Rotator cuff surgery

[Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator]

My last match a couple of weekends ago was a tell-tell sign I needed the rotator cuff surgery I had been avoiding.  My research on Wire did not gain me much information so here is question.  I know there a many shooters who have had replacement or in my case, repair surgery.  I know each is different in recovery but generally and realistically, how long IYO before one can expect to have ability to compete.  I am retired by many years so plenty of time for the planned rehab.  I love to shoot so feel I can give 100+ to training to compete again.  What you think?  Is 10-12 weeks a conceivable goal?

As perhaps majority I know and compete with understand that aging can be very tough.  Heck I am not completely healed from December back surgery and now this. Yuk.

Thanks for comments.

 

[Rip Snorter]

Rotator cuff is the most painful surgery I have experienced.  Had to do it, pain was keeping me awake.  Do use the meds and the cooling device for the shoulder post surgery.  First few days I slept on the sofa good shoulder down, back against the sofa back.  Took several weeks and PT.  No pain, can shoot anything I care to shoot, except my Bows, and I can't throw a ball, baseball or football.  Good luck!

[Tooky Slim]

   I had the surgery in 2016. I agree with Rip, probably the most painful surgery I've ever had. I also HAD to have it, as my right arm was pretty much dead. It hung by my side, and I could only raise it an inch or two at most. I slept in a recliner the first two or three weeks. Took a few months to be able to use it at all, and about 6-7 months to begin to get back to normal. Do the PT and work on the rubber band work, as it really worked. 

        Good Luck with the Process!! 

[Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator]

33 minutes ago, Rip Snorter said:

Rotator cuff is the most painful surgery I have experienced.  Had to do it, pain was keeping me awake.  Do use the meds and the cooling device for the shoulder post surgery.  First few days I slept on the sofa good shoulder down, back against the sofa back.  Took several weeks and PT.  No pain, can shoot anything I care to shoot, except my Bows, and I can't throw a ball, baseball or football.  Good luck!

Thanks for informative reply. No need to worry to  bow or throwing. Plan on plenty.of time on reclining sofa.   I can then sleep on back and snore with Sassy in bedroom. 😀

How long rehab til competing? 

[Griff]

I have no words of advice, never having said surgery... but all of the advice I hear is to follow Drs orders, do the REHAB like it was a religion and you were a recent convert.  My prayers for your rapid recovery.  

[Blackwater 53393]

BILLY!

A lot depends on how much repair you need! My arm was hanging on by one bicep tendon and the skin.  
 

Like Rip said, use the meds and the cooling sleeve.  It took me a month to get out of the sling and I did ten weeks of PT, twice and three times on alternating weeks and I did the daily exercises religiously!  That’s the key to faster recovery.

 

I still have the rope and pulley hanging on a door in my gun room and I use it now and then to keep range of motion.

 

If you do the PT, the range of motion will get back to some semblance of normal in two or three months from the time you start therapy. It’ll likely take six months or more to regain most of your strength.

 

AGAIN!! DO THE PHYSICAL THERAPY, RELIGIOUSLY!!!

 

Do what the doctor, and particularly the therapist, tells you to do!!

[Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L]

how about having it done twice?  yep, left shoulder, tore it again when I tried too much, too soon.

 

with the second one, 6 months and I could do "normal" light duty stuff around the house without thinking--before was always very aware of doing too much.

 

after 9 months was back to the best it was going to be.  Can do shooting and reloading without problems, but no longer do any heavy work with it

 

'couse I'm a young 78

[Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L]

and agree with Blackwater:  do the PT,  it will make all the difference in the world--some fellow patients didn't and basically have lost use of their arm

[Snake-eye, SASS#45097]

Had surgery on both shoulders a few years apart. It took a few months to heal properly and doc released me to do activities. PT went on for many more months until I regained strength and mobility to about 95%+ of original. All I can say is don’t push it because you don’t want do have surgery twice on the same shoulder. Left shoulder i could shoot after a few months. The right took longer because I’m right handed and I shoot the shotgun right side. Recoil kept me out of the game a little longer, to painful. The recovery was hard but worth it in the end

[Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator]

47 minutes ago, Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L said:

how about having it done twice?  yep, left shoulder, tore it again when I tried too much, too soon.

