far. She said I'm a few weeks off before I can do any bands etc. Still working on range of motion. I have a ways to go.

No matter the pain or frustration( believe me, after a couple months you will get frustrated, or at least I did that I wasn't further along) keep up with the at Home PT.

My Physical terrorist mentioned that she could tell I was doing my homework and went onto explain how some give up and it only makes their recovery longer.

I'm 4 months out now and unless I reach to far, or move the wrong way, there is no pain at all

Physical Terrorist

I call my therapist "the rapist" and I go in for "physical the rapey"

Last session she really went full aggressive .. at one point I responded with a .. "woah.. that one almost brought tears.." too which she replied.. "Good, I'm doing my job"
She's bound and determined to make sure we get the range of motion past the lock position...

Have to say it is working.. A couple days after that session now and I can reach almost fully above my head for the first time since April. baby steps

 

[simey]

I'm having shoulder surgery on the 26th. I'm nervous about it. My pre op was this morning. The CMA named off all of these things that he was going to take care of in surgery, and I told her he said he may do some of them, and some I've never heard of. She said he sends them all in to insurance so it will already be approved if he decides it needs to be done. I have arthritis that is causing an impingement, a partially torn rotator cuff, a torn labrum, bursitis, tendonitis, and some other things with fancy names. He is going to shave around the part causing the impingement. He may or may not repair the cuff and labrum. He will see the severity when he gets in there. My shoulder has hurt on and off for 10 years. It started when I fell on some stairs and landed on my shoulder. The pain became steady when a wave hit me around five years ago in that shoulder. It has gotten progressively worse over the last 2 1/2 years. I can move my arm in all directions, but I have extreme pain in certain positions, and my shoulder throbs, especially at night. The only surgery I have ever had is gum surgery. I've only had anesthesia once when I got my colonoscopy at age 50. Hopefully everything will go well.

 

[snogger]

I'm having shoulder surgery on the 26th. I'm nervous about it. My pre op was this morning. The CMA named off all of these things that he was going to take care of in surgery, and I told her he said he may do some of them, and some I've never heard of. She said he sends them all in to insurance so it will already be approved if he decides it needs to be done. I have arthritis that is causing an impingement, a partially torn rotator cuff, a torn labrum, bursitis, tendonitis, and some other things with fancy names. He is going to shave around the part causing the impingement. He may or may not repair the cuff and labrum. He will see the severity when he gets in there. My shoulder has hurt on and off for 10 years. It started when I fell on some stairs and landed on my shoulder. The pain became steady when a wave hit me around five years ago in that shoulder. It has gotten progressively worse over the last 2 1/2 years. I can move my arm in all directions, but I have extreme pain in certain positions, and my shoulder throbs, especially at night. The only surgery I have ever had is gum surgery. I've only had anesthesia once when I got my colonoscopy at age 50. Hopefully everything will go well.

Good luck!!!! Recovery is long and at times you might question if it was worth it(I did a couple months back), but now see the light at the end of tunnel and most of the pain is gone.

 

[moleculo]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

 

[Chemical X]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

so, what exactly did they operate on?

 

[moleculo]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

so, what exactly did they operate on?

My shoulder.

 

[Chemical X]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

so, what exactly did they operate on?

My shoulder.

well, if he didn’t repair the cuff, did he shave the spurs? was this an acromion issue? was this a scope?

 

[moleculo]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

so, what exactly did they operate on?

My shoulder.

well, if he didn’t repair the cuff, did he shave the spurs? was this an acromion issue? was this a scope?

Honestly, not sure. He told my wife as I was/am still groggy.

 

[flapgreen]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

I'm not sure what frozen muscle means either. So they just did a decompression and trimmed off the spurs? That should be a much faster recovery than a repair.

 

[flapgreen]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

so, what exactly did they operate on?

My shoulder.

well, if he didn’t repair the cuff, did he shave the spurs? was this an acromion issue? was this a scope?

Honestly, not sure. He told my wife as I was/am still groggy.

Sounds like a subacromial decompression and maybe a distal clavicle resection.

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

like a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder - Symptoms and causes

www.mayoclinic.org

 

[moleculo]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

like a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder - Symptoms and causes

www.mayoclinic.org

I think this is it. I haven't spoken with my Dr yet - followup visit is in couple weeks, but this is what's on the note to the PT.

I think maybe my rotator cuff injury caused the bone spurs. Continued pain stopped me from using my shoulder, which caused the muscle to seize up. @flapgreen, does that make sense?

