I had biceps tenodesis and subacromial decompression surgery on my left shoulder 11 weeks ago (2/26/2007). I started my stretching exercises the day after surgery (as prescibed) and have been stretching religiously twice a day for at least an hour ... PT two to three times a week ... 3 advil before I stretch because there's a lot of inflammation ... I use lots of ice ... I haven't been in the pool yet to kick because the thought of a bathing suit strap on my shoulder makes me cringe...
My passive range of motion numbers are: flexion 140°, abduction 105°, IR (at 90°) 20°, ER (at 90°) 40°, IR (at 45°) 40°, ER (at 45°) 35°.
Because of the inflammation and because my PROM numbers aren't where they should at this point, my PT and my OS want me to have a cortisone shot. Has anyone had an issue with inflammation this long after surgery? Has anyone had a cortisone shot this soon after surgery? Are my PT and OS being impatient? Am I screwing up my recovery by not having the shot?
I had a cortisone shot two years ago, which worked like a charm for 18 months. My second shot was 8 weeks pre-surgery and was not effective. This will be my third.
Shoulder update ... blah, blah ... my range of motion at 12 weeks was not where it whould have been at 6 weeks ... OS wants to give me cortisone and eludes to MUA surgery (manipulation under anesthesia) ... thanks very much but no to both ...
Time to do my homework...
I made an appointment with Dale Buchberger about four weeks ago (rotatorcuff.net) who said that traditional stretching wasn't working for me and I was on the verge of a frozen shoulder. He suggested a protocol of Mattes Technique (also called Active Isolated Stretching, Reciprocal Inhibition or Reciprocal Innervention) and strength training. I fired my physical therapist (not really, just switched to a facilty that employs the Mattes Technique) and cancelled my appointment with my OS. Dale is over an hour away and takes a while to get appointments with, so I asked him to refer me to someone closer to Rochester. My new PT is 10 minutes from work.
I also made some appointments with an orthopedic massage therapist who told me that the scar tissue in the capsule will never dissolve or go away but can be 're-arranged' to align properly so it moves with the soft tissue not restrict it. She said the treatment won't be fun but it will work. It does.
It's been four weeks and I'm thrilled at how much more range and strength I have and not nearly as much pain. I know I still have a couple more months to go but I am very encouraged. Last week I was able to do little *** stroke and take a few strokes of freestyle.
Good for you being proactive in your own care!! You remind me of me. I own the Buchberger video. In fact, there are some scapular strengthing exercises I need to add to my RC regimen. A lot of PTs know nothing about swimming, so won't be very helpful. As to the orthopedic massage, that would also be known as ART therapy, which I also do (www.activerelease.com). ART breaks up scar tissue and releases impingments, thus reducing pain. It can be painful, but it's really worth it!
I think you're on the right track. I hope it keeps going well! :cheerleader::banana:
Shoulder update ... blah, blah ... my range of motion at 12 weeks was not where it whould have been at 6 weeks ... OS wants to give me cortisone and eludes to MUA surgery (manipulation under anesthesia) ... thanks very much but no to both ...
Time to do my homework...
I made an appointment with Dale Buchberger about four weeks ago (rotatorcuff.net) who said that traditional stretching wasn't working for me and I was on the verge of a frozen shoulder. He suggested a protocol of Mattes Technique (also called Active Isolated Stretching, Reciprocal Inhibition or Reciprocal Innervention) and strength training. I fired my physical therapist (not really, just switched to a facilty that employs the Mattes Technique) and cancelled my appointment with my OS. Dale is over an hour away and takes a while to get appointments with, so I asked him to refer me to someone closer to Rochester. My new PT is 10 minutes from work.
I also made some appointments with an orthopedic massage therapist who told me that the scar tissue in the capsule will never dissolve or go away but can be 're-arranged' to align properly so it moves with the soft tissue not restrict it. She said the treatment won't be fun but it will work. It does.
It's been four weeks and I'm thrilled at how much more range and strength I have and not nearly as much pain. I know I still have a couple more months to go but I am very encouraged. Last week I was able to do little *** stroke and take a few strokes of freestyle.
Good for you being proactive in your own care!! You remind me of me. I own the Buchberger video. In fact, there are some scapular strengthing exercises I need to add to my RC regimen. A lot of PTs know nothing about swimming, so won't be very helpful. As to the orthopedic massage, that would also be known as ART therapy, which I also do (www.activerelease.com). ART breaks up scar tissue and releases impingments, thus reducing pain. It can be painful, but it's really worth it!
I think you're on the right track. I hope it keeps going well! :cheerleader::banana:
