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Partial Rotator Cuff Tear

2,873 Views | 18 Replies | Last: 4 yr ago by bigtruckguy3500
dahouse
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AG
Got my MRI results today, partial tear in my left (non-dominant) shoulder. No surgery needed at this point, but I start PT next week. Got the injection this morning.

Anyone ever deal with this? That shoulder has been a little weak for a few months but nothing extreme. Then, a few weeks ago, I did chest work at the gym in the morning, then hit two buckets of balls at the range that afternoon. That night, I couldn't move my arm.

Doc says no golf, lifting, or swimming for a month, then we'll look at it again. If it doesn't get better then maybe a surgical repair.
Cody
Fightin Texas Aggie c/o 04
AgPT06
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Just remember "Partial tear" is 1 to 99% of tissue torn. Also, likely supraspinatous, but multiple muscles make up the cuff so dont let other compare their tear to yours. It takes time. Put in the slow work and you'll be good. There are some MRI studies out there that show 50% of people have a partial tear by age 50, so it's a common thing and a lot are asymptomatic. Remember posture and your shoulder position at rest and with activity are the most important things to watch.
Hoosegow
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I've had a partial torn rotator cuff diagnosis 2 years ago. For me, it was really no big deal. Probably torn for years.

I'm not diminishing your issues. I also did/do a ton of rotator cuff strengthening exercises. Ended up teaching my PT some stuff. So that probably helped a lot.

My best friend tore them in both shoulders about 2 years apart. Surgery and a lot of pain.
Class of '94
jbeck3487
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My wife is a PTA and deals mainly with shoulder injuries due to mobility of the joint. My advice would be to take the PT as serious as possible and you might be surprised the effect it can have.

I have a separated shoulder and had surgery to repair a labral tear. I didn't finish PT for either injury because I was in High school and wanted to play ASAP, and they still cause me problems.
dahouse
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Thanks for the replies. I start PT Tuesday. This is not what I was expecting for summer time. I looked at my MRI images on the laptop, it I have no idea what I'm looking at. Kind of like a monkey looking at a coconut.
Cody
Fightin Texas Aggie c/o 04
aggiederelict
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Did the image specify the significance of the tear? Mild, medium, or large tear?
P.U.T.U
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Both of mine are torn, rest it like the doc says and then take your time strengthening it. It took me about 6 months to be able to get my latest strong/stable enough to actually push some weight but there is a lot I still cannot do.
dahouse
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The doc didn't review the imaging with me. I handed them the CD from the MRI place and he reviewed it, there wasn't any screens in the room.

I looked at it when I got home, but I have no clue what I'm trying to see/find.
Cody
Fightin Texas Aggie c/o 04
aggiederelict
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They should've given you a report detailing what they noticed. If they didn't, request one.
dahouse
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I'll get from my PT guy tomorrow, he sent it to them
Cody
Fightin Texas Aggie c/o 04
pagerman @ work
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I tore all of one tendon & half of a second plus a bicep tendon in my right shoulder in late March. Had surgery on May 9. In a sling for about 5 weeks after the surgery then started physical therapy. After about 3 weeks of physical therapy I hurt it and it swelled up. Ended up taking several weeks off of PT to rest the shoulder. I just started back a few days ago.

I have about 80% of my range of motion back and no pain, with the exception of the occasional situation where I make some sudden motion and I am reminded that I am not 100% yet. What I don't have back yet is much strength in the joint or stamina in terms of the ability to use it continuously for very long.
“Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. It's inherent virtue is the equal sharing of miseries." - Winston Churchill
dahouse
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I've got two weeks of PT left before I see the doc for a follow-up. I'm not sure it will be OK by then. After PT yesterday I did 45 mins on the elliptical then went home and took advantage of the cool weather and mowed the yard.

After a hot shower and 30 mins of ice it felt fine. Woke me up at 2:00AM, guess I slept on it wrong.

I can't imagine I'll be able to swing a golf club or swim in 2-3 weeks. I don't see any incline press or above the shoulder lifting for some time. I'll probably have to stick to the rubber band things
Cody
Fightin Texas Aggie c/o 04
pagerman @ work
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Do you have a sling for it?

I found that it was really helpful to rest it during the day.

ETA: the sling was really helpful before and after the surgery.
“Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. It's inherent virtue is the equal sharing of miseries." - Winston Churchill
Guitarsoup
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Mine was 18mo of hell and they specifically said not to use a sling so I wouldn't get frozen shoulder.
rhutton125
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Take your time. Don't let your old routine cause you to make dumb decisions and rush back sooner than your body can handle.
dahouse
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I'm trying to be patient and I am following the orders to the letter. The pain is pretty much gone except for soreness after the sessions (or when I accidentally lift a kid)

The problem now is the weakness in the arm/shoulder. I'm not sure how long it will take, but I can barely lift a 6lbs dumbell in therapy sessions.

I just want to swim and golf. Lifting weights will be a gradual process
Cody
Fightin Texas Aggie c/o 04
rhutton125
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Just be careful! Hopefully my post didn't seem like an attack or criticism. It took me a while to adjust to the "new normal" when I was recovering from labrum surgery. I wanted to will myself back to where I was before, but where I was before was still pretty hardcore.
dahouse
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Went to the gym this morning and got in the pool. Goal was 30 mins swimming laps. 2 laps then 30-45s break.

I had to stop after 23 minutes. I could feel something not right. This is frustrating as hell. I guess its back on the treadmill/elliptical for another couple of weeks.

I did swing a golf club 5 times on Sunday in the front yard. Felt it, but more tight than pain.

Anyone have experience with PRP for this injury? My next step is to see a doctor that offers that procedure.
Cody
Fightin Texas Aggie c/o 04
bkag9824
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I had a very minor tear in mine the fall before we moved to Colorado.

First doc never showed me the MRI & said I needed surgery after an eval that lasted less than 5 min.

Said eff that. Went to Dr. Budoff and that man saved me the knife. Might not hurt to go have him take a look.

https://www.rearmyourselftexas.com/contact-dr-budoff/katy-tx-orthopedic-surgeon/
bigtruckguy3500
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I have no personal experience, but I've only ever heard good things about PRP.

However it's only been like 2ish months since you started PT, right? That's really not a lot of time to recover. Remember, first physical therapy has to remove whatever factor caused the injury, then your body has to heal and reduce the inflammation before the pain will go away.

It has been about 11 months since I did something to my left shoulder. I did zero upper body training for 2 months starting in January, and then gradually started doing rehab exercises only. Gut under a bench press and did a pullup for the first time since it started in May. Things felt strange, and I was incredibly weak. Still a little tight in certain movements, and still very weak, but I'm able to do deeper bench, and slowly regaining strenght. I'm in no rush right now. As I've gotten older I've realized that it's more about longevity than lifting big now.

So long story short, keep taking things slow. If anything feels off, don't hesitate to rest and take a few steps back on your rehab and build back up.
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