Regardless, I will be glad for this to go away and get back to full health. I was on a good workout routine before, involving lots of pushups & pullups, but haven't really exercised since (beyond walking/hiking), and I've gotten fat and doughy. Looking forward to getting back in shape.

 

[moleculo]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

so, what exactly did they operate on?

My shoulder.

well, if he didn’t repair the cuff, did he shave the spurs? was this an acromion issue? was this a scope?

Honestly, not sure. He told my wife as I was/am still groggy.

Sounds like a subacromial decompression and maybe a distal clavicle resection.

Maybe? When the Dr posts results in mychart, I'll let you know.

 

[FiredMartz]

I had rotator cuff surgery on both of my shoulders....right one in 2018 ...rotator was 95% torn,,,ended up with frozen shoulder and had second surgery,,,,just had left shoulder done in January and had second surgery 2 weeks ago for frozen shoulder on that one toooo

 

[flapgreen]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

like a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder - Symptoms and causes

www.mayoclinic.org

I think this is it. I haven't spoken with my Dr yet - followup visit is in couple weeks, but this is what's on the note to the PT.

I think maybe my rotator cuff injury caused the bone spurs. Continued pain stopped me from using my shoulder, which caused the muscle to seize up. @flapgreen, does that make sense?

Regardless, I will be glad for this to go away and get back to full health. I was on a good workout routine before, involving lots of pushups & pullups, but haven't really exercised since (beyond walking/hiking), and I've gotten fat and doughy. Looking forward to getting back in shape.

Never heard of frozen muscle, but frozen shoulder is a thing but not something that is usually operated on. It's when the shoulder freezes up from lack of use and is almost impossible to move past a certain point. Really hard to say what the doc meant by that. I'm interested to hear what that means.

 

[moleculo]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

like a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder - Symptoms and causes

www.mayoclinic.org

I think this is it. I haven't spoken with my Dr yet - followup visit is in couple weeks, but this is what's on the note to the PT.

I think maybe my rotator cuff injury caused the bone spurs. Continued pain stopped me from using my shoulder, which caused the muscle to seize up. @flapgreen, does that make sense?

Regardless, I will be glad for this to go away and get back to full health. I was on a good workout routine before, involving lots of pushups & pullups, but haven't really exercised since (beyond walking/hiking), and I've gotten fat and doughy. Looking forward to getting back in shape.

Never heard of frozen muscle, but frozen shoulder is a thing but not something that is usually operated on. It's when the shoulder freezes up from lack of use and is almost impossible to move past a certain point. Really hard to say what the doc meant by that. I'm interested to hear what that means.

Yeah, it sounds like a misdiagnosis. "Capsule release" is what was written on the PT script. In hindsight, maybe surgery wasn't necessary but the Dr said he wouldn't know exactly what was going on until he got in there.

 

[flapgreen]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

like a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder - Symptoms and causes

www.mayoclinic.org

I think this is it. I haven't spoken with my Dr yet - followup visit is in couple weeks, but this is what's on the note to the PT.

I think maybe my rotator cuff injury caused the bone spurs. Continued pain stopped me from using my shoulder, which caused the muscle to seize up. @flapgreen, does that make sense?

Regardless, I will be glad for this to go away and get back to full health. I was on a good workout routine before, involving lots of pushups & pullups, but haven't really exercised since (beyond walking/hiking), and I've gotten fat and doughy. Looking forward to getting back in shape.

Never heard of frozen muscle, but frozen shoulder is a thing but not something that is usually operated on. It's when the shoulder freezes up from lack of use and is almost impossible to move past a certain point. Really hard to say what the doc meant by that. I'm interested to hear what that means.

Yeah, it sounds like a misdiagnosis. "Capsule release" is what was written on the PT script. In hindsight, maybe surgery wasn't necessary but the Dr said he wouldn't know exactly what was going on until he got in there.

Ah OK. Then a capsular release would mean it probably was a frozen shoulder, which still isn't performed that frequently on frozen shoulders. Big difference in that and decompression for calcification or a rotator cuff repair.

 

[Chemical X]

The doctor seems to think it's carpel tunnel. I don't think so because it's the same side as shoulder injury and appeared a few weeks afterwards.

I *think*, without knowing the first thing about anatomy, that the cuff injury allows my shoulder to move put of where it is supposed to be - more towards my chest - and that is putting pressure on a nerve. The PT said that is what my shoulder is doing and I've noticed if I really stretch out my pecs I feel something in the thumb.

