I am interested in hearing any stories or advice from people who have undergone supraspinatus tear repair. I recently suffered a 1 cm "clean tear" during an incident when I was tumbled by a rogue wave down a lava wall. The good news is I survived with no neck or head injuries, only abrasions and - the bad news - a messed up shoulder, which will require surgical repair "sooner rather than later".
I know the recovery from this is slow but can be successful. So while I am very sad I will miss several months of swimming, I am optimistic about getting back to it this summer.
Any tips? what questions should I ask the surgeon?
Thanks, Karen
Just over 12 weeks out after surgical repair for a torn/avulsed labrum (Bankart tear). I started kicking just under 6 weeks out and still am today, but hopefully I get clearance for breaststroke next week. There is a meet in late April that my coach thinks that I'll be ready for (ie, perhaps a short breaststroke and/or free event) but I'm skeptical. If I am able to attend, it will be 24 weeks post-surgery.
Lots of good info above...my experience thus far is similar. It was hard to get answers for many questions I had before the surgery, because they couldn't really say what the full extent of the damage was without getting in there first. Luckily for me, my damage was also "clean" and fairly minimal (only needed 3 anchors, which is considered minimal for repairing an avulsion - but that is a lot more than just a clean-up). I'm not sure if a 1cm tear in the supraspintatus is considered minimal or severe (perhaps a good question to ask) - but that will likely affect your recovery time.
Since in recovery, I've found that getting my strength back as been easy compared to getting my range back. They tightened me up real good, but I'd say I'm at 70-80% range right now. I've actually been keeping a blog throughout the whole process, so if you want the full details feel free to check it out by clicking on my info.
I will also emphasize the icing component. I did have the pump system and was pretty much hooked up to it for 3 days straight after the surgery. I do believe it helped a LOT, but watch out for freezer burn! Also, get some new fins and a snorkel, and be prepared for your legs to be in pain ALL the time. :)
Just over 12 weeks out after surgical repair for a torn/avulsed labrum (Bankart tear). I started kicking just under 6 weeks out and still am today, but hopefully I get clearance for breaststroke next week. There is a meet in late April that my coach thinks that I'll be ready for (ie, perhaps a short breaststroke and/or free event) but I'm skeptical. If I am able to attend, it will be 24 weeks post-surgery.
Lots of good info above...my experience thus far is similar. It was hard to get answers for many questions I had before the surgery, because they couldn't really say what the full extent of the damage was without getting in there first. Luckily for me, my damage was also "clean" and fairly minimal (only needed 3 anchors, which is considered minimal for repairing an avulsion - but that is a lot more than just a clean-up). I'm not sure if a 1cm tear in the supraspintatus is considered minimal or severe (perhaps a good question to ask) - but that will likely affect your recovery time.
Since in recovery, I've found that getting my strength back as been easy compared to getting my range back. They tightened me up real good, but I'd say I'm at 70-80% range right now. I've actually been keeping a blog throughout the whole process, so if you want the full details feel free to check it out by clicking on my info.
I will also emphasize the icing component. I did have the pump system and was pretty much hooked up to it for 3 days straight after the surgery. I do believe it helped a LOT, but watch out for freezer burn! Also, get some new fins and a snorkel, and be prepared for your legs to be in pain ALL the time. :)
