TweetSeptember 12, 2017 had rotator cuff tear surgery. Day after the nerve block wore off surgeon had me start rehab. Only bent at the waist, non-repaired arm bracing body weight on a surface and using body momentum start forward/back, then side to side pendulum swings followed by small circles both directions. 10 reps/set, 3 sets a day. Worked my way up to 50 reps before I was set to start PT at the orthopedic surgery center about three weeks later. They lowered me to 30 reps but 4 sets a day followed by 1/2 hour out of the sling after each session of exercises. Finally out of sling at 4 weeks and 2 days. Stretching the shoulder in rehab has improved and ROM increased each visit. Yesterday they started me on the cane drills. Said I could use a cane or stick, but only sticks I have are a 3’ Jo and a 6’ Bo staff and walking into work with those would raise eyebrows. So I grab the cane in an underhand barbell curl position and with the right (non-injured side) slowly push to the left side to stretch left shoulder out, holding in stretched as far as possible position for 10 seconds. Not too bad. Then bring cane up behind me and grab in a knuckles facing toward me grip and try pulling to the right side to stretch left shoulder holding for 10 seconds. Never had great flexibility in that direction even before tear. Getting left hand to outer edge of left glute. Therapist said goal is to get to middle of lower back. This one sucks. Last is no cane, flat on back, hands together interlocking fingers across abs. With strong arm leading, arm is slowly raised to straight up over body and then brought extended straight back towards head to as far as possible without too much pain and held for a count of ten, then brought back to 90 degrees and slowly brought down to abs. 10 reps ea exercise, 4-5 sets/day.
Pics of immediate post op, bruising and gravity pulling blood down into pec and bicep. Gained 20 pounds in 6 days after surgery.
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