Limitation of lifting any weight after Subacromial Decompression surgery?

by Sally
(Santa Barbara)

How long after an arthroscopic subacromial decompression surgery is the patient limited with lifting weight with the surgical arm.

I need to have the surgery done, but we are planning a trip in September and I want to know how impaired I will be. Thank you.

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Limitation of lifting any weight after Subacromial Decompression surgery?

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Jun 05, 2008
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Usually not too long...
by: Bart - SII

Every surgeon has a little different protocol for the restrictions after a subacromial decompression surgery. If that is all that is done, and there is no rotator cuff repair or other type of repair, there usually is very little along the line of restrictions.

Most of my patients are in a sling for comfort for the first week, and then are able to use the arm as much as tolerated as they progress through their rehabilitation.

With that said, even though there are not restrictions, you will be limited as to how much you can use the arm after surgery. You will have to work to get your range of motion and strength back, but this usually comes fairly quickly depending on how you respond to the procedure.

Typical recovery time for a subacromial decompression can usually be between 4-8 weeks for a return to normal daily activities, including lifting. It may take a bit longer to be able to lift very heavy objects...so surgery now should have you doing well by your trip in September.

I would recommend discussing all of your concerns with your physician and get a timeline for your recovery so you have a good idea of what to expect regarding their specific restrictions.

Hope this helps - comment back with other questions.

Feb 14, 2009
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Bicep tendonitis
by: Phil

I had decompression surgery Dec. 5, 2009, why do I have bicep tendon pain with certain movements? Prior to my surgery I had no such pain, there was ac joint cleaning and bone spurs were removed any ideas on what I can do, will it ever go away?

Mar 09, 2009
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Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression
by: robert

I had an ASD on February 12th 2009 so it's been nearly a month.....until I read in a few other sites and details etc I thought I'd made an error having the surgery, am still on pain killers and sleeping is a nitemare!! I work as a Security Officer and part my job is moving bags weighing upto 20kg so haven't got any idea when i'm going to be able to lift,push,pull these weights! Any body else do same type of job requirements and how long it take?? Thanks Robert

Mar 09, 2009
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Underlying problems
by: Bart - SII

It is not uncommon to continue to have pain for several weeks after a SAD. While the surgery helps to increase the subacromial space and to clean out the shoulder, the rehabilitation after the surgery is very important in order to get back to normal. There is always some type of underlying biomechanical issue that leads to the impingement in the first place - whether it is a mobility issue, a strength issue, or a repetitive stress issue, something caused the problem. And unless those underlying issues are taken care of, the shoulder will take much longer to heal.

Rehab is essential after an SAD, and rehab with a clinician who understands the intimate workings of the shoulder, and the necessary stabilizing mechanisims of the scapula.

The good news is that it does usually get better - just never fast enough.

Mar 15, 2009
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right shoulder
by: Anonymous

I had mine done 1/5/2009 I stil have some pain like befor the surgery shap pains and after 9 weeks still only about 1/2 streanth in lifting etc

Mar 28, 2009
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update
by: Robert

Its been 6 weeks now. . And got alot pain. . . Gets tiring not being able to sleep until 3-4am! Got most movement,apart from arm behind back and rotating shoulder. Apparently the scapula/shoulder blade is approx 2inches out of place,MRI said was abnormality with humeral head! Think going to be a long road ahead! Havent been able to do my cross country running,martial arts for nearly a year!

Apr 03, 2009
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update
by: Robert

Had physio today-bicep muscles ruptured,hence pain!

Apr 10, 2009
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2 years and counting..
by: Anonymous

Had my op in Sept'07 and although I have range of movement am still waiting for full strength to return without pain. Its not as bad as before and can stay away for weeks at a time, but if I over use it the shoulder, arm and hand swell up and its a continuous aching pain - probably got arthritis now!

