Sports Injury Info

Question - Rotator Cuff Recovery

by Ron
(San Antonio, Texas)

I had surgery July 5, 2007 for a full thickness repair of the superaspinatus and am starting to lift weights again. I am having extreme difficulty, even with light weights, doing dumbell bench presses and lateral raises.

Is this normal?

Comments for
Question - Rotator Cuff Recovery

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

May 20, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pain, weakness, or both?
by: Bart - SII

Are you having pain with these exercises, or is weakness the primary problem you are having?

If it is pain, then it is probably not normal and you either need to adjust your form, or talk to your therapist for some suggestions as to why you are having pain and what you can do about it.

If it is weakness, then yes, it is fairly normal. It takes a very long time to get back to "normal" after a rotator cuff surgery. This is most noticeable with weight lifting. Your body is able to compensate some with daily activities, but isolated weight exercises can really show your weakness.

If it is weakness, then it should continue to get better over time...just focus on a gradual progression of your exercises and realize that it takes a long time to build your strength back up.

If it is pain, talk to your PT or doctor.

Hope this helps - comment back if you have other questions.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Sports Injury Answers - Shoulder




The Athletic Trainer's Corner

Email

Name

Then

Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure. I promise to use it onlyto send you The Athletic Trainers Corner.




Sports Injury Info





Home | Whats New | Newsletter | Disclaimer | Contact SII

© 2004-2008 Sports Injury Info, All Rights Reserved
Information on this site is for educational purposes only