How To Treat A Torn Rotator Cuff

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.
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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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[@denisemariner1235]

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.😊

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks for sharing

[@rosemarymantele318]

4:19 4:19 😅

[@AbsitInvidea]

Man. I W A N T Surgery! Perhaps because of the MRI results after my rather bad spill. I'm glad I'm about to see my shoulder surgeon in two days. I hope I don't have to wait too long to have it. Just long enough to get some preparations done while I still kind of have two arms. So thankful I have the option. Dreading and yet looking forward to the challenges the next year will undoubtedly bring. Like most things in life, it will probably be harder than I hope but easier than I fear.

[@sdavis6456]

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!

[@jyoung6366]

I’m a police officer who just got injured on the job and i’m nervous to get my MRI results because due to the down time away from work

[@whocares3677]

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.

[@wattheheck6010]

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.

[@loisblake5854]

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.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

You are so welcome. And yes very true 😉

[@sandrakennedy2153]

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.

[@victoriahurlburt5987]

😮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

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Good luck Victoria !

[@vickiepatterson1748]

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!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Sorry to hear that. Get her to watch this! Shoulder Fracture - Causes and Treatments kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJKvnImOppyVn7M

[@carolbraswell4488]

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.

[@davidpescod7573]

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

[@erinerwine2809]

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!

[@go818win]

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.

[@larrycopenhaver]

I have had both sides done

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Nice Larry

[@leevize6045]

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.

[@Bee-Kind-Baker]

Hello… I’m 4 days out from a rotator repair, involving the bicep. I’ll have to say that the pain has been significant. Cannot imagine how painful pt will be. My doc recommended to start , after 4 weeks.

[@lroberts4162]

Great video. Thank you

[@myranoname782]

Very informative. Thank you. It’s great to get real orthopaedic doctor’s advice.

[@maddiem1030]

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. 🤪

[@megantaylor7751]

I've never heard of the plasma injections! Do you think it was harder for waiting on starting the pt? I had the normal surgery were I stated PT the same week! I am like you, I hate taking meds. I figured out if I took the med during PT in the beginning I didn't need the the rest of the day. I just had someone drive me to the appointments. The main thing is just keep doing those exercises even at home. They hurt but they really determine your outcome. I had a great orthopedic doctor and PT guy !

[@maddiem1030]

@@megantaylor7751 It was definitely easier waiting for PT to allow the shoulder to start healing first. About 2 1/2 weeks after surgery and my arm was in the sling I started using the arm a bit, nothing heavy or strenuous. And I did the exercises at home also when I started with PT. It’s been about 5 years and I still do some of the exercises. They don’t give the plasma injections for this any more. They don’t really help.

[@megantaylor7751]

@@maddiem1030 , I've only had the one. When I was in pt I talk to a woman who had both shoulders done. Both failed and she had to have them done again! She was so lovely and just took it in stride but I am so glad I came out good 😊

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hope you are ok now

[@WillSr70]

Im 2weeks post op,had a full tear,bicep tenodesis and a lot of bones spurs.Very uncomfortable but not much pain.My Breg polar cube is a life saver.

[@danielfallon3363]

I think if I watch all of your videos I’ll wind up having all of the problems! No. Really, I’ve had both knee replacements and rotator cuff surgery for a complete tear. I’m gonna be an archeologist’s wet dream. And the dental implants, cataract surgery, the blepharoplasty, hearing aids … maybe I should just be a mummy.

[@winston9505]

Thanks for the information doctors!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Our pleasure!

[@aliciab4236]

A very easy to understand explanation of a complex topic. You gentlemen are excellent teachers. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. 🫶 Unrelated to this video, I always enjoy hearing Dr. Weening share his thoughts on nutrition, which is how I stumbled upon your channel. 🌱💪

[@whilethevossisaway]

Waiting for my ortho consult to go through for probable rotator cuff/bicep injury. I really hope therapy heals the soft tissue 🤞

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Good luck 🤞

[@user-vp8sr4xv9v]

Great information. I'm going for an mri tomorrow. Thank you Top Docs x 3

[@GreggBB]

Great information and well presented!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robinjones6999]

I had a a sub ac decom and it was the best thing I did and absolutely no pain which surprised me

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Nice!

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

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.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Good stuff!

[@dottiecunningham2152]

Do you have a video on IT band problems?

[@karen96978]

I've been having my chiropractor work on my right shoulder (I go there for my back anyway), but it hasn't improved in the last 3 or 4 years. I try to stay active and work out with weights, but I probably should see a physical therapist next.