Apr 11, 2009
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Glenohumeral Tear
by: Anonymous

I fell on my shoulder and had decompression surgery last December, when the Dr. went in he said that I had a Glenohumeral ligament tear and he burned (sealed it) I still have pain under neath where the Dr. made an incision, does the pain have anything to do with the Glenohumeral ligament tear?

May 08, 2009
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quick recovery...so far!
by: sammyk

I had SAD surgery on 24th April and have just been for my 2nd rehab session. They were so impressed the physiotherapist had to check she was assessing the correct shoulder!! I have worked really hard on the physio though, but sleeping is a real nightmare and I still have alot of discomfort at the front of the shoulder (where the surgery took place).

May 13, 2009
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impatient
by: Anonymous

Had deompression surgery april 27 plus clean up of scar tissue,spurs, etc. Passive range is pretty good but almost no strength past 1st 30 degrees of flexion or abduction. Can use arm only at waist height and nothing heavy. Constant dull upperarm pain that can really escalate. Arm is swollen. Some shoulder pain itself at times. Sleep is terrible and Percocet really doesn't cut it. How much time til normal?

May 13, 2009
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May 17, 2009
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SAD
by: Anonymous

I had SAd done on 5/5/09 and for the first week not too much pain but now into my second week my full arm right down to hands is in agony. is this normal?

Jun 17, 2009
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No More Pain Please
by: Anonymous

6/17
had SAD plus trimming of frayed labrum 3/13. There's still considerable pain at times, particularly the biceps tendon. Been going to PT right from the start. I'm wondering if and when the pain will ever go away.

Aug 06, 2009
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3 weeks post op SAD
by: Anonymous

Had SAD July 15. got rid of the sling day 3. Passive ROM good, but bicep tendon stretches hurt like all get out. And sleeping, ugh, but getting better. I was told before and after surgery this is a very painful condition and I will just have to work thru the pain.

Aug 24, 2009
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getting there
by: Anonymous

i also had my operation on the 5/6/09 the pain for the 1st days was unberable at times, and the range of movement was almost none. I discared my sling after 4 days sleeping was a nightmare for about 2 weeks. I am now nearly 3 months after surgery have 90% movement back and my stenght is slowly coming back. I still cant sleep on the left shoulder for 2 long and when i get up in the morning it aches also my arm lets me know when i have over done things all i can say is every one is different and will respond in different ways i dont regrad having it done, Oh and i also have to have the same op on my right shoulder in a few months time which should be great fun with being right handed

Sep 25, 2009
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Right shoulder , left shoulder
by: Jillbee

Right shoulder SAD surgery was 4/09. I am WAY WORSE than I was before the surgery. Biceps, triceps, trapezius, all the muscles surrounding he shoulder blade, the deltoid muscle all give me a tremendous amount of pain. It feels like my arm is on fire and someone is stabbing me with a knife over and over again. I've had several cortisone shots (and therapy)post surgery...nothing helps. I am afraid that with every move I will be right back into frozen shoulder. As it is, I have very limited movement and can forget about picking up anything with weight!
I had the left shoulder done 2 years ago. Healed in 6-8 weeks without a problem. (unfortunately I am right handed)
Does anyone out there think I am one of those few that have permanent nerve damage?

Sep 25, 2009
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3 months post op.
by: Anonymous

I am now 2 1/2 months post op. 2 weeks ago, had to get a steroid injection as i seemed to have way more pain than i should have at 2 months post op. Backed off on the strength exercises and just did ROM. My surgeon said for my procedure, 4-6 months is the usual recovery time. I am now pain free 90% of the time and slowly starting some strength exercises.ROM is good and sleeping through the night. there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Sep 25, 2009
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Oct 26, 2009
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bone spur removal and bicep tendon shredded clean up
by: still in pain

i had surgery on 2-11-09 had large bone spur removed and bicep tendon was shredded so they cleaned that up. i am still in so much pain when I use my arm. sharp stabbing pain in front of shoulder and a dull aching all the time with pain in the back between shoulder and neck. cant sleep at all. anyone else with this, help!

