Is Weak, Stiff, and Achy Normal? - Week 13 Shoulder Surgery Recovery.

[@vanessaboyd3420]

Your content has popped up a few times and today I subscribed. I'm 13 weeks post-op total ASR (08/19/24) and I have to say that consistency is key. I have been elevated with weights now and what you demonstrated is exactly what I needed to see and hear. I couldn't understand why I had pain and couldn't exercise at home much after having two sessions weekly for 10 weeks. So, I wasn't as consistent. I felt like a failure. But it did feel better with rest, and Advil, lol. Now that I am weight-bearing, (boy does that hurt) the weakness really derailed me, but I understand, it's all part of the process. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I'm motivated to push a bit harder!!!

[@sharonfry90]

I’ve just found your videos. I’m week 7 and still have pain and limited mobility. I’m so grateful for your content, thank you. 🙏

[@farhataziz3320]

Today I’m 7 week of my rotator cuff surgery (Supraspinatus tendon full thickness tear) I’m very thankful to you. Your videos are very helpful.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@Farhat Aziz I too had a full thickness tear of my supraspinatus, a bicep tenodesis, and other procedures. It sounds like you are in the same situation. You are most welcome. I really appreciate your feedback! I hope you are doing well!!

[@MrSeaneboy]

Thanks. Im just past 3 weeks. Still in a sling, still grinding it out. Cant wait to be 13 weeks post. Find it cheers me up knowing Ill get there.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@MrSeaneboy it's a long recovery, but you WILL get there before you know it. I look back now and the time has gone by quickly. It gets a lot more interesting after you can take off your sling.

[@dk.fresh66]

Just found your channel … almost to the end of week 5 post op … incredible how paralyzed my right arm feel!!! Looking forward to moving forward … get me out of this sling!!!!

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@66dklock66 I'm sorry to hear your arm is that stiff. I felt the same way when I was in my sling. The best thing for me was when my wife and Physical Therapist would do the passive range of motion. My arm and shoulder typically felt much better for a while after. We did passive range of motion 2-3 times a day. Around week 6-8 most people typically get out of their sling. Once you get out of your sling, you get to start moving a little more with assisted range of motion, then weeks later to active range of motion. It's definitely a process and long recovery, but it WILL get better. Keep the faith!

[@jeffgosney4344]

I am 6 months post 2nd surgery RCR and Biceps repair. At 3rd month post surgery I was able to get out of immobilizer sling. And started PT 2x week, and daily at home unless excessive pain. I feel stronger on some days, then more discomfort after doing too much the previous day. My surgeon told me I will be back to close to normal in 2 years.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Thanks for sharing, Joe! We all heal and recover at different rates. Some are faster, some are slower. What matters is that with hard work and staying positive, we will all get there. Best wishes on your recovery.

[@jeffreykilmer5709]

TWO YEARS?????? You're saying I won't be able to lift and carry my equipment (80 pounds) up a flight of stairs in 6 months? Only 20 days in so far.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@@jeffreykilmer5709 no, I didn’t say that. Look up the process of tendon healing, and research it. Tendon healing takes a long time. Rates are different depending on the person, the procedures, health conditions, etc. It does take a long time for anyone though. For me, it was a year until I could start returning to normal weights in my workouts. I likely could have done it prior to that, but I decided not to. I wanted to make sure my repair would last. So I took it slow.

[@MelissaBrown-x4w]

This video is incredibly helpful. I’m at 14 weeks and still have mobility issues. It’s a very slow process. I had really bad scar tissue to break through at 9-10 week time frame. It was excruciating! Love your plan of mini-sessions. I am now realizing how long this process will be.😢

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Thank you for your feedback! I’m glad the video is helpful. There are 30 other videos on the channel, which may be helpful at different stages of your recovery. Yes, tendon healing is a LONG process. Those mini-sessions make it easier to stay mobile, which really help with PT and recovery in general. Best of wishes with your recovery!

