Biceps Tenodesis Shoulder Recovery Day 14

[@professorsuwak7115]

Thank you , Scott, for producing these. I found these very helpful as I prepared for surgery and recovery. I had tenodesis yesterday. So far so good. To others out there: research is showing that for many cases SLAP repair is not necessary. I had my diagnosis confirmed by four surgeons (my son is one of them) and they all advocated tenodesis and not SLAP repair. Obviously your situation may deem it absolutely necessary. I am 52, very active, and looking forward to hopefully playing tennis and basketball in 4 months.

[@ryanmahoney1672]

I know this is an old comment but wondering how your recovery from the tenodesis went? I’m 38 and considering getting it done but have read a lot of horror stories of people continuing to be in pain or being in worse off after the surgery on top of all the work and time that goes into recovery.

[@professorsuwak7115]

​@@ryanmahoney1672Hi Three years later and I can report that my surgery was successful. I have full range of motion and only occasional discomfort, not pain, in my surgical shoulder.

[@Treerootz1]

Same here I’m 38 also and considering it

[@roadrunnermakmak]

I am 6 days after OP. They used a new technique called Loop-Tenodesis (Google it), no drilling to the bone. Hopefully goes well. They told me to wear the sling for 3 weeks. Take your meds the first days...!!

[@davidsuda1057]

I really appreciate this video because I am one week post surgery and I am constantly worrying that I am doing too much

[@ZeusAndKiller]

How do you feel now? Was the surgery successful?

[@davidsuda1057]

Shannon Yes, as it turns out I had to get my other shoulder operated on this past November as well. Both shoulders feel great at this point.

[@ZeusAndKiller]

@@davidsuda1057 thanks! I have to get it done and I'm wondering if ill return to normal or still have pain and limited range is motion

[@davidsuda1057]

Shannon I don’t experience pain or any limitations on range of motion. The advice I would say is go to physical therapy if that is an option for you. They will teach you a lot of exercises that will get you back 100%

[@ZeusAndKiller]

@@davidsuda1057 thanks for the reply. I've done 3 rounds of physical therapy but they haven't helped

[@brianchojnowski5989]

Your videos are great dude! I had exact same surgery almost exactly 2 weeks after you (I'm two weeks out right now). I keep freaking out that I am always tearing the tendons from over use. I have two small kids and it's impossible not to activate the bicep so I continue to aggravate it. This video helped me to stop being so paranoid.

[@pablotapia8237]

Respond you piece of shit

[@ScottCopenhaver]

@@LadyIsTheChamp I don't know how Brian is, but I just put up an update!

[@ScottCopenhaver]

@@pablotapia8237 That escalated quickly!

[@cameronlopez4017]

Thank you for this video. It’s weird being on restriction with almost no pain. I’m in week 3. I feel like I’m in a time out.

[@ZeusAndKiller]

Since it's been a year, do you feel like the surgery helped? Was it worth it and would you do it again?

[@MayAllYourStarsAlign]

I’m super surprised that your doctor allowed you to lift anything with your arm or be out of your sling. I had to be in passive range of motion and not use my bicep at all on its own. I also was in my sling for 6 whole weeks day and night. I wonder why your doctor allowed you to do that because my doc and pt explained how important it was to allow the anchor to heal and not to tear my bicep.

[@MayAllYourStarsAlign]

Like my physical therapist had seen many different patients tear their repaired bicep because they felt comfortable with taking their sling off during the day and accidentally fell and caught themselves or tried catching a door swing over or extended their arm up and didnt give their bicep time to heal. How is your shoulder now? I had mine in the end of August of 2017 and it still is aching and I don’t have all my strength back. I also still can’t sleep on it without pain. My doctor did say it can take up to a year to fully see results though so I’m curious about others experiences. I have full ROM but I feel it being a little tight and bit painful when I fully lift my arm and put it to my ear.