 

with the second one, 6 months and I could do "normal" light duty stuff around the house without thinking--before was always very aware of doing too much.

 

after 9 months was back to the best it was going to be.  Can do shooting and reloading without problems, but no longer do any heavy work with it

 

'couse I'm a young 78

This is my left arm/shoulder.  I write left handed  but predominately I am right handed otherwise.  Ambidextrous as to revolvers (double duelist). 

I don't look forward to PT but quite adamant about getting well and back to shooting.  I tried to practice a few days ago, left revolver and rifle were saddening.  With late May surgery I hope to be well by October's Land Run.

[Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator]

58 minutes ago, Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L said:

and agree with Blackwater:  do the PT,  it will make all the difference in the world--some fellow patients didn't and basically have lost use of their arm

Agreeing with Blackwater is a real step.

[Cpt Dan Blodgett, SASS #75655]

2 hours ago, Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator said:

My last match a couple of weekends ago was a tell-tell sign I needed the rotator cuff surgery I had been avoiding.  My research on Wire did not gain me much information so here is question.  I know there a many shooters who have had replacement or in my case, repair surgery.  I know each is different in recovery but generally and realistically, how long IYO before one can expect to have ability to compete.  I am retired by many years so plenty of time for the planned rehab.  I love to shoot so feel I can give 100+ to training to compete again.  What you think?  Is 10-12 weeks a conceivable goal?

As perhaps majority I know and compete with understand that aging can be very tough.  Heck I am not completely healed from December back surgery and now this. Yuk.

Thanks for comments.

 

my doc said6 mo

[Crusty Steve]

Billy,

 I am right-handed and had surgery on my right shoulder January 29th this year. Of the four tendons that form the rotator cuff, the one in the back of my shoulder had torn off and one of my bicep muscle tendons was bad. The bicep muscle tendon had to be cut off at the shoulder and reattach to the bone below the shoulder. I was warned that the surgery would be painful, but I guess I was lucky. I was given a nerve block before surgery to stop pain, and it worked for two days. After that I was given hydrocodone, and it would work for 8 hours, but then I would feel like I had the flu. I quit taking the hydrocodone after two days and since then have had very little pain. 

 

 I went back to shooting two weeks ago. The rotator cuff tendon has not been painful or a problem, but the bicep muscle is still weak and somewhat of a surprise. The first time I shot my rifle I realized the muscle memory to work the lever was gone. I fumbled through it same as I did when I first started shooting. I shoot a Uberti 1873 and to do a reload I roll the rifle to the left, chicken wing style, and reload through the gate with my left hand. Before the surgery I could then lift the rifle with my right arm and bring my left arm up to the rifle as it came up. But now I can't get the rifle up with my right arm alone and have to wait until I get my left hand on the foregrip. Also, now there is no quick jerking the right pistol out of the holster, it just takes longer. If I try to go too fast the bicep muscle lets me know. 

 

I am about halfway through rehab and will stick it out to the end. The first part was to regain and ensure movement of the shoulder and the remainder is to regain strength. I wish you well with your surgery. As other have said, do the rehab and you will get back to shooting soon enough. Hopefully your pain will be minimal as mine was. 

 

Crusty Steve

 

 

Edited May 9 by Crusty Steve

[Sheriff Dill]

Just like pt for anything make sure you get the best pt available and that the person is knowledgeable in the type of recovery you need. My first knee surgery the guy wasn’t the best for me and after another surgery and 18 months of PT still not 100%

 

good luck and prayers for speedy and healthy recovery 

[Sheriff Dill]

45 minutes ago, Crusty Steve said:

Billy,

 I am right-handed and had surgery on my right shoulder January 29th this year. Of the four tendons that form the rotator cuff, the one in the back of my shoulder had torn off and one of my bicep muscle tendons was bad. The bicep muscle tendon had to be cut off at the shoulder and reattach to the bone below the shoulder. I was warned that the surgery would be painful, but I guess I was lucky. I was given a nerve block before surgery to stop pain, and it worked for two days. After that I was given hydrocodone, and it would work for 8 hours, but then I would feel like I had the flu. I quit taking the hydrocodone after two days and since then have had very little pain. 