[@ronorange990]

Apparently I incurred a “minor tear” of the rotator cuff so he said lol. Question not answered or I missed, does the chance of that “minor” tear ever fully heal similar to other natural healing occurrences OR is it possibly that six year old tear idea you guys referred to in the video that we’ve become accustomed to living with? I only ask because golf season is just around the corner and we wouldn’t want to exacerbate the initial injury. Thanks again!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So the symptoms can improve but often the tear persists. If the pain is manageable swing away.

[@woody_2245]

so i've had both shoulders done twice...left one partial tear n had surgery but surgeon decided not to fix the tear mons later during therapy it became a full tear hence the second surgery...right one again partial tear n surgery but surgery didn't fix the issue hence the second surgery in which the bicep had to be reattached to a different area...I had great/awesome surgeons (4 different surgeons) n physical therapists in Char NC n i am totally recovered...research research the surgeons left surgery was done by workers comp doctor so i didn't have a choice but the other 3 were my choices after researching...

[@susiemitchell1198]

I've been told I need a reverse total shoulder. My bone is not in good shape. What do you think about that?

[@monicastraub3372]

Hi, I'm an athlete. Mostly body building and a personal trainer I have a tear about 50% tear in my infraspinatus muscle plus tendenosis of the rotator cuff (my doctor hasn't told which tendon). i also have subacromial bursitis. It maybe worse, i get my mri for further investigation on monday afternoon. My sports doctor suggested i might need surgery and maybe the option of prp. I'm doing PT now. Would i heal faster with or without surgery? Does Prp work? I get paid per client i train, i don't want to be out of work to long?

[@jimhoculik9212]

how is pain managed for a surgical intervention when I have had a severe reactions to codeine and hydromorphine (hives, itching, vomiting , I have a knee replacement scheduled

[@deealexander6914]

Surgery last year. Rotator cuff healed, anchor although has "lifted 4mm out of the bone" Need revision surgery" Dreading it!!

[@candycrew94]

Fixing to have surgery o March 11th

[@victoriahurlburt5987]

Good luck! I’m having mine March 14. I have a complete tear in my supraspinatus tendon. It’s so painful. Have a speedy recovery. ❤️‍🩹

[@candycrew94]

Thank you

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Good luck!

[@GarySmith-cp8mp]

Will my pain at night go away (in time) without surgery?

[@ClareHarrison-qi3bw]

Oh but Dr Z. Those 'little lion cubs and their mum' videos. And the scaredy Alsation with the new feisty kitten .... Back to topic, it seems there's potentially a resting period before physio, unlike the knee ops, etc., where they want you sliding off the surgeon's slab into a zumba class. Presumably bone needs compression to heal? I liked the way that in the list of risks with surgery, 'death' came in the middle. 😄 (Oh, and the 'Fails' video with the substantial Dad on the insubstantial diving board in the family pool .... so funny. Sorry America - it's always you 😀).

[@jeffwilson3130]

Hi, Thanks for the video! I have a current MRI results for my shoulder. Is there a place i can forward for your thoughts?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Unfortunately no Jeff. We aren't really allowed to give specific medical advice to patients in this forum. Best to talk to a local doc.

[@jeffwilson3130]

@@TalkingWithDocs ok, I really only wanted your thoughts. Thank you!

[@Happitactical]

My recovery was an absolute nightmare. But nonetheless I have full range of motion and no pain.

[@mbh4097]

Why can't two doctors be in the same room?...Because it would create a paradox.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

🤣

[@aliciab4236]

Paradox, also a great name for a sailboat when it applies.

[@sillynut2958]

Will a glass of water with a spoonful of baking soda fix my rotator cuff? Just kidding, I drink it for an upset stomach and if it is an okay aid I thought it may be a simple but helpful video to make.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Ha

[@sillynut2958]

@@TalkingWithDocs As an old fart it took me forever to learn how/when to use over the counter medicines. Like when to use hydrocortisone cream, Advil, Benadryl, etc.... Sounds simple but I do not think it is common knowledge for most.

[@jyoung6366]

As a police officer, i’m getting nervous about potential recovery now… MRI results Monday🥴

[@WillSr70]

How did it turn out?And thank you for what you do.

[@jyoung6366]

@@WillSr70 i have two labrum tears and a rotator cuff tear. Work comp is still giving me the run around but i’ll likely need surgery.

[@israeljuarez8830]

I had my right shoulder done, but now both arm pits are STICKY all the time. I hate it

[@go818win]

For goodness sake have anyone clean 'em ...

[@israeljuarez8830]

@go818win I've used alcohol, peroxide, soap, iv used like 6 different deodorants iv shaved them etc,etc.

[@reggieabdullahcarter8162]

I am in charge of my own health and donnnnn you 4getit🚶🏿‍♂️