Nov 02, 2009
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oh boy!
by: Anonymous

One week after SAD, and the pain is increasing vice decreasing. Today will be my second Phys Ther appointment. Wish me luck. I woke up about 3am because the pain was so severe.

I thought as time went by the pain was suppose to go away. I can tolerate pain but this is a tad different, "I hate to yawn even".

Nov 09, 2009
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3 weeks post SAD
by: Anonymous

WOW! This was so much more debilitating than I ever imagined. I am still on pain meds and don't see any end to that in sight though I have cut back to about 2 pills a day. I am most concerned that I have way less mobility than I had before the surgery and I was not prepared for that and it's a little scary. The physical therapist says I am doing good.....but compared to what??? I am constantly in pain unless I hold my arm totally still. Feels more like muscle pain than shoulder pain. I am very concerned about my recovery when I see the recovery period listed as 3-6 weeks. No way! I only pray that I do recover from this awful pain and stiffness and lack of mobility and ROM.

Nov 10, 2009
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SAD OP 2 Weeks ago
by: Anonymous

Hi guys

just had one on my right shoulder. Needed doing because I've been in a sh*t state for years. Seems to be getting better each day. Awaiting scan on my left shoulder. Almost certain that it's to be same again :(

Read somewhere that FULL recovery can take up to 2 years!!!

Nov 21, 2009
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SAD w/DCR
by: AcousticHammer

On the 17th, I had a Distal Clavicular Resection performed in conjunction with a Subacromial Decompression, right shoulder. For those of you who know what a DCR is, you will understand that I have been hit by both barrels on this one. 1st week post op I was inebriated by medication. As a result, I felt great. 2nd week post op went off pains and am now experiencing reality. OUCH! Sleeping is difficult. Morning pain and stiffness are acute and chronic. I am an athlete and lift weights incessantly. This is, unfortunately, what initiated the pathology in the first place. Doc said to exercise shoulder, as pain allows. Also told me, "There is nothing you can do, short of trauma, that will serve to re-injure that shoulder. Exercise as you can tolerate." And that is EXACTLY what I am doing. Yes, it hurts, but I am working through it. IT WILL GET BETTER! I have had surgically repaired sports related injuries before. This is all just part of the process, people. DO NOT be afraid to work into the pain. It is a necessary component in achieving a successful recovery. Yes, it hurts. But do not let the pain take control of your recovery. Dig in your heels and work through it. It will get better.

Nov 22, 2009
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SAD
by: Anonymous

For those of you who are less than 3 months post op, all I can say is yes, it hurts like h#@#$. I know, been there done that, BUT you have to be consistant with doing your ROM exercises daily.If you need your pain meds at night to sleep, use them. 3 months seemed to be the magic number for me. I am lifting and exercising daily, yes I do have some discomfort, but am fully functional.

Jan 22, 2010
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Glad I'm retired
by: Less

Right shoulder SAD was on 9/30/09. I sent the following to my doctor. "I am a bit concerned that three months after my sub-acromial decompression surgery I a having some very severe almost paralizing pains in my right arm about halfway between my shoulder and elbow when i reach with my right hand to touch my left shoulder or side. This pain is in a different location and is not caused by the original movement of reaching out and up". His answer was "Some patients take longer to regain full function than others. If you have all of the motion of the shoulder back (meaning it is the same as the other shoulder) then the problem could be that the rotator cuff has not yet regained full strength. The theraband exercises are the key and comparing both strength and endurance to the other shoulder often will still show a difference" No change as of 1/21/10.

