3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Rotator Cuff Surgery

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In this video I describe how a lack of knowledge and my aversion to taking painkillers contributed to developing pain and excessive stiffness in my shoulder after surgery. I share some concepts I learned, post-surgery that would have been really helpful to know from day 1.

[ChrisBranch]

Love this mate, it's a super helpful guide. And yes, I totally agree about the painkillers; I call them 'movement enhancers' - they are a tool to take the edge off the pain so you can move more, and that is really what does the healing 😊🙏

[rbb]

Great info for my upcoming shoulder surgery rehab! Thank you!

[DebbieManlove]

Great stuff Ro 🐻 the painkiller piece is such a good insight - I’m definitely an ‘avoid pills’ person too.

[shay]

Such a helpful video!!! Knowone else has talked about this. Thank you!

[mike]

Glad I stumbled across this Robert, I had a Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement last Friday, so I'm only three days in. I'm very comfortable with my opioid intake, I've had high doses (of morphine and fantanyl) in the past during cancer treatments, and on each occasion I've stopped taking them without problems...although a close friend had a terrible time coming off fentanyl. I was already taking morphine before my op (for throat pain caused by historic radiotherapy), so my dose was simply increased, and after a couple of days of hallucinations and falling asleep twenty-five odd times a day🙄, I'm fine. Good points on taking them though. The rest, more generalised points about movement and "guarding" (not heard mention of that) are very useful to me as well, will try to avoid the issues you encountered. Thanks for posting the video.

[bethreed]

Thanks Robert, here from the US. I am loaded with arthritis and am looking at both shoulders having to be replaced. First starting on the 28th.
That being said, there IS a place for painkillers and have to use on a regular basis as nothing else helps for arthritis pain. You just learn how to use them and you DO need to use post surgery so you stretch properly. I have a couple of acquaintances that have ended up with canes because they avoid the therapy because of pain.
Have had back, hip and knee surgeries and am back to as normal as you can get with a replacement. Hopefully these go as well, I know shoulders are a tough recovery!! ❤

[tjbjjtkd]

I'm two weeks post-op, and I started moving my arm and minimum shoulder movement. I only took the pain meds a couple of times, but I ended up flushing them down the toilet in fear of building a dependence on them.

[KBoynton]

Great video. I, too, recently had rotator cuff surgery, and like you, was hesitant to take too many painkillers, having just watched the Netflix special Painkillers. That said, my doctor said it was okay to take both Tylenol and and ibuprofen if I didn't want to continue taking oxycodone, and that worked quite well. I agree with you -- there wasn't so much pain post surgery as there was discomfort, but I am glad I had it done and am recovering nicely. Your advice to those who may be contemplating having rotator cuff surgery is spot on.

[rachellusk]

Man, I wish I saw your video before me arm surgery. I had the same time happen to me. Dealing with frozen shoulder right now. 😢

[antoniosgrignuoli]

Brilliant advice. I am currently 1week post full shoulder replacement. I have been on and off the pain medication for the same reasons as you said. I will now continue my recovery WITH the pain medication. Thank you sir. Great advice.

[Johnv]

Got a RC repair coming up in 2 weeks (my second), and even though I've never had an addiction issue, this is my biggest fear. I also under-used oxy on my last RCR, but got a good scare, when I took a whole one, one day, while on my own, began to experience depressed breathing, and had to be rushed to hospital. I like your advice about taking the lowest dose possible, but I think at least for the first few weeks it should be taken consistently for exactly the reasons you outlined. As a neurologist once told me, you want to stay ahead of the pain, not wait till it's severe (and you're guarding) to 'catch up.' Good video. I'll be watching more! Thank you!!!

[katewebber]

Can relate, mate. I broke my arm it was pinned and plated. IT WENT VERY WRONG( seemed it all moved) .

Now had all my metal work removed. Still in pain, had a cortisone shot and in agony because ( cortisone flare AGONY) .Have now frozen shoulder, lots of calsification. Seems like I need a replacement.
Warned NOT TO have anymore physio. 😮😮😮😮 I too stopped my pain meds, but just got some more because in agony big time now. Taking Palexia for pain, best one, opioid yes but can stop it no problems. 😊😊😊. Lowest dose though, still in pain, but don't like taking them especially for such a long time.
Thanks for your info. Get well soon. 😊😊

[thomasbrown]

I had terrible pain and still have pain after 6 weeks.

[amylucier]

1) avoid guarding the affected shoulder 2) Use pain medications (as it avoids discomfort and guarding the shoulder)
3) schedule pt early

[denisern]

I’d suggest leaving pain med hazards and benefits to the experts. You’ve referred to video where you learned. I’m a retired RN in USA and believe you have a somewhat tainted view of opioids and pain management. Not everyone is an addict, many benefit. My rotator cuff surgery is far more painful than a discomfort. I don’t believe I’d trust random guy vs my pain management doctor/NP. I wish you well and trust you are healed now. I’m only 9 days out

[ddiddles]

1 day postop here.. fully torn subscapularis.. bicep tendon.. and some.. 24 hours later.. i am taking your advice about the meds and guarding. pretty painful event this is.
.

[ocmacman]

Hi Robert I hope you are doing better. I am in the 4th week since surgery. I to am an active weightlifter and golfer. I was going to gym daily and golfing a couple times a week before my surgery. I think I tore my rcuff from going from 2 plates to 3 plates on bench press. I am a decorated competitive bench presser. I am very interested in another physio person as mine is much like you described. I need more hands on. Any suggestions? I am in California

[aaa]

2 arthroscopic L+R just had to body momentum the arm towards the floor in a circle 3x a day. 1 replacement L - R is coming - never needed any thing.

[rmsmith]

I have been in a sling 6 weeks and am ready to be done with it. Ugh.

[Useitorloseit]

I'm getting good pain relief for longer times with muscle relaxers. Would those be an alternative solution to opioids or are they potentially the same thing? or as addictive? Great video, thanks for the info. I'm on week 4, 64 years.