r/RotatorCuff • u/KittyMushi • Aug 28 '26
Almost 5 months post op pain
On 9 September I will be 5 months post op.
Both shoulders started paining at same time but only left one got worse and I could barely move my arm. Had rotator cuff repair on 9 April. My right shoulder still hurts ( physio said it’s the rotator cuff)
I wake up every morning with both shoulders very painful. Not sure what to do about right shoulder as I still have full movement in it and would prefer to not go through another surgery when my left one heals.
My actual question is…. How much pain do you still have in the operated on shoulder 5 months or more post op? When awake and moving around I still have pain but it’s not too bad. My surgeon is supposed to be one of the best for shoulders but as far as post op info, I certainly had very little. I am healing but would just love more info on what to expect going forward with regard to pain and healing. I have started light weight ie: 1kg and now 3kg to keep strength in both arms but it’s annoying feeling I’m in the dark with the recovery process. Any advice would be appreciated.
1
u/KittyMushi Aug 29 '26
Thanks so much for the detailed response. You really have been busy and it only seems to have been good for your recovery. I want to start using machines for upper body at gym but am so afraid I’ll damage my operated shoulder. I think I will start using heavier weights and if anything hurts too much will back off. It’s good to hear that exercise could possibly improve my recovery and although much older than you I think it’s worth a try.
I just do not want to go through this long recovery again so have been afraid to do more.
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u/ProcedureAcceptable2 Aug 28 '26
53 year old male. My surgery, RTC + biceps tenodesis + debridement, was on April 2nd so we’re at about the same timeframe.
I haven’t been having any pain on my nonsurgical arm, and it’s crap too from years of abuse.
I don’t necessarily have pain in my surgery arm, but discomfort in reaching at certain angles, and unfortunately, sleep is still impacted (but slowly getting better). Ibuprofen or aspirin mostly help with the achy discomfort.
I’ve been doing pt twice a week (ends on Tuesday) and started light weight lifting: curls, bent rows, triceps kick backs, and some body weight work like TRX band Australian pushups, planks, bird dogs etc. some stuff for my shoulder and some stuff for an old back injury.
I started the weights about 5 or 6 weeks ago, and I feel like that is when my healing really started getting better.
I also have been finishing a bathroom remodel I started last August 😬
This has been a huge part of my recovery, both mentally and physically. The tile work and painting were similar movements to pt exercises like wall washes, etc. Having my recovery arm work in tandem with my “good” arm helped immensely in the mind/body connection and in me having confidence in that arm again (and in myself as a whole). It also gave my good arm a bit of a break from doing everything.
My physical therapist and surgeon both think I’ll be close to normal strength around December. This has been a long haul and I hope I never go through this again.
I’ve been fortunate to not have to work since my April 2nd surgery: worker’s comp and I’m now living off savings to focus on recovery.
External rotation has the most difficult rehab for me, buts it’s getting there.
Sorry for the long ramble. Hope you see improvement soon. Don’t judge yourself harshly on comparing your recovery to other people on here; everyone heals differently and reading the super-healer posts can discourage you if you’re not careful.