[@lielaine819]

I appreciate your sharing these videos, all of the tips are very helpful! Many thanks and blessings!❤

[@carlcarter7742]

Currently I am at 13 weeks post-op from torn subscapular and supraspinatus as well as labrum and my right shoulder. Your videos have been very helpful informative on what to expect I appreciate the detail and thoroughness thank you very much

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Hey Carl! You are most welcome. Thank you for letting me know the videos have helped you. I'm glad your recovery is going well. A big change is coming for you soon.

[@VioletteFarrell]

Mini sections extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@livelongerlivestronger]

You're so welcome!

[@angeliaborges6192]

I am 13 weeks now, I moved to Canada from UK, and find myself without a physio at the moment, I try to follow online videos, but am so afraid of re-tear, or doing things to early, but also when I watch some of the videos, I am so behind on Physio, although I have good range of movement and my Dr was pretty pleased with my strength at 11 weeks. I have done a lot of stupid things in desperation, but thankfully she said my surgery is still intact. Thanks for your video, I really need to get some bands.

[@kdssap01]

Thank you very much for sharing your progress and ups and downs

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@Klaus-Dieter Spatz you are most welcome.

[@michelleemig5566]

Just came across this video and it was very helpful. I'm 15 weeks out from rotator cuff and bicep tendon repair. I'm still having pain, but watching this video makes me feel like this is a normal thing. I swear some days I have a lot of pain and then my mind goes to uh oh I hope I didn't re tear anything. Again thanks for posting.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Thank you! I'm glad the information helped. Everything will gradually get better. It just takes time...a lot of it.

[@AnthonyLLewisEntertainment]

I really gotta add some mini sessions. Thank you for these videos. I'm glad they keep popping up for me.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

They were super helpful for me. Here is a link to the entire playlist for shoulder surgery videos. Hope it’s helpful: kzbin.info/aero/PLQSf5JL3jJjSHFX3dxy1_j9Hxyv-jKAoo

[@AnthonyLLewisEntertainment]

@@livelongerlivestronger thank you once again!

[@Horsel335]

Thanks for this video. I keep having to remind myself how slow the process can feel. You go through phases of being scared you have redamaged but from others videos I can see now this is normal

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Yes, the process is VERY slow. Up to 1-2 years for full tendon healing. About 6 months for normal usage. I had many instances where I thought I had done something to damage my repair. Fortunately, that was not the case for me. That feeling is very normal.

[@Horsel335]

Yes it is going to be a lot more work than I had anticipated after surgery

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@@Horsel335 but the good news is you WILL get there. Stay positive, follow your healthcare teams direction, and you will be there in-time. You got this!

[@reneeb5935]

I would like to comment that it is June 25, 2022 and I am in week 12 and about to hit week 13 and still to this day I’ll ice my shoulder when I feel achiness or discomfort. This helps way ahead of taking something such as Advil. I did not get the stiffness that he talked about and I fully believe this is because I ice my shoulder often which then invokes blood flow.

[@dinobaca4329]

Thank you my friend for your detailed videos. Very good information. I will be going into surgery for a suprispinatis repair. I am gathering up all the information I can for my recovery and you have the best informative videos out there!!

[@livelongerlivestronger]

I’m sorry to hear you require shoulder surgery, but am glad to hear the videos are helpful. Thank you for the kind words. Best wishes on your upcoming surgery and recovery!

[@joycemorolo30]

Yes, the videos are very helpful. More especially, my funds for attending physio were exhausted. I'm really grateful to technology 😊

[@livelongerlivestronger]

I’m so glad to hear these videos have helped you. I live on KZbin when I want to learn something. Lots of great content out there if you find the right channel.

[@simonshurety3870]

I'm at week 12 and it's taking me a lot longer than you. I had a scare in week 8 where my shoulder became so painful I briefly used my sling for relief. I've never stopped moving but I'm now reluctant to push as much. Your videos are very helpful and encouraging, thanks!

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Hey Simon! We all have so many different variables, we'll all heal and recover and different rates. What's important is the consistency with therapy and positivity. It sounds like you are already getting there. I had some scares too, but as long as it's not persistent for weeks, you're good. Do continue pushing, just listen to your body. It will tell you when to push and when to get more rest. I'm glad the videos have been helpful. You got this!