Feb 01, 2010
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SAD IN A WEEK
by: arrron

hey all. having SAD surgery in a few days. not too sure what to expect, short of all the positive(lol) comments by everyone. going to pre op tomorrow, guess ill know more then any suggestions?...thanks

Feb 13, 2010
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SAD 18 days ago
by: Anonymous

I had SAD 18 days ago with repair of a torn bicept tendon.Still painfull at present, but getting better every day. Started PT a week a go and I am regaining control of the shoulder movement. Not more taking pain killers but pain still present particularly at night and early morning. I drove my car today first time after surgery

Feb 13, 2010
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Feb 16, 2010
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100% outcome after SAD is unrealistic
by: Anonymous

I had SAD on November 2008, so it's been a little over a year and although my therapist last year told me I regained full range of motion I'm still not 100%. After 3 months I could play sports such as golf but sports like basketball or tennis takes much longer, at least if you want to play at a somewhat competitive level. I honestly don't think one's shoulder can become 100% after surgery, even though that's what an ortho may tell you. This is not to discourage anyone that is considering surgery because it still may be the best option. All I'm saying is that if one expects their shoulder to be 100% after SAD is unrealistic. I think 90-95% is more of a reasonable outlook. I'm glad I did it but I realize now that my shoulder will not improve much further at this point which is ok with me at this stage in my life but if I was in my 20's and as physically active as I was, 90-95% would be disappointing to me.

Mar 24, 2010
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Help, Please!!!!
by: Anonymous

So I am 2 weeks prior to my Artho Subacrom. Decomp. and im getting worried reading here. I have been lifting 5-6 days a week upper body for 6 years now, and i started having shoulder problems right after a car accident. My shoulder was in EXTREME pain right after and has since subsided to about 90% no pain, but the remaining pain is enough to keep me from lifting like i use to. (i use to bench 295-305 every day, and am now down to 275 MAX on some days. I am 22 and fear losing the str i have no after this surgery, please advise/help. Is there hope after surgery or should i just not do it?

My doc gave me 1 cortizone injection which relieved ALL pain for a week and was amazing, but since then the pain that is left has returned. I am on one hand want that feeling of NO PAIN that i had with the cortizone to be a forever thing via surgery, but dont want it to get worse.

Mar 24, 2010
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I recommend physical therapy first
by: Anonymous

I think since you're young I would probably try physical therapy for a few months and see how that goes and get an MRI as well to see if there are any tears. Subacromial decompression should only be done as a last resort. Full recovery isn't as fast as your ortho may suggest.

Mar 25, 2010
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Help Please, Part II
by: Anonymous

The MRI i got apparently showed a "partial" tear, but then when my orth. looked at it he said it was more like just some inflammation. I did phsical therapry for about 6 weeks prior to the MRI and again, ive recovered to that 90% strength. But the remaining weakness/pain is hindering my workouts severely. The doctor then gave me a Cortizone injection (2 actually at the same time in 2 places in my shoulder) and that relieved all pain and stress on my shoulder for about 2 weeks. However it wore off and i was able to realize that the pain was not just in my head and was effecting my energy levels and ability to workout. If the problem isnt so debilitating that im still able to have a decent workout on it (just not my best) My questions are as follows:

1. Will whatever they do while in my shoulder be so minor (because its seems like a minor injury when compared to the stories here) that the rehab wont be as horrible as it sounds like it is from these forums
2. Will going in now (with the pain only a minor inconvenience) actually make the pain as a whole much worse, as i see alot of people on these forums are victim of.
3. If I do nothing for now, will it get worse or will it get better (that u cant answer because obviously its a rhetorical questions that cant be answered, lol.

Im only curious as to which is the worse of 2 evils, the surgery and recovery time or not doing anything.

Mar 25, 2010
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Response
by: Anonymous

If it's just inflammation I think like I mentioned earlier I would try physical therapy first, icing your shoulder down and resting it. Even though it sounds like minor surgery, it's still surgery. Your recovery time will still be around 3 months to be functional but that doesn't mean you'll feel 100%. To be honest, benching 275 lbs. is a lot of weight so I don't think more than likely you would require surgery. Also, you may want to speak with your physio and I'm sure he or she will tell you to lighten your workouts until your shoulder fully heals. Also, I was told by my physio that gripping things too wide for the bench press was really bad for your shoulders so you may want to narrow your grip.