 

 I went back to shooting two weeks ago. The rotator cuff tendon has not been painful or a problem, but the bicep muscle is still weak and somewhat of a surprise. The first time I shot my rifle I realized the muscle memory to work the lever was gone. I fumbled through it same as I did when I first started shooting. I shoot a Uberti 1873 and to do a reload I roll the rifle to the left, chicken wing style, and reload through the gate with my left hand. Before the surgery I could then lift the rifle with my right arm and bring my left arm up to the rifle as it came up. But now I can't get the rifle up with my right arm alone and have to wait until I get my left hand on the foregrip. Also, now there is no quick jerking the right pistol out of the holster, it just takes longer. If I try to go too fast the bicep muscle lets me know. 

 

I am about halfway through rehab and will stick it out to the end. The first part was to regain and ensure movement of the shoulder and the remainder is to regain strength. I wish you well with your surgery. As other have said, do the rehab and you will get back to shooting soon enough. Hopefully your pain will be minimal as mine was. 

 

Crusty Steve

 

 

My first knee surgery I had to relearn how to walk after not being able to put any pressure on leg for 7 weeks 

Just now, Sheriff Dill said:

My first knee surgery I had to relearn how to walk after not being able to put any pressure on leg for 7 weeks. Had to relearn how to work all my leg muscles from waist down. 

[Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator]

41 minutes ago, Crusty Steve said:

Billy,

 I am right-handed and had surgery on my right shoulder January 29th this year. Of the four tendons that form the rotator cuff, the one in the back of my shoulder had torn off and one of my bicep muscle tendons was bad. The bicep muscle tendon had to be cut off at the shoulder and reattach to the bone below the shoulder. I was warned that the surgery would be painful, but I guess I was lucky. I was given a nerve block before surgery to stop pain, and it worked for two days. After that I was given hydrocodone, and it would work for 8 hours, but then I would feel like I had the flu. I quit taking the hydrocodone after two days and since then have had very little pain. 

 

 I went back to shooting two weeks ago. The rotator cuff tendon has not been painful or a problem, but the bicep muscle is still weak and somewhat of a surprise. The first time I shot my rifle I realized the muscle memory to work the lever was gone. I fumbled through it same as I did when I first started shooting. I shoot a Uberti 1873 and to do a reload I roll the rifle to the left, chicken wing style, and reload through the gate with my left hand. Before the surgery I could then lift the rifle with my right arm and bring my left arm up to the rifle as it came up. But now I can't get the rifle up with my right arm alone and have to wait until I get my left hand on the foregrip. Also, now there is no quick jerking the right pistol out of the holster, it just takes longer. If I try to go too fast the bicep muscle lets me know. 

 

I am about halfway through rehab and will stick it out to the end. The first part was to regain and ensure movement of the shoulder and the remainder is to regain strength. I wish you well with your surgery. As other have said, do the rehab and you will get back to shooting soon enough. Hopefully your pain will be minimal as mine was. 

 

Crusty Steve

 

 

Thanks Steve. My pain level is fairly easy to keep at ease with half normal dose of Hydrocodone and Ibu. Hoping surgery will help my left muscle atrophy.  I could go back to single hand duelist for while but left is still critical for rifle.

Maybe I should think more to recovery by EOT rather than Land Run.

Hope your recovery continues well.

[Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator]

1 hour ago, Cpt Dan Blodgett, SASS #75655 said:

my doc said6 mo

Afraid I will hear that also.

[Eyesa Horg]

2 hours ago, Tooky Slim said:

   I had the surgery in 2016. I agree with Rip, probably the most painful surgery I've ever had. I also HAD to have it, as my right arm was pretty much dead. It hung by my side, and I could only raise it an inch or two at most. I slept in a recliner the first two or three weeks. Took a few months to be able to use it at all, and about 6-7 months to begin to get back to normal. Do the PT and work on the rubber band work, as it really worked. 