[@simonshurety3870]

@@livelongerlivestronger I'm going to see my surgeon on Monday so I'm going to take it easy until then as I'm feeling more pain than usual. I'll do some mini-sessions in the mean time to try and stop from stiffening up too much.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@@simonshurety3870 good call on taking it easy and continuing with mini sessions, just as long as they aren't causing you more pain. From what you've described, you likely just over did it a bit and need a break. That's exactly what happened to me on multiple occasions. Keep listening to your body, it will serve you well. Love your approach!

[@simonshurety3870]

@@livelongerlivestronger Feeling a bit better today and I had my consultation with my surgeon who was happy enough though my shoulder external rotation and whatever lifting my hand up behind my back is called is stiffer than my surgeon would have preferred it to be at this stage (3 months post-op). I had a complete tear of the supraspinatus a 20% tear on the subscapularis tendon along with significant wear and tear/arthritis of the glenoid labrum and acromioclavicular joint. Therefore both a Rotator Cuff Repair and Biceps Tenodesis were performed. I'll also need to repeat the same surgery on my right shoulder once the left shoulder has healed.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@@simonshurety3870 its great to hear you are feeling better now and that you had a good visit with your surgeon. I had the same issue with mobility you did. Go to 3:05 of this Week 13 video and check out the mobility movements. Those will all help, but the biggest change for me is shown at the 3:55 mark of the video, where I spent time on the floor internally rotating and getting that arm mobilized behind the back. Those helped me a ton. Hopefully they help you as well.

[@bradmallett8698]

Another great video. Just what I needed today. Thank you 🙏

[@livelongerlivestronger]

You are most welcome. Best wishes for you today! 🙏

[@YktvTommy]

I’m at the 4 months part been literally doing everything at my physical therapist by still don’t have the strength to left my arm up external and internal rotation i’m getting worried if I have frozen shoulder

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Mine took longer as well. Watch my week 16 video that may give you some encouragement. That’s when the big changes started happening for me. Even if it takes you a few weeks more or less than me, I’m betting if you stick with therapy, you will see big improvements then as well. Stay positive! You got this!

[@freddylawson5211]

I'm at 13 weeks today. 7/30/2024 I'm soar and stiff all the time still. Still having trouble with sleep and pain. Dr gave me gabapentin for the nerve pain. I know I'll get through this but remember it's a 6 to 9 month process

[@kathysavage2548]

I am at week 11 and still struggling with breaking up scar tissue around ac joint. I tell you, the sling phase was nothing compared to this AROM phase!

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Totally agree! It’s a tough, long, recovery. Stick with the therapy, it makes a huge difference!

[@cliffright1142]

I’ve really enjoyed the information and it has given me confidence that I’m progressing normally however, you haven’t mentioned discomfort at night during sleep time. Care to elaborate?

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Hey Cliff! I talked about sleep in the first 2-3 week videos. In summary, I slept great in a recliner the first night. The second night, I was so uncomfortable in the recliner, I worked until I found a good position to sleep in my bed, using two big pillows, one in front and one behind me. I subsequently found another position on my back. The key was strategic placement of my arm and pillows. After that, I slept much better. Now don't get me wrong, sleep quality while recovering from shoulder surgery is NOT good. It's hard, but I also started sleeping in small segments, short little naps as I could tolerate. The great news was about Week 17-18, I was finally able to sleep far more comfortably. I hope that helps. I'm glad you are enjoying the information!

[@cliffright1142]

@@livelongerlivestronger It was helpful and thanks. Finding the “sweet spot” whether sleeping or just relaxing seems to be the key. Thanks again! It’s been very helpful.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@@cliffright1142 completely agree. Finding the sweet spot is key. Super glad to have helped. Thank you for the feedback!

