Torn Rotator Cuff Treatment

In this episode of Talking with Docs, join three experienced physicians as they delve into the intricacies of rotator cuff surgery. Rotator cuff injuries are common and can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds. With surgical intervention often being a necessary step in treatment, understanding the procedure and what to expect is crucial for patients facing this journey.

The physicians break down the anatomy of the rotator cuff, explaining how injuries occur and the impact they can have on shoulder function. They discuss the various surgical techniques used to repair a damaged rotator cuff, from arthroscopic procedures to open surgery, highlighting the benefits and considerations of each approach.

Throughout the episode, the doctors provide invaluable insights into the pre-operative preparation process, including diagnostic tests, physical therapy, and patient education. They address common concerns and questions patients may have about rotator cuff surgery, such as post-operative pain management, rehabilitation timelines, and expectations for recovery.

Moreover, the physicians emphasize the importance of patient engagement in the rehabilitation process, outlining exercises and strategies to optimize recovery and regain shoulder function. Whether you're facing rotator cuff surgery yourself or simply seeking to learn more about the procedure, this episode offers valuable information and guidance from medical experts.

Medical emergency
Do NOT use the Video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on the Video.

General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment

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[denisemariner]

Start your Rotator Cuff surgery post op routines, before surgery!! Practice getting your shirt/tops on with one hand, put the shower sling on, practice not using the arm to bathe, practice getting in and out of your car with a sling on. Buy the bolster pillows or extra pillows and arrange them on your bed. See if you can get a raised toilet seat to use to help minimize pressure getting on and off the toilet. Prepare some meals ahead of time and freeze them. Buy the bath aids like a scrunchie on a stick to reach your legs and feet! Buy shampoo and shower soaps with the pump top, attach a scrunchie onto the pump top to use! If you have to be alone, buy that can opener that is battery operated and ready to use with one hand. Have your tape and dressings ready to use at home for dressing changes. Get your daily meds filled preop to save you time post op. Sleep post op is difficult!! If you can afford it buy a recliner! Maybe borrow one! Make you PT appointments before surgery not sure how it is carried out in Canada but in the USA it is a viable option. Ice, ice packs, help with pain. We had this gizmo that attached to the shoulder and circulated cold water to the area for pain relief. Do not wait until the last minutes to prepare!! Rotator Cuff surgery revovery is a marathon not a sprint. Allow yourself to heal! You won't want, a second surgery so do it right, the first time.😊

[sdavis]

As a Firefighter I HAD to have surgery in order to return to work. I had a full thickness tear on my right shoulder. I got a nerve block and it was the weirdest thing! My clavicle bone was a huge bump and had to be shaved down. This by far was the worst surgery I ever had! The pain and discomfort and the therapy was awful. Thank God it was work comp! It took 6 months before I returned to work! But my surgeon did a great job! No problems with my right shoulder and it’s been 10 years!

[whocares]

I had both shoulders done. I love the nerve block. A recliner is essential. It is the only way to sleep or get relief from the pain. PT is God sent.

[wattheheck]

Add me to the repair club..week 5 of recovery. I appreciate this video as the cause for my surgery was a sudden backwards trip and crushing fall onto concrete with my shoulder. I asked my surgeon for his first impression looking inside. Long pause. "It looked like a bomb went off." We clicked as I appreciated his honesty. He also said he enjoys his work! Great post.

[carolbraswell]

It works!! I had both rotator cuff repaired in 2022 at 63 yrs old. Takes 6-12 months to complete heal at least for me.

[yoppyman]

Massive Rotator cuff tear and severe arthritis in left shoulder at 64 years old.
Decades of weightlifting at the gym, hard labor doing firewood on property, and a couple of four-wheeler crashes!
I did weight training all the way up to the day of surgery.
😮
Doc said my function was great, but i couldn't take the pain at night any longer.
Decided to do surgery to repair severe tear and also debridement.
Two weeks post-op and i can't drive my tractor, ride the big Ferris Zero-Turn mower, or work out!
The recovery period will be MUCH LONGER than anticipated.... six to nine months!

But, thank you Jesus (literally)... and thank you Dr. LeFrance at Hamilton Ortho!

Its tough being a gimp for this long!
😢
Surgical technology is such a blessing!
My empathy is high for all you other sufferers out there.
And doctors, thanks for this awesome video, post-op!
You docs seem very caring and your info is helpful in confirming my long recovery and restrictions!😢
Sleeping well is still challenging because that shoulder hurts and keeps me up.
PT starts in about a week, three weeks post-op.
May God bless you all!
Looking forward to that new spiritual body one day!
But, I'm not in a hurry!
I have many more "miles" to put on this aging carcass!😅

[loisblake]

Dr Weening, you always look like you are about to crack up. Serious subjects, but you never fail to make me laugh. Thank you for all your informative videos.

