rotator cuff surgery - 5 months post-op

How are you now? I am currently at about 6 months with pain when I externally rotate... really feel like something is wrong after this long, but doctor and PT keep saying to wait it out.

I am glad to see that I am not the only one still having post op pain. Well, not really glad, but misery does like some reassurance that I am not the only one! I am 5 months post op a complete rotator cuff tear. Stopped PT a month ago and religiously stretch everyday and workout 3 or 4 days a week. I am still in some type of pain every day. I am hoping as the warm weather approaches, the pain starts to be less and less. Need to get back on the golf course, but not sure when I will be able to! :-(

I had my rotator cuff surgery 18 weeks ago and have been doing my rehab every day and started doing Zumba 4-5 times a week 12 weeks after surgery.   I am totally pain free and have full range of motion.  I will be seeing my surgeon in  two more weeks and can't wait to show him my progress.  I am very anxious to resume upper body weight training with light weights.  Have been doing my leg workouts since my 3rd week after surgery when I was still using my sling.  Oh yes, I am also 65 years old and a certified group fitness instructor and will be teaching Zumba in three more weeks.

I had my surgery on June 10, 2013 almost six month ago.  I started PT 50 days after my surgery. I met my PT twice a week and two weeks ago reduced it to once a week.  I am 52 year old and it has been a chalenge.  I have discomfort now and then.  When I use my hand a lot I get some pain for a day and then get better.  I recently met someone who had a surgery about 4years ago told me that it takes about 16 month to fully recover.   I guess we have to be patient with this kind of surgery.  Good luck to all. 

4 months post op, pain free, 90% strength,doing judo

I know this question was posted over a year ago but as of this week I am at the 5 month / 21 week mark of a massive RC repair using a graftjacket to bridge my supra and infra tendons to my humeral with 3 triple anchors. I have no pain and complete ROM in all directions except for behind my back and over my opposing shoulder. I had an arthrogram earlier this month and my tendons are growing as well as the cadaver anchoring in nicely. My Dr. is quite pleased. I am now attempting to strengthen. It is slow going and everyone I've spoken to says be patient. I surf, play softball, football, basketball, mtn bike and am beginning to lose my patients. It's brutal but the benefits out weigh the means.

Because of my massive tear / graftjacket, It's PT twice a week, then PT on my own with only stationary bike, jogging, walking which are all things I hate. I would not wish this on my worst enemy..........

Bottom line is listen to your Dr. / PT. What ended up happening with you?

Your situation is almost same as mine, now at 5 month / 20 week postop after full cut tears to my supra and infra tendons, 5 triple anchors and the graftjacket as well. and some work to the bicep (not exactly sure there). I didn't start PT until week 6, and wish it had started sooner. The period before 3 months was really difficult, wondering if the arm would ever regain ROM and strength, and more importantly have the pain (esp. bicep pain) begin to reside, especially at night, and be able to lie flat. I didn't get out of the recliner chair until around week 14, and then only after my PT really focused on the pectoral tendon. Persevere. Now, after warming up, I can move my arm almost straight verticle on it's own power and straight up on ropes. Using 8lb - 15lb free weights depending on exercise, and 75lbs on the machine for rows, lats etc. I am now sleeping on my shoulder with minor discomfort, but still taking tylenol / ibuprofen 4 hr rotation at night. I'm making good progress behind my back, but like you can't get over my opposite shoulder yet with my hand. Let the free weights help you stretch particularly when lying down and bringing your arm close to the bed. One lingering problem is flexibility in right hand fingers, too tight. I had a superficial vein thrombosis in my upper shoulder starting a week or two after surgery. They eventually caught it (severe swelling and pain), put me on Eliquis for a month and the clot resolved itself with no issues. But I think that somehow has caused issues in my hand due to the persistent swelling. I often wonder if I would go through this again, but then I so easily forget how bad things were prior to surgery. Biggest takeaway - take your PT seriously! It is your only way out, and they know what they're doing - trust them. You will win in the end, but it's as much a mind game as it is a physical game. (I'm a 65 yo male).