[@rutvij1982]

Thanks so much for these videos. I have undergone subacromial decompression and bursectomy 6 weeks ago. I had a question around mini sessions. Were you doing mini sessions every day? Pt/stretching my physio has recommended every alternate days. I have upper arm pain on and off and internal and external shoulder movements (esp internal rotation) are still painful. Thanks

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Hi Rutvij! You are most welcome. I'm glad you liked the videos. I'm sorry to hear you required surgery. Yes, I did mini sessions every single day. They REALLY helped me. The Mini Sessions change as you progress. For example, when I was authorized by my healthcare team to do assisted active range of motion for physical therapy, my mini sessions consisted of ONLY passive range of motion. I did assisted active range of motion every other day, but did mini sessions with passive range of motion every single day. Mini sessions are meant to help maintain and increase your mobility, which makes normal PT easier. They also made me feel better. Whatever phase of physical therapy you are in usually means you are only doing that every other day, such as light bands and weights. When you are doing light bands and weights you want to do those ONLY every other day or three times a week. Again, the mini-sessions are there to help your mobility and movement. Hope that explains it better.

[@KarenHarvey-k8n]

I am at 8 weeks after shoulder replacement finding physio really hard ,just can’t rise my arm much after listening to you and how you do it with rests in between may help me,my surgeon said I was slow at recovery so feel bit deflated at mo🙁

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Check out my Week 8 video to look at what I was doing then. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZ62dWpvf7yqnck. MY week 8 was very different than my week 13. Listen to the part about a roller coaster ride. This is a LONG process with lots of ups and downs. You got this!

[@AnthonyLLewisEntertainment]

I can't wait to do curls.

[@jeffreykilmer5709]

Have you started doing curls yet? How did your surgery go?

[@AnthonyLLewisEntertainment]

@@jeffreykilmer5709 My surgery went well and I was just cleared to workout but not left heavy so I'm just doing 5 pounds but multi reps. Check out my videos I have been Vlogging the whole thing.

[@sadie4me2]

I am 11 weeks postop and there’s no way I have accomplished anything close to what you have. Right now I am in pain.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

I'm sorry to hear you are in pain. That isn't uncommon, but the good news is it should get better. Don't compare yourself to anyone. We are all so different as are our procedures, surgeons, prior health conditions, recoveries, etc. You will heal at your own pace, but you will get better with time. My best wishes for a great outcome with your recovery.

[@sadie4me2]

@@livelongerlivestronger thank you

[@EVILDEAD-rr9do]

Thanks for the video. I'm in week 6 and I had a partial tear of my supraspinatus. I got some aches, weakness, and stiffness. It's gonna be a long road to recover I'm guessing.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@EVILDEAD1983@@ yes, unfortunately it is a long road to recovery. I'm Week 18 now and finally making some progress. Still, I have a ways to go. Hang in there, follow your healthcare team's protocols, and stay positive! It takes time, but you WILL get there!

[@EVILDEAD-rr9do]

@@livelongerlivestronger It's been over a year and I'm finally back to normal. Hope you're doing good.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

​@@EVILDEAD-rr9do I'm doing really well, thank you. It's a long journey, but I'm happy you are finally back to normal.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@@EVILDEAD-rr9do WooHoo! That's so great to hear! Back to normal, without the pain I'm guessing. Thank you for sharing.

[@danemyburgh]

How are you now? Did you get any scapular winging/scapulothoracic dyskinesis? My surgeon told me this is whats causing weak scapula and the shrug movement when doing bicep curls. 17 weeks post op from bicep tenodesis and distal clavicle resection. Still lots of pain from impingement. Apparently I need to strengthen my scapula muscles.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

I started out unintentionally guarding by shrugging my shoulder toward my ear. I also use a computer and type a lot behind a desk, so my shoulders were rounded a bit. I re-learned how to pack my shoulders by pushing my shoulders down and squeezing my scapulae together. It feels like putting my shoulder blades in my back pocket. This posture was enormous for recovery and staying healthy after. You can find that in a section of my week 8 video.

[@willshunting]

I am very reluctant to revert to anti-inflamatories and have found post workout ice-packs a great way of intercepting the need for such pills

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Most surgeons don't want their patients to use anti-inflammatories within a week after surgery. Ice packs, the ice machine, and Tylenol worked for me. I did use Advil several weeks into recovery once it was cleared by my surgeon and I was having a rough day.

[@jeffreykilmer5709]

You answer so I'll keep asking questions! Can I start to do ab and glute work? We are 20 days post surgery and I'm not only bored stiff but am putting on weight. MY job is blue collar and never had to do those exercises as the belly got enough activity while working but now I can't work for at least 6 months ..... I'm 61 years-old so metabolism stinks and I'm eating a lot probably due to the excessive boredom. I've watched all of your videos about 4 times so far!