[@ScottCopenhaver]

GirlBlog I think the doctors take the route of extra caution with most people. I described what I was doing with my body in detail and they seemed to not have a problem. I wasn't really lifting anything either. They just told me to be careful. I did sleep with the sling on religiously for 6 weeks. When it was off, I was either sitting around or standing around, not really doing much. I'm a personal trainer, so maybe they also trusted me to know my body a little more? I'm just about 10 weeks now. I'm still trying to get my full range of motion back, and just started working on building strength back. I'm pretty atrophied right now. Not too much pain except if I try to overdue it! I hope your pain goes away soon! Sometimes it's good pain that you have to work through with your PT

[@solat319]

Tori's Stories I was surprised too. I was told I am not allowed to lift anything heavier than a coffee cup until 6 weeks past.

[@johndrax4174]

Just had this also and was told 6 weeks...

[@ScottCopenhaver]

@@solat319 I wasn't lifting anything with my affected arm.

[@hypnosiscenternyc]

THANKS SCOTT. I GO UNDER THE KNIFE NEXT WEEK ..... GOT SWEPT OFF MY FEET ON THE ICE ONE NIGHT PUTTING OUT THE GARBAGE. CAME DOWN CRASHING ON MY LEFT SIDE ON THE CONCRETE .... TRIED 3 MONTHS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY ...

[@mduntr7503]

Great video brother, I also stopped wearing my sling after the first week and i pretty much do what your doing... Thanks...

[@ZeusAndKiller]

How do you feel now? Was the surgery successful?

[@mduntr7503]

@@ZeusAndKiller yes, I'm almost 100%

[@ZeusAndKiller]

@@mduntr7503 cool thanks

[@fishdog415]

Hi, just curious how your shoulder is now? I have not been wearing the sling as much 2 weeks post surgery, but I’m also extremely careful not to lift anything. We’re there any repercussions of not wearing your sling 24/7 like many people suggest?

[@jamesgroover4643]

A month in from small tears in my bicep and rotator cuff surgery. As soon as could shower three days later, I started the hanging circular motions. I keep my arm slinged a good amount and always to sleep, but have found it's important to let it out some too. You don't want it to freeze. No lifting. Your arm will tell you what it can do. Best of luck in recovery from surgery and the stir craziness that accompanies it 💪

[@misfitslife5499]

How’s the shoulder now? That’s crazy You had it out of the sling 14days post

[@Matthew-yv1bp]

Hey Scott - thanks for making this series. I’m due tenodesis and slap repair this week and it’s been really useful - I’ve just bought a shower gel pump dispenser! Any top tips?

[@Luddd78]

Had my bicep done proximally. Do you have any visual difference between arms? Mine feels like its hanging slightly lower the the other. Not been doing any active lifting so maybe change with time?

[@julla1416]

Helpful, thanks!

[@moesadk4002]

How you doing now mate?

[@orckaso6513]

Hy Scott, just got my Tenodesis done, not something that I wanted or needed, because was not a SLAP lesion. Anyway, I just have a question will you arm movement be restricted to reach the middle of back, I mean after 2 mounts from op I cannot pull my hand between the shoulders like the other one. appreciate you reply. cheers from Germanyq

[@egilskauls2702]

Hey dude! Its been 3 years right? How are you now? Does pain is gone? Does your arm looks different? I have to do this but im scared.

[@ryanmahoney1672]

Did you do it? I was also recommended tenodesis but am scared it will make things worse.

[@egilskauls2702]

@@ryanmahoney1672 i did it yes, no pain no nothing, best surgery in my Life , recovery was a bit you know but do it if you have to, worth it

[@kytim6482]

My surgery is scheduled Jan 7, 2021. I believe the Dr plans to clean up around the labrum and maybe relocate the tendon. What symptoms did you experience leading up to surgery? I have full strength and motion. The arm aches a lot while sitting at the desk using a mouse. It has begun hurting more at rest after a busy day at work. While trying to sleep, it feels like a golf ball is stuck in my armpit. You have helped me already by seeing what motion post-op is okay.

[@ryanmahoney1672]

Did you get the surgery? How was your recovery?

[@kytim6482]

@@ryanmahoney1672 I did have surgery. Fortunately the Dr cleaned up the arthritis without any major repair work. The arthritis has returned worse than before. I get cortisone injections every 6 - 8 months until it gets bad enough for a replacement.