Mar 25, 2010
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Thank you
by: Anonymous

I will be calling the Doc monday to ask a few more questions now that I have some insight. Ty for your responses, Im sure i will be back here with more questions soon, lol

Mar 25, 2010
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GET A 2ND OPINION
by: Anonymous

No problem. I tried physical therapy, cortisone shots, and acupuncture for 4 months before going through with SAD. I did it when I was 38 years old and I did a lot of physical labor which caused me to do a lot of damage to my shoulders. Since you're young I don't think you could've done enough damage to require surgery. And benching 275 lbs. is not something most people could do with major shoulder problems. One other thing to keep in mind is that many orthos tend to suggest surgery, it's their bread and butter. If this injury is pretty recent I would exhaust physical therapy for 3-4 months before deciding on surgery. Also, I went to 3 different orthos before I decided with surgery so it is good to get different professional opinions.

Apr 04, 2010
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Subacromial decompression
by: Anonymous

I had SAD on 3/26/10. Had little pain for the first few days, and had full ROM immediately. Over this week, pain has gotten worse. I hope it peaked a couple days ago. Of course I've been pretty active with the arm. If I rest it, it settles down. Propping pillows just right aids sleeping.

I've had lots of orthopedic surgery, though, and all of it is just painful when they go to cutting your bones. This is less painful than some. Eventually you heal.

Prior to this surgery, I worked conservatively on this rotator cuff for 2 years. 7 cortisone shots in that time, which worked great for a couple months each time. But then it'd be back to the same place. Anyway, hoping that in 3 more weeks it'll be less painful. Hoping in 7 it'll be a LOT less painful. That's my mental timeline...lol.

Dec 23, 2010
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sad op
by: Anonymous

I had a sub acromial decompression opon my right shoulder after 5 years of pain through lifting at work constantly. I am now two weeks post op and have been back to see the surgeon who seemed pleased with me, however in reality my daily tasks are a nightmare!I cant dress in anything which requires overhead lifting so i wear zip up tops and leggings,putting a bra on is a nightmare and changing bedding..well forget it! still no chance of driving yet as if i hold my arm out i feel the dreaded dull ache ,if i choose to ignore this ache it will throbwhich will then take a while to settle.Iam still struggling to sleep but found so far that laying on my back with pillow under my affected arm works best or lay on my unaffected arm with pillows in front almost to shoulder height stops my shoulder dropping too low to cause too much pain.I have just bought a v pillow today to see if that helps i canonly hoe it will be worth it in the long term!

Dec 29, 2010
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post op
by: john

I had sad on 15/12/10 and this was 2 weeks ago. I am 35 years old and have competed in powerlifting and weight trained for approx 20 years. I presume it is the bench press that has caused this problem to occur as i am 6ft 1 inch tall and narrow chested.
The physio is going fine and i can nearly put my arm above my head using my other arm as support. The worst thing about the op was when the nerve block wore off during the first night and it felt like tooth ache in your shoulder.
Just been to doctor and arranged for cortisone injection in the other shoulder as i now have the same pain in my left shoulder!
The best thing was that i was told i also had a torn tendon but when they put the camera in it turned out it was ok so i consider myself lucky that i haven't got my arm in a sling for 6 weeks.
Gone are the days of 260kg deadlift i'm afraid.
Leave it to the young ones now!

Dec 29, 2010
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MY EXPERIENCE OF SAD OP. DEC 2010
by: SuziG

Had my SAD op on the 10th December. Have seen the consultant since and had two sessions of physio. Op went well according to Consultant. I also had calcific tedonitus but apparently the calcium deposits will now disperse of their own accord (I hope so !!!).Although I had been in extreme pain before the op, I had under estimated quite how painful it would be after the op and the fact that there was a lot of very "basic" stuff that I would not be able to do for myself since it was my dominant arm that is affected. I had open surgery rather than key hole. Scar is very neat and small for which I am very grateful. I am 100% determined to do my best with physio but boy is it painful. The therapist attempted to get my arm above my head just one week after the op (and no, I didnt swear but it came close!). I am told that any movement is good movement and to persevere. Good luck to everyone who is about to have this op done. There are some real horror stories on this blog but everyone is different so we all have to make a choice at the end of the day. Best wishes to all.