        Good Luck with the Process!! 

Unfortunately my case is similar. First surgery failed due to an infection they overlooked for 13 days. It caused too much damage, so they just cut off a couple muscles and said my deltoids would re- learn! Mine took the short bus. I get about 30° up & out.

Both times they had me in that absurd block sling for 6 weeks! No matter what we did at PT, the ROM I have is about it. Much stronger for carrying things though, just can't lift much above my waste. No changing ceiling lights either.

[Rip Snorter]

I honestly don't recall exactly how long recovery was - probably the usual mental trick of discarding things that are unpleasant back in time.  It could not have been 6 months because I was handling the dogs and getting essential maintenance done on the property.  I am also ambidextrous with firearms and was carrying in a LH holster a week or two after surgery.  Came across a Rattler while walking the dogs, made a smooth LH draw as practiced, and then reflexively transferred the pistol to my right hand.  Shot the snake, didn't damage myself.  Adrenaline a wonder drug - I was still having difficulty with the arm, no trouble raising the pistol and making the shot!  Joys of the internet https://www.hss.edu/conditions_torn-rotator-cuff-surgery.asp#recovery.

[Eyesa Horg]

One difference with mine too is that my surgery was required for DUE to the rotator cuff muscles being torn, not a joint issue. 

Edited May 9 by Eyesa Horg

[Flinthills Dawg]

I had rotator cuff surgery in December of 23. My doctor said all in all it would take 1 year to fully heal, that being said he gave my permission to start shooting in June of 24. I started shooting in April of 24. BYMMV

[Red River Rudy, SASS #8490 LIFE]

Billy, look for from five to six months with good PT.  Do the PT if as if your life depends on it!  Do what they say and do not push it!

[Smokin Gator SASS #29736]

I had surgery on my right side 20 years ago. Took a while to get the surgery then 6 months rehab. I went back to work on modified duty after a while. It was depressing working without being able to have my fun on my days off. Hearing of others having to start over with surgery after trying to rush things too fast really convinced me to be careful, do the rehab but not push it. My shoulder is still in great shape. Good luck!

[Sarge]

5 shoulder surgeries.  4 of them rotator cuff.  Depends on the severity of the tear.  If not a major tear, then yeah 10-12 weeks is reasonable.  The rotator cuff doesn't get very good blood flow, so it is important to listen to the Physical Therapist.  On all of mine, the doc's had me start PT before the surgery to get blood flow to the area to promote healing.

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

When I had my rotator cuff repaired in ‘97, the doc told me I would reach 80% recovery in six months, and reach 100% six months after that. He was spot on.
 

I wasn’t shooting then, and I’ve no idea what surgery techniques are available now. I do know from personal experience from many orthopedic procedures, that if you try too much too soon, you risk delaying recovery and possibly mucking up the repair. 
 

Shoulders are a complex joint with corresponding repairs. At my 72 years of age, 10-12 weeks to return to shooting long guns - especially a shotgun - seems overly ambitious to me. However, your doctor and a good PT can answer your question better than any of us. 
 

Good luck!

[Painted Mohawk SASS 77785]

Once out of the sling 'EXERCISE as others have said is so so so 'important. ..everyone is different with age, physical condition etc but I'd think of 4-6 months, it's will feel kinda' stiffish for a long time but gradually declines.

Did I say exercise is important..push the limits , your body will talk to you how far ... 

[Oklahoma Dee]

I did right rotator cuff surgery, two days after the National Championships at Land Run October 2023.  Doc said I could shoot at World Championships of 2024.  I did.  It Sucked.  I was not pleased.  Took over a year to get back to where I wanted to be for shooting.  Entire year of 2024 was dismal.  Hind sight, I thought PT , and proper care, great surgery would equal to fast recovery.  For me, nope.  My thoughts, you could shoot, 3 to 5 months after surgery, but at what level?  Your competitive, I'm competitive and so expectations of after surgery recovery rate may not be what we really achieve...for over a year.  Good luck and take the year off.  Hah....no way!!!  See you in the Winners Circle..