[vickiepatterson]

Thanks for continuing this subject!
My brother had this surgery and he was out of commission for several weeks.
He's the primary cook so I would often make dinners and take them over.
He complained about the pain, especially at first and it was a long healing process.
He eventually went to physical therapy and got a good range of motion.
My sister is at the hospital right now, she had a bad fall and her shoulder is broken. Her son is bringing her home and I'll be taking care of her. If you could make another video to help me with her for the upcoming needs, I would greatly appreciate it!
All I know at the moment is she is being sent home with a sling and pain meds. I know most of the basic needs and know she will eventually need physical therapy.
I knew it was bad when she yelled for me and I found her lying on the floor. She couldn't put any weight on that side and the pain in her shoulder was excruciating. She's going to have a rough few days before it calms down enough for her to rest.
Thanks for sharing another great video!

[victoriahurlburt]

😮Hi Docs! I’m having Rt shoulder rotator cuff surgery on March 14, 2024. I have a complete tear of my supraspinatus tendon. I have severe pain when I move my arm. My upper arm spasms and hurts. I have tried physical therapy and Cortisone shots with no relief. I fell last April and my shoulder has been so painful. I’ve had a couple of repairs before on this same side. I also got three opinions since this was a revision. I’ve also have had decompressions with my surgeries. Thanks for your videos I learn a lot. 💙 Victoria from Cincinnati, Ohio

[maddiem]

I had rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders. Both were torn off the bone. And they were within 2 years of each other. Geez they were painful. My right shoulder had plasma injections and allowed to heal for 4 weeks before physical therapy. My left shoulder started PT 1 week after surgery and it was so painful I was in tears for 3 weeks during PT before the pain started to subside. Take a wild guess as to the surgery I preferred. With each surgery I was shnockered on pain meds for the first few days. I would rather not have to go through that again thank you very much. 🤪

[leevize]

At 3 months I could do most movements that were light weight. At six months I could lift a bit more weight but under 25 pounds. At 9 months I forgot I ever had a problem. I still keep weight lifting LIGHT. 💯 better off after surgery from a traumatic multi-fracture of my upper arm.

[davidpescod]

Thanks Docs for a very informative video. I never cease to be amazed at what is possible for surgeons to achieve to repair a broken part of the body

[gowin]

Elected to undergo arthroscopic RCS exactly a year ago. The practical choice rather than a longer natural healing process in full tear tendon repair. Pain occasionally when in supine during the evening. May want to reorient sleeping position, as well as be watchful on diet to eliminate inflammation. Plus a combination of collagen, vitamin C, and sun exposure.

[SuperHowyalikemenow]

had surgery 10 days ago....get an adjustable bed! made my recovery much better so far!

[erinerwine]

I just had right side rotator cuff surgery as well as right side bicep reattachment surgery and nerve surgery on my opposite side foot from a near fatal motorcycle hit & run. I severed the supraspinatus tendon, the long head of my bicep on that shoulder and completely dislocated that shoulder as well as crushed my left foot. My shoulder surgeon said that it’s going to be a 4 mo. recovery and all I own are motorcycles—no cars so I haven’t been able to ride since my surgeries on 01/17/24. My upper arm is still swollen and I still have what looks like permanent bruising but I don’t wear my sling either! I hate my life right now!

[mikeconkin]

This is pure gold, thanks 1, 000, 000. I have a probably non-repairable full-thickness rotator cuff tear, a narrowed acromiohumeral distance *and* a moderate-to-high risk of rotator cuff repair healing failure, so my orthopedist floated the idea of a biologic/structural subacromial graft. He says he's done a bunch of these with good results esp. in older patients (like me), and prefers these methods over the balloon spacer procedures he used to do. Your thoughts?

[sandrakennedy]

I'm not exactly sure where the tear was, but it was a hole the size of a quarter. Because I had bone spurs on my spine, which was pressing on the spinal column, I had to have the back surgery first. Then when I was healed from that surgery, the Dr. thought he would go in microscopilly to repair the hole. Unfortunately, in the five months since my back surgery, the hole had increased to the size of a half dollar. He had to put 4 anchors and also sewing it together. It worked just fine, but there was an 11 month slow recovery. I have full movement. I was 69 when I had the surgeries. Thanks for your informative videos.

[michaelnancyamsden]

Thanks, guys. I have had the reverse shoulder. My pain is gone. Srill working on strength. Best evet since fixing my knees. Bionic Texas Granny.

[FoolyLiving]

I have EDS and my arm has been hanging for 4 or 5 months. Just found out my junk tendons gave up and I have to get surgery to put myself back together. I am in extreme pain. I was too depressed to realize I was seriously injured and let it go for far too long. If I had to live with this pain I could tell you that I probably wouldnt. I feel like theres an axe in the top of my shoulder and on the side of my upper arm. I am NOT looking forward to surgery. What do you think about a person with EDS gtting surgery to try to repair junk tendons that will just get worse over time? I dont want to ever repeat this after I have surgery.

[gregfile]

I tore my rotator cuff from having a dislocated shoulder that was completely out of socket from a fall in a rain storm where I fell on a slick porch delivering Amazon. I've delivered packages for over 10 yrs. Between doing ups, fedex, & amazon. This was the first time I ever had a accident on the work place. My surgery I will find out Monday. I've been in physical therapy for 2 months. The physician told me from looking at the MRI that it was a 7 out of 10 tear. So far I can't lift my right arm even half way up. This is going to be a long haul with this, and being on workman's comp. Will make it that much longer.😢