Jan 30, 2011
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3 months and counting
by: Anonymous

It's been 3 months since my simple SAD (no rotator cuff or other repair). Pre-surgery, I was an avid rock climber, but felt pain when I extended my arm above my head, especially if I weighted it heavily.

My range of motion has improved since surgery, but my shoulder is still much weaker than it was before, and there I feel pain of some sort almost every day. There is persistent pain in my deltoid, and my shoulder itself feels weak.

I've been doing physical therapy, taking NSAIDs, and spending time in the cryo-cuff. The surgeon and physical therapist both seem pleased with my "progress", but I'm very frustrated. The PT tells me to add more resistance to my exercises, but every time I do, the inflammation and pain come back. Then I back off, and it's back to square one.

If there's rock climbing in my future, it will be in the distant future. I was better off 3 1/2 months ago, before the surgery. Sorry for venting, but I thought you should know that success isn't guaranteed, and it may not be fast.

Feb 18, 2011
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sad
by: mike

had SAD and open achromiom clavicular trim 10 mm remmoved and reconstruction , day 1 hell , couldnt move arm at all , day 2 starting pendulum exercise every 2 hours , day 3 sling off 50% of day, pain relief tablets not required during day , day 4 rom much better , I am afraid to lift arm slthough it could be moved doc said no driving for 2 to 3 weeks . bored silly stitches removed in 2 weeks . local pain only around open wound . not lifting any weight cant wait to get back to the gym

Feb 22, 2011
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8 weeks out
by: Unbound

I had a bone spur removed, the coracoacromial ligament was completely released (that really freaks me out and I didn't know that was going to be done) and all bursa removed as well as frayed biceps tendon debrided. NO clavicle resection though. Even there was no cartilege left in the AC joint the Doc said it didn't look bad so he left it alone. Had a pain pump in my neck for 3 days post.

For years I worked on old houses and was fairly active. Had a lot of pain this past year and chose surgery.

The jury is still out on this! I have a LOT of pain still. There is full ROM and I am getting stronger but it hurts!! The pain is getting really old and I didn't have a clue it would take this long. At times, it feels like my acromion is broken where the spur was shaved. When I drink from a glass it often feels like severe cramping under the whole collarbone. WTF?!

I get all kinds of pops, clicks and squishy sounds coming out of the shoulder and it feels all clunky and squirrely lke it won't settle in. I often fear that I really screwed up and spent a lot of money just to get mutilated.

Yes I had pain before but I was tight and strong. What have I done?!

I need some encouragement.

Feb 28, 2011
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Second opinion?
by: Paul

Had ASD on November 8, 2010. No other issues were found, and was meant to correct impingement. All seemed to be going well at my regular post op appointments. Advice I was given was to resume normal activities with in 3 days of surgery, understanding that they will be painful. Doc told me that I could not undo anything he did. No Therapy was prescribed, Doc was happy about how fast I recovered my range of motion. Been to see him 2 times since and both times complained about pain. He has assured me that my recovery is progressing as expected and that I should expect to be fully recovered by Feb 17th. In Fact he cleared me to return to duty as a firefighter on that date. Today is Feb 28 and I still have pain. The shoulder is sore the the touch like it's bruised, Pushing or pulling is difficult and prohibits me from exerting any real strength with those actions. Any actions with my arm extended, particularly directly in front of me, are difficult. I have tried to return to my 'normal' exercise routine, understanding that I was still recovering and would likely have to 'take it easy' for a while. Prior to the operation I could easily bench press 135 pounds. Now, It's terribly painful to put up an unloaded bar (45LBs) It's not for lack of strength. I can feel that I am not exerting myself, but the the pain in my shoulder makes the rest of my arm go weak. I've long been out of pain medication and advil only goes so far. My doctor's last comment was that I'm recovering as well as can be expected.