[Texas Jack Black]

 About a year Remember you are not a kid anymore.

 Best Wishes and do what the Doc says

[Cpt Dan Blodgett, SASS #75655]

19 hours ago, Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator said:

Afraid I will hear that also.

listen to him and use the rope and pulley my doc had me use it before discharge from hospital.  My brother in law had a doc that was keep arm in sling for 6 weeks then start passive range of motion lots of pain and adhesions.  My doc was use the pulley system for range of motion starting day 1 and PT starting 1 month out passive intially then active after a period of time. I had virtually no pain did not take any of the prescribed pain meds after first night home.  I listened to doc and did not shoot for 6 months arm works great great being relative still lack strength to hold 7.5 inch old vaquero 44 mags up one handed for more than one stage so shoot 2 handed these days other than double dualist.  Can pull that off with .32 hrm single sixes but have not shot a match with them.

[Nichols Creek, SASS #77627]

You've heard all the advice I can think of except. If you are having surgery on your strong side, start practicing now using your weak side hand and arm.  Just example,  the paperwork in the bathroom can be a challenge unless you are prepared. 😁

[Johnny Meadows,SASS#28485L]

I have been through 5 shoulder surgeries with the finished results being excellant. This is over a 14 year period. I have a lot of knowledge about them.

Either give me a call at: 928-300-6684 or send me an email at: johnnymeadows55@yahoo.com. If you are interested in hearing what I've learned please feel free to contact me. I'm gone today, but can be reached all of this coming week.

Johnny Meadows

Edited May 10 by Johnny Meadows,SASS#28485L

[Captain Bill Burt]

I hope you have a successful surgery and recover quickly Billy.

 

Iron Cowboy had shoulder surgery last June. He tried to come back too quickly and regretted it though thankfully didn’t re-injure himself. 

I suggest sticking with what the doctor recommends and if there’s any doubt err on the side of taking a bit more time.

[Texas Maverick]

This info is from about 20 years ago when I had the rotator cuff problem. I couldn't raise my right arm at all. I saw a couple of doctors that wanted to do surgery. I was told by a friend to go see this chiropractor in Colorado Springs that specialized in rotator cuff injuries with the Denver Broncos. He had worked on my friends and he didn't have to have surgery.

 

The doc said after examining mine there were 4 levels of tears and mine was only a level 2 and he could work on it in the office and give me some exercises to do while at home. I saw him around 6 times and did the exercises religiously. After the 6 week period I was pain free and using the arm again. I don't remember his name but you might want to see want level of tear you have  before surgery. I am glad I didn't have to go through it. I have been pain free for over 20 years now and glad I gave him a chance. He did say level 3 and 4 would require surgery but not every tear required it. It just needed to be evaluated by someone who knew what they were doing.

 

TM

Edited Sunday at 02:49 PM by Texas Maverick

[Shooting Bull]

You’ve already been given great advice so I don’t have a bunch to add. 
 

I agree with 80% in six months and 100% in a year.

 

During PT concentrate on range of motion. If you lose any ROM, you won’t get it back. Strength will come later. When it comes time to rebuild strength the old cliche “no pain, no gain” is out the door. Take it slow and steady. 
 

Best of luck to you. Duelist is coolest. Double Duelist is double cool.🤠

[Don Coyote, SASS #63736]

Billy, 

I had rotater cuff surgery, along with repair of a detached bicept tendon, in October 2014. The first key is to use a good quality ice machine with a brace to alleviate using prescription pain killers. Rehab PT is a given but the 2nd key, as you already know, is the 3 times/day home PT you have to stick for an additional 3 or so months.  Johnny Meadows was an excellent source of information, we lived 15 minutes apart at the time! I was ready to shoot my 1st monthly in March. SG at the ready was a little tough but he just told me to rest the barrel on the table. I'd venture to say that you should be back back in action in 6 month, 100% in 9 or 10. Good healing and know that leaving the pain behind is well worth the procedure and recovery