Here's my question, that I will be asking my ortho and PT - at what point do we throw in the towel and go for surgery?

Would be a little odd for carpal tunnel only in the thumb and a pretty big coincidence for it to coincide with a shoulder injury. There's not really a nerve around the rotator cuff that would only affect sensation to the thumb either.

Without knowing any of the intricate details, I'd say at least a couple months of good therapy before starting to consider surgery. Not therapy where they stick you in a corner using therabands. Should be a lot of stretching and general strengthening at home, while doing things with you in the clinic that you're unable to do on your own. Recovery isn't always immediate. You're looking for improvements in different forms. Improved range of motion. Improved function. Decreased pain is nice but isn't always immediate.

Well, it's been a good month, a little more. Therapy was as you described. I thought she was pretty good, but making little to no progress. Feels like we are going backwards. More pain (because I've been using the joint more in therapy), but any gain in range of motion is fleeting. I think part of the problem is it's been a year since the injury.

PT recommended surgery may be the best choice. I have an appt with the best shoulder guy in town in a few weeks, we'll see how that goes.

On the thumb: working theory is that with the cuff being damaged, my shoulder sits forward in the socket and pinches a nerve. We did a lot of stretching & strengthening to get it back and when I focus on that, I do have improved motion.

Had my surgery today. Doc said rotator cuff was fine, problem is bone spurs and a frozen muscle. I don't understand what that means except for a much shorter recovery.

like a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder - Symptoms and causes

www.mayoclinic.org

I think this is it. I haven't spoken with my Dr yet - followup visit is in couple weeks, but this is what's on the note to the PT.

I think maybe my rotator cuff injury caused the bone spurs. Continued pain stopped me from using my shoulder, which caused the muscle to seize up. @flapgreen, does that make sense?

Regardless, I will be glad for this to go away and get back to full health. I was on a good workout routine before, involving lots of pushups & pullups, but haven't really exercised since (beyond walking/hiking), and I've gotten fat and doughy. Looking forward to getting back in shape.

Never heard of frozen muscle, but frozen shoulder is a thing but not something that is usually operated on. It's when the shoulder freezes up from lack of use and is almost impossible to move past a certain point. Really hard to say what the doc meant by that. I'm interested to hear what that means.

Yeah, it sounds like a misdiagnosis. "Capsule release" is what was written on the PT script. In hindsight, maybe surgery wasn't necessary but the Dr said he wouldn't know exactly what was going on until he got in there.

Ah OK. Then a capsular release would mean it probably was a frozen shoulder, which still isn't performed that frequently on frozen shoulders. Big difference in that and decompression for calcification or a rotator cuff repair.

yeah, i’m not trying to bust molecule’s hump, but the doc here sounds a bit surgery centric. i mean, if you had an mri, with or without contrast, he should know if the cuff is in need of repair. operating on a frozen shoulder is pretty unusual and drastic. my wife has had FS and got it to loosen with some US guided cortisone shots and exercise over time. i had my shoulder scoped due to my acromion scraping the cuff, causing an impingement. i didn’t need a cuff repair, i needed the acromion shaved a bit. i only say this from experience in that the rehab from a shoulder op is long and tedious. seems like he shot first and asked questions later….::i am hopeful this at least provides relief.

 

[simey]

I had my shoulder surgery at the end of August. The surgeon didn't have to repair my rotator cuff. This is what he did according to mychart:

Glenoid labrum. Partial thickness glenoid labral tear with an unstable flap, used a meniscal biter to remove this unstable flap down to stable tissue. Otherwise, the glenoid labrum was intact.
Rotator cuff inspected, subscapularis intact, supraspinatus from the articular side intact as well as the infraspinatus and teres minor from the articular side. From the bursal side, there was a moderate fraying and partial bursal-sided rotator cuff tendon tear at the tendon medial to its insertion, the greater tuberosity anterolateral acromion and coracoacromial ligament was worn and eburnated and frayed. I then traced the acromion medial to the acromioclavicular joint, which had extensive degenerative changes. I used an arthroscopic burr to remove the inferiorly-projecting medial acromion bone spur. I then used an arthroscopic burr to remove approximately 1 cm of the lateral acromion, co-plane and parallel as viewed from multiple vantage points. This affected a distal clavicle excision. I also performed extensive sub acromial bursectomy of a thickened, organized bursa.

My shoulder still hurts, but it is slowly improving. I saw the surgeon a couple weeks ago, and he is happy with where I am at right now. I see him again in December.