My question is simply, am I really recovering as well as can be expected? Should I still be experiencing this much discomfort 15 weeks later?

Mar 02, 2011
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SAD 2-3-11
by: Anonymous

In reading everyone's comments here, I thought I should add my experience. Aparently I am much different from the norm. My orthopod said my rotator cuff was very thin and frayed with small tears. He cleaned up the rotator cuff but no repairs. He shaved some off the acromin and remover the bursa. Three days post, I quit the percot but continued the TENS unit and took aleeve. I had full range by day 4, though I had to work through the stiffness. I did pendulum exercises 6-8 times a day just to get the shoulder moving. One week post, I was taking nothing for pain and had complete range, pain free. My Orthopod was stunned. So was my physical therapist. I am now 3 weeks post and have been discharged from PT. I am bored and ready to go back to work but my orthopod wants me to wait another week. In the meantime I am working on more strength and endurance as I have a heavy lifting job. Today I spent the day painting. I am assuming i am an unsual case though.

Mar 30, 2011
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SAD left shoulder 11/3/11
by: Anonymous

had the op on 11 march 2011,key hole no tears just shaved bone off,had a pain buster in for 2 days,and sling for 1 day after that,no pain tablets needed just naproxen(anti flams)started excerises,got good range of movement after 1st week,back to norm nearly but still sore to move n touch..went to physio on 28/03/11,couldnt belive my range of motion i had back,they were really pleased,also had follow up with dr same day,he too pleased with progres made.ask about goin back to work(im a s/e roofer)he said another week a least,nearly 1 month post op!!didnt take his advice worked the day after cos needed the money!!!!wasnt bad but day after shoulder,arm sore! gonna take rest of week off n hopefully it will settle down again.cant aford to be off work much longer!!

Mar 30, 2011
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Apr 27, 2011
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SAD
by: Anonymous

Had SAD and clavicle excision 16th march. Still pain and find it difficult to lift my arm above shoulder height. Physio thinks I should have more movement.After I have been to PT my arm is worse for 2 days. Stiil painful at night and sleep quite poor. Take paracetamol and ibuprufen 4 times a day but still have pain. Quite disheartened as progress seems so slow. i push myself to do the excercises and then I am in even more pain. Just don't know what to do!

May 10, 2011
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SAd op
by: Anonymous

I had my op on 14-3-2011 after years of shoulder pain. 9 weeks on am still on painkillers and cannot get through the night without Codeine. Wake with awful shoulder ache and pain in joint. I do my exercises as instructed but am completely fed up with the pain. Did I do the right thing in having the op in the first place?

Jul 25, 2011
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5 weeks into recovery
by: Anonymous

I had a clavicle incision and SAD five weeks ago. My range of motion is good but sharp pains when reaching high up. My AC joint hurts allot more now after the surgery than before. I'm hoping it's post oprative pain and due to the healing process. Will I ever be able to do a pushup again? I used to live for the gym. Been off for almost a year. Praying earnestly for full recovery.

One thing that is a little disheartening is significant lack of sensation around my scars. I have an area of about 4 square centimetres that has little to no feeling. Nerve damage from the scalple I assume.

Jul 25, 2011
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Sep 15, 2011
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SAD 21 months ago
by: Anonymous

I had SAD w/ CA ligament removal on my right shoulder in December 2009 for impingement. I had suffered with pain for years until the inability to sleep forced me to have surgery.
Immediately after surgery I felt relief. I was on vicodin post-op but discontinued after less than a week as tylenol helped way more. My recovery had setbacks every now and again as I waited for the rough bone surface to be "re-coated" with whatever the body grows there. I used a 3' length of PVC pipe with a T-joint on one end to hang on to while I used my good arm to move my right arm throughout a full ROM. This allowed me to push my shoulder into positions that I couldn't do otherwise.
I felt odd pain in my upper bicep for months but it eventually went away. I would say that i was 95% after 18 months. I still get occasional numbness or a cold feeling in my right hand, but overall I am way better off. I am looking to do the left side now. I wasn't overly aggressive during recovery, having nursed the shoulder for so many years prior. I did what felt right. Once you can sense a trend towards recovery you can pace yourself accordingly. There will be setbacks.

