Torn rotator cuff

[Edd]

So I got the news today that an MRI shows a partially torn rotator cuff. It's been bugging me for months. On the phone they said they would set up an appt. with physical therapist or a surgeon or both. I said PT only, please.

It doesn't hurt bad and I have full mobility. It's gotten aggrevated recently from skinning up hills because I tend to lean a bit on my ski poles with each step. I've learned that simple light strength workouts (bench press, etc.) make it hurt (not the normal kind of hurt) and don't feel like a good idea right now.

Has anyone truly healed from this with just PT? Do I even need PT if I have full mobility anyway? I can't imagine never doing any kind of strength training, never mind all the crap you need a shoulder for. Nobody I know personally has gone through this.

 

[witch hobble]

So I got the news today that an MRI shows a partially torn rotator cuff. It's been bugging me for months. On the phone they said they would set up an appt. with physical therapist or a surgeon or both. I said PT only, please.

It doesn't hurt bad and I have full mobility. It's gotten aggrevated recently from skinning up hills because I tend to lean a bit on my ski poles with each step. I've learned that simple light strength workouts (bench press, etc.) make it hurt (not the normal kind of hurt) and don't feel like a good idea right now.

Has anyone truly healed from this with just PT? Do I even need PT if I have full mobility anyway? I can't imagine never doing any kind of strength training, never mind all the crap you need a shoulder for. Nody I know personally has gone through this.

My right shoulder is 95% or so healed from a partial tear almost 3 years ago. No surgery for me. I was pretty disciplined about the rehab, working with the bands. I still do those exercises twice a week. I had considerable pain and limited range of motion. I'm sure there is a ph therapist out there who could help, but my experience with them was frustrating. I am fairly fit and wanted to be pushed and challenged. They gave me the basic exercises and watched to make sure I was doing them correctly. But they mostly didn't know what to do with me. They were more used to people really struggling with basic mobility issues, who needed a lot of encouragement. I did think that their shoulder bike was very helpful.

Patience, stretching, and strengthening. If you feel a "bad" hurt, you should stop that activity, or modify it. Good luck.

 

[Edd]

That's encouraging because it sounds like you were worse off than me. I'm going to have to ask my doc some very specific questions asap. Question 1: Can I ski? I don't mind laying off the skinning but no regular downhill skiing would be a blow.

I can ski right now and not feel a thing until 2 days later but I don't want to be stupid and cross a line.

Did you ski when you were at your worst?

 

[witch hobble]

Did you ski when you were at your worst?

Without poles, keepin it mellow. I should clarify that if I was self splinting with my arm against my core, I had little pain. It was when my elbow started to reach the same elevation as my shoulder that the pain kicked in.

Is yours from a trauma or from repetetive motion wear and tear?

 

[Edd]

I'm faily sure I caused it last summer doing some push-up workouts. I worked up to inverted push-ups with feet elevated which puts alot of pressure on the shoulders but I've done the workouts before.

I did turn 40 this year....

 

[Beetlenut]

Swimming would be the best long term PT. Not all out, but different strokes to exercise the various ranges of motion. A nice warm pool helps too!

 

[deadheadskier]

me thinks you need to do less pushups and more pint lifting

 

[Edd]

me thinks you need to do less pushups and more pint lifting

Gonna lift a few in 30 minutes and see if that helps. Riverworks, if you're around.

 

[deadheadskier]

Unfortunately down in Bahstan late tonight.

hope the brews help your shoulder

 

[snoseek]

me thinks you need to do less pushups and more pint lifting

You have the right idea but replace pint with a moderate bowl of "medicine".:lol:

 

[deadheadskier]

:lol:

Pints and bowls have tended to go hand in hand when Edd I have hung out

 

[bigbog]

Edd...maybe some exterior pads/padding..y/n? May not be the area's fashion icon on the snow, but might offer the needed protection from a fall.

 

[Edd]

Edd...maybe some exterior pads/padding..y/n? May not be the area's fashion icon on the snow, but might offer the needed protection from a fall.

Not a bad idea. I ordered a pretty fancy brace which arrives tomorrow which should stabilize it and I start going to PT tomorrow. I plan to ski a good 4 days this week so we'll see how it works out.

 

[crank]

I tore a rotator cuff about 10 years ago and it took a good 3 years to get back to normal. I was 43 at the time. Just PT did it but it took a long time. I never stopped skiing or even mountain biking, (though that hurt) but I haven't played tennis since and I couldn't throw a ball for a few years.

 

[Edd]

I tore a rotator cuff about 10 years ago and it took a good 3 years to get back to normal. I was 43 at the time. Just PT did it but it took a long time. I never stopped skiing or even mountain biking, (though that hurt) but I haven't played tennis since and I couldn't throw a ball for a few years.

Important question: Did you get an MRI later to see if it healed for sure? A frustrating thing about researching this is some sites say these things can't heal without surgery, and some say they can with proper PT. Don't know what to believe.

 

[crank]

I did not get a follow up MRI but it's been 10 years and I have full use and mobility and between skiing and mountain biking and sailing and painting my house last summer I haven;t felt anything. Like I said though - it took a good 3 years. Doctor said I was right on the edge of needing surgery and if it didn't respond to the PT I would have gone under the knife. He also said that age could affect my ability to heal and that I was right on the edge age-wise as well.

 

[Edd]

Thanks for the info Crank.