[@MahonaBona]

@@kytim6482 ahh sorry to hear you'r still having issues. Thinking of having the tenodesis done per ortho's rec. I'm a bit nervous about it so just trying to hear about people's experiences with it and recovery.

[@orckaso6513]

@scott Copenhaver Hy there, I just gott my biceps tendon chopped of, Tenodesis as well, on a shoulder that was already instable. Is your shoulder stable now after Tenodesis...? Because I experience now spontaneous luxations. Appreciate your reply. Cheers

[@fishdog415]

I had tendonesis 2 1/2 weeks ago and am also experiencing similar luxations in my shoulder. Not really painful but a looseness that is unsettling. Curious, has this gotten any better?

[@orckaso6513]

@@fishdog415 Hey Greg, No and i don’t trink it will be better, and this is because the Biceps long tendon was actuality keeping the Humerus head pressed in the glenoid, or against the glenoid.

[@fishdog415]

@@orckaso6513 sorry to hear that. Just re-reading your original post it sounds like there were instability issues before tendonesis? I’m reading elsewhere that strengthening various shoulder muscles thru PT can help reduce luxation. Fingers crossed this gets better

[@mtmankowski9114]

How many days/nights did you sleep in recliner?

[@ScottCopenhaver]

I was in the recliner until about 5-6 weeks after surgery

[@JustSomeDude]

you had the slap repaired as well right? my surgeon wants to do a biceps tenodesis but he said he isnt going to repair the slap, because it wouldnt make a difference if he did since the shoulder anatomy is not going to be relying on the slap anymore. is there any reason why you had both?

[@cameronlopez4017]

Just Some Dude I had both slap repair and tenodesis.

[@KA-gg6go]

I had fixed them both too, but still have slap on the other hand if not both. Slap is on the top side of the shoulder say at 1200hrs. even if labrum is teared the arm will not pop out of the shoulder as it is blocked inside the joint from upper bones. Now cutting the tendon from labrum (tenodesis) he will be sure that tear of labrum will not continue. I can't judge why doc won't repair the slap. I would also question that.

[@DS-mo7vu]

Over a certain age they don't always repair them. I had it repaired when I was 17... they just went back in at 40 and didn't repair it. Also depends how bad it is. Recovery will be better and quicker if it isn't repaired.

[@lj2official882]

Got proximal biceps tenodesis. They had me in a brace for 7 weeks lol.

[@mssunnyca0502]

Did you have any pain in your armpit?

[@cortson1]

I’m day 5 post op from my surgery. I have 4 holes and one is in my armpit😖 it burns more than hurts. How long did you have to sleep sitting up? That’s one thing they never told me. Sleep is not going very well for me

[@sheribusta8267]

We'll be sleeping in the recliner for 4 to 6 weeks. Some nights are better than others, but I haven't slept through yet. I'm 12 days post op today, so we probably had surgery the same day. PT has been way better since suture removal and I'm sure your pit's feeling better by now. Heal well!

[@ScottCopenhaver]

Yep need to sleep in the sling, sitting up for 6 weeks 😲 That really is the hardest part of recovery. Get a nice recliner!

[@jarridcarter5001]

How long was it sore for. I'm at 3 weeks and if I go all day with my sling off my bicep gets sore. Dr said I can take my sling off after 2 weeks!

[@ScottCopenhaver]

You're taking your sling off after 2 weeks total? Or two more weeks? Yeah I don't recommend going all day with your sling off. Take lots of breaks and let your arm rest on something

[@jarridcarter5001]

@@ScottCopenhaver yeah 2 weeks total. I've been wearing it now and I really have no pain in my bicep anymore. Back of my shoulder can get a little sore but not terrible.

[@jessik4674]

Did you fully tear your bicept tendon

[@ScottCopenhaver]

Nope, I actually didnt injure my biceps tendon. But the tear in my labrum was right where the tendon pulls on it. So this will prevent that from ever happening again.