Sep 30, 2011
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How can I sleep??!
by: Anonymous

I had a SAD+capsule release 3 weeks ago and am doing well, achey arm during the day but can cope with NSAIDs and Paracetamol. I have worked really hard on physio and they're pleased with my ROM. I can drive, dress, go to the gym ( no repetetive arm movements!) but it is the nights that kill me. Nothing helps. I have some Tramadol but have never used it as am wary of it. Can anyone please tell me when sleeping will be ok again as I want to go back to work this week (the pillow tricks don't work for me).

Oct 02, 2011
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sad
by: jane - UK

i had subcromial decompression on right shoulder 8 weeks ago, worse op ever, before op had pain in shoulder blade but now have no strentgh, can not even lift cup of tea to drink, have constant bicep pain and have absolutely no chance of lifting arm up past waist high, was admitted twice in first 3 weeks post of to hospital for morphine to combat pain, still can not sleep undisturbed at night, only had 2 physcio sessions since op, feel like am banging head against brick wall to get anywhere, no one told me it would be such a debilitating opertion and no doctor can tell me a time scale to get back to normal. work pay about to go to half pay for a problem that has not been caused by myself, if had had physcio with the proper timescale of 2 weeks i woyld not be this far behind in recovery. wish i had never had this op as because you look "normal" nobody realised that you are infact in excrutitating pain most of the time, on a scale of 1-10 every day is at least a 7-8, cant dry oneself from shower, cant put hand behind back, cant iron, hoover, cook or drive, ben reclusive for past 8 weeks, luckily i have good husband and sons and friends who have helped out enourmously but if someone is on their own then i really do not know what they would do as this is such a debilitating operation, one i wish i had never had.

Oct 02, 2011
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Nov 25, 2011
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Just remember, its not all bad NEW
by: Anonymous

Just remember, those who are recovering well and as planned, are not going to search the internet for "answers" that those who have no responded well are looking for.

You will here 50 horror storys for every succesfull story.

I know someone who has had a decompression on each shoulder, it took 6 months to get each one back to normal strength and up to a year to get back to their best. To cut a long story short, they the competed recently in theit 80kg powerlifting class and won the bench press competition by lifting 180kg at the tender age of 40.

Stay positive, negative thoughts and feelings DO NOT HELP, THEY HINDER RECOVERY!

I am 24 years, suffered for the past 3 years and now going for an SAD on both shoulders. I will recover and I will train again, mind over matter.

Nov 29, 2011
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ZUMBA HELPED NEW
by: Anonymous

I had a SAD on my right shoulder in Aug 2005 and it took me 2 years to get full strength back i then had SAD on my left shoulder in Sept 2010 pain wasn`t as bad second time around. I started zumba in nov 2010 and a year on my shoulders feel great and I can even do press ups again which I never thought would be possible. You need to strengthen muscles gradually. Keep positive. If going for op make sure you try and move your shoulder later that day just a bit at a time and it should help with your recovery, I was too scared after first op to move my shoulder but wasn`t going to let that happen second time around.

Dec 08, 2011
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positive result so far NEW
by: Anonymous

I had my SAD and AC joint resection 3 weeks ago. I can drive, pick up my 2yo daughter. I even managed a dozen pressups yesterday. Its sore. But still way better than pre op. Keep it moving but keep everything you do at 50% of max effort. I did manage to sublux the joint about 10 days ago. That was not so much fun. Just move it and keep it gentle but often.

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