[@livelongerlivestronger]

What worked for me through the first 3 months were hollow holds, squats, cardio like a concept two erg bike. It sounds like you’ve seen the videos. Check out the week 11.5 video again I go over a lot of different options for movements, depending on current health and conditioning status. After three months, you should get more leeway from your healthcare team. A good source of information for me was my physical therapist specific to what he thought was safe for me to do and what wasn’t at each stage of my recovery. Here’s the link to that video which will help you create your own work out. Make sure you check with your healthcare team first! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqnaeYqjptCCf9ksi=zcwZ8YBuMAPqwsmW

[@jeffreykilmer5709]

@@livelongerlivestronger THANK YOU! You are so nice taking the time to answer ....you're a really good person and i'm glad to have stumbled upon your videos.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@@jeffreykilmer5709 Thank you and you’re most welcome. I’m glad the videos have been helpful!

[@betharnold7375]

On my 16 weeks after the rorstor cuff surgery still hurt as i also have bicep tear which they didnt repair so that still hurts andi have that and my shoulder hurt after the physical 1hour therapy

[@livelongerlivestronger]

I’m sorry to hear you are in pain at 16 weeks. Check out this video. It may help you determine if what you’re feeling is normal or you need ti talk to your surgeon again. Week 11 Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery - Pain vs. Discomfort kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ-np6yOgqiWqrc

[@GodanHatamoto]

How many tendon in the should did you have repaired in the shoulder? Also did you have your bicep repaired

[@livelongerlivestronger]

3 + labrum + biceps tendonesis

[@GodanHatamoto]

I am at 16 weeks today, 3 plus bicep; COMPARISON: OSSEOUS ACROMIAL OUTLET: Type 2 acromion is present, with mild lateral downsloping. Mild acromioclavicular arthrosis is present, with mild undersurface spurring. ROTATOR CUFF: Moderate supraspinatus tendinosis is present. Superimposed large full-thickness tear involves the distal aspect of the tendon, approximately 2 cm in width with 2.5 cm maximum gap, seen far anteriorly. A few far posterior fibers of the tendon remain intact. There is moderate infraspinatus tendinosis. The infraspinatus tendon is intact. Teres minor tendon is intact. Rupture of the subscapularis tendon is present, with associated 2 cm gap. There is mild subscapularis muscle atrophy. Mild supraspinatus muscle atrophy is evident (occupation ratio 0.70, Goutallier grade 1). BICEPS TENDON, LABRUM AND CAPSULAR STRUCTURES: Labral tear is not detected. Moderate bicipital tendinosis is evident. The intracapsular portion of the tendon is attenuated and appears to be partially torn. OSSEOUS STRUCTURES: No fractures or destructive bone lesions are seen. Marrow signal is unremarkable. High-grade chondral lesion involving the humeral head or glenoid is not seen.@@livelongerlivestronger

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Hope your recovery is going well

[@GodanHatamoto]

@@livelongerlivestronger Thank you. Actually now after 8 months much better, stronger possible another 2-3 will hopefully not feel anymore discomfort. Dr Robert Fullick is an amazing surgeon.

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@@GodanHatamoto That's great to hear! I intentionally took 12 months before I really started pushing anything again since the process of tendon healing can take 12-24 months. You've done all the hard stuff. There is no need to rush back into it.

[@joycemorolo30]

I feel much better exercising 😊

[@livelongerlivestronger]

Totally agree! I felt so much better being active as well.

[@ElCidPhysics90]

I think I threw up seeing that reverse stretch. I’m @ 5 weeks and the thought of that stretch hurt

[@livelongerlivestronger]

I would throw up too at week 5. Remember this reverse stretch was done at week 13.

[@ElCidPhysics90]

@@livelongerlivestronger My doc assigned this to me at around 7 weeks. It’s def hard

[@livelongerlivestronger]

@@ElCidPhysics90 it sure is, but it’s worth it to have good normal mobility. This and external rotation were the toughest ones for me.