[@KA-gg6go]

@@ScottCopenhaver this was the explanation of my doc for choosing to do tenodesis. It is not going to pull labrum in the future, he also pointed out that that tendon is not necessary after the evolution of humans and will not affect at any kind the motion. Although I am currently 5years post surgery I still have pain and not full range of motion. My shoulder is stabilized now but has no good reflections, can't through a stone far away and I face pain in many parts of the motion. Furthermore I can't pull same weights as i do with the good hand.

[@brendanschroeder1862]

K A does your shoulder feel unstable? My surgeon told me the same thing. I also had a clavicle resection as well as subacromial decompression done, so I’m hopping that combination doesn’t lead to a mechanical instability

[@henrycruz45cal]

"You'll be fine" No, don't listen to this NON doctor even if he did sleep at a Holiday Inn

[@anniecastiel1632]

This is the WORST vid to watch post surgery! Very bad advice and this guy’s likely to end up back for repair again in the future! I question the recommendations he states his surgeons gave him. There’s a reason why you are immobilized! There are screws anchoring the repairs and the bone around those anchors need to heal to lock in the anchors and allow for a strong repair. If you start putting tension on the anchors before they are well healed (6-8 weeks), it’s not going to go well. Yep, I know what I’m talking about...I’m a PT/ATC that specialized in shoulder rehab during my career and am currently two weeks post op bicep tenodesis and full thickness supraspinatus tear repair. I also have a torn labrum, but those are RARELY repaired unless you are young because repairs don’t tend to work as you get older and tend to complicate shoulder problems. Don’t listen to this guy! Listen to your surgeon and your physical therapist!

[@ScottCopenhaver]

If you're a PT then you know that nothing I'm doing in this video puts any tension on the anchors. It's all passive movements. My shoulder is stronger than it's ever been. The main things to avoid are engaging the bicep or abducting and flexing the shoulder. I did neither of these things until the doctors told me I could.

[@anniecastiel1632]

@@ScottCopenhaver it’s being out of the sling that is the issue. You convey to your audience that you didn’t need a sling and that your surgeon supported that. You report not wearing your sling in this vid, but in your next vid, you report the opposite. This is definitely misleading, but whatever. My beef with this is that people watch these vids to get advice. They think “if it was ok for him, then it’s ok for me” and push the boundaries. These vids need to be posted with that awareness and a strong note to that people need to follow their physicians orders and not the posters example or recommendation.

[@ScottCopenhaver]

@@anniecastiel1632 I explained why it was out of sling and what I was allowed to do during that time. One of my goals with these videos is to help educate patients as to why they have certain restrictions and which movements they can still do to speed up the progression of their recovery. I discussed all my actions with my surgeon, one of the best surgeons at NYU Langone, and he approved. I had a great recovery, and I'm still performing sports at a high level. I apologize if I was not clear enough about why I had the sling off. You know as well as I do, some of the precautions giving during recovery are overkill, just to avoid people doing stupid things lol This conservative approach holds back recovery speed a bit.

[@anniecastiel1632]

@@ScottCopenhaver “You know as well as I do, some of the precautions giving during recovery are overkill, just to avoid people doing stupid things lol This conservative approach holds back recovery speed a bit.” Sorry but this does not represent my thinking NOR does it represent the opinion or reasons behind the recommendations of surgeons. This is YOUR opinion and is exactly why I take issue with this. Just realize the impact you have on the decision making of others to follow your not-so-sage advice. Sitting in a sling for 6 weeks is admittedly a massive pain in the ass, but it’s six weeks to help insure a successful and full recovery to avoid future problems. I’m also an athlete. I had my opposite shoulder repaired many many years ago...before all the new advances in shoulder repair. I was released by my surgeon to ride a century race two weeks post rotator cuff repair. Needless to say, i was back in for another repair a year later and the recovery was absolutely horrible (it took 2 or 3 years to get better the second time around). I’m glad you’re doing well and have recovered well.

[@ScottCopenhaver]

@@anniecastiel1632 wow I'm sorry you went through that! I've had many surgeries and never experienced such brazen treatment. I can understand why you're passionate about not rushing back into full blown sports, and I agree 100%. In my video, I'm not suggesting that anyone should do harmful activities, but perhaps I should be more explanatory in the hows and whys of my recovery. Thanks for the heads up.