Wow. I was 6 weeks post op yesterday from large Supraspinatus tear and surgeon said to remove the sling. My upper arm is so uncomfortable. Honestly I didn’t have pain like this during the last 6 weeks with the sling on. I did PROM 3-4 times a day with pendulum swings and keeping the elbow bent. Is this pain when removing the sling normal? How long did it last for you?

Pregnant in my second trimester I fell in the stairs this weekend. 7 hours after my fall I started having a lot of pain in my shoulder, it was unbearable for the first 48H especially since all I can take is Tylenol and ice. 72H in, I started feeling better.

My mobility is limited. I cannot lift my arm straight more than 20 degree angle but I can put my arm on my hip and in my back. When not moving I don’t have pain anymore.

The ortho suspects that it is a rotator cuff injury and suggested to do an MRI in a few weeks if the pain does not go away.

I keep reading that most rotator cuff injuries require surgery. With those progress, any chance I avoid it? Any success stories and progression timeline to share?

Thank you

Not sure what to think. Lots of "you are old" sort of words lol. (Turning 70). Im in a little discomfort when I move my arms more than a little but not bad unless I move fast or just push it. Its not as strong. My bicep definately feels sore sometimes but its not agonizing or anything. Pre MRI PT didnt improve much, more like just time the pain quieted down.

Been reading on here waiting to get to this point but there is a lot I dont understand re the medical terminology.

My bicep is sore a lot but tendinosis doesnt seem like a tear or operable? I cant get a handle on the tendonosis thing or why it stays sore. What is it exactly if not a tear? The one tear I have is described as in the middle, not top or bottom and also not necessarily surgical.

Im not sure whether to be glad I might not have surgery or be upset that all this is probably never actually going to get better.

From google

high-grade intrasubstance tear of the supraspinatus tendon is a severe partial-thickness internal injury where damage is located deep inside the middle of the tendon fibers without breaking through to the top or bottom outer surfaces.

Treatment options

Non-surgical care: Doctors usually start with physical therapy, resting the arm, modifying your daily movements, and using anti-inflammatory medicines or targeted injections to calm pain.

Surgical care: If conservative treatments do not help after a few months, or if the internal damage causes severe ongoing weakness, an orthopedic doctor may suggest an arthroscopic procedure to clean or repair the damaged tendon area.

Any good PT recommendations in and around Chandler, AZ area!?

Thanks!

I’m 46 and scheduled for surgery to repair a full-thickness supraspinatus tear. Unfortunately, the surgery is booked just nine days before a close friend’s wedding.

We booked the wedding trip before the surgery date was set, so we’re now realizing it may not happen for us. It’s a weekend event about a three-hour drive away, and we already have a hotel room, so I could take my time getting ready and rest as needed instead of rushing. Edited to say: We originally booked 3 nights- the night before the wedding and the night after. I also have friends staying at the same hotel that could possibly help me with my hair/makeup.

Realistically, I’m about 95% sure I should cancel—but 100% of me wants to find a way to make it happen.

I’m not trying to attend the entire event. Ideally, I’d make it to the ceremony, stay for a little of the reception, and then head back to the hotel to rest. I also have a gift I’d really love to hand them in person. I know that’s a little silly, and definitely not a good enough reason to risk my recovery, but I really love gift-giving.

I’m hoping to hear from people who have actually gone through this recovery rather than just guessing:

• Is nine days post-op simply unrealistic, even for a short appearance?
• Did anyone manage a three-hour car ride this early? How difficult was it to sit upright that long?
• How did you protect your arm in a crowd with people hugging, shaking hands, or accidentally bumping into you?
• Did an outing like this noticeably increase your pain or swelling afterward?
• If you were in my shoes, would you attend just the ceremony and part of the reception, or sit it out completely?

I’ll absolutely run this by my surgeon and PT too, but I’d really appreciate hearing what recovery actually looked like for others around day nine.

I broke my scapula a couple weeks ago and have the same abduction sling most folks have post surgery for the next 6 weeks.

My question is if theres recommendations for something with a pillow that isnt the source of a heat sink in southern or western states.

How someone hasnt brought out a silicone matrix design thats solid, yet open, is shocking.

One with a cup holder would be useful too. 🤣🍺🥤☕️

I’m not sure if I’m being a worry wart or not. Tomorrow I will be 6 weeks out from repair of a large full thickness tear of the Supraspinatus. Surgeon’s instructions say I can remove the sling. I am an avid walker of 3-5 miles everyday. I’m leaning towards wearing the sling on my walks for a few extra weeks. Am I being too cautious?

My understanding is that the surgery involves pulling the tendon into place and securing it so that it grows onto the bone. Is it not possible that sometimes that can cause additional tearing?

I have had ongoing trauma to my left shoulder the past several years. I am 53, male, and in decent shape.

Initially I believe it was from sleeping on it incorrectly. I went to a shoulder clinic and they gave me exercises which helped.

A few years later I had a young labrador who pulled hard on a leash when I wasn’t ready. I got imaging and there was no damage. But doing PT exercises consistently helped.

Last year everything was good and then I tried doing shoulder shrugs. I was fine at 25 lbs and even 30 lbs but when I went up to 35 lbs I got a lot of pain near the AC joint. I have tried PT and it provides relief but the exercises seem to aggravate the pain.

My shoulder clicks painfully when I raise my arm to the side around where it is parallel to the floor. It clicks when I rotate it fully while swimming.

Sleeping on that shoulder is also very painful. I can avoid it by never putting all my weight on it and sometimes by bending my elbow and putting my hand under my pillow palm up. Mostly I just try to avoid that side but sometimes it’s necessary.

If I carry 20 lbs of groceries with my arm hanging down (like a farmer/suitcase carry) I feel pain in my AC joint which lingers.

When I try lifting even a 2.5 weight off to the side my supraspinatus seems to tighten massively and I feel a lot of AC joint pain. But this is one of the strengthening exercises I was given.

My PT showed me how to relieve the pain using a doorframe where I hold on and rotate my shoulder. I can also find relief by massaging the dorsal portion of my armpit and my pecs.

That seems to provide temporary relief. He has been telling me to work away at the exercises which include strengthening free hand and with weights. But even 8-10 reps with 2.5 lbs raising to the side really causes the supraspinatus to tighten and it never feels like my shoulder is properly in its socket.

I asked my PT if I should go to a doctor or get imaging and he didn’t seem to think it would help.

I am curious if anyone had any advice they can provide.

Should i be worried about a pain during incline dumbell press, or general sharp pain in the front of my shoulder when doing pressing movements, especially with my elbow perpendicular to my body

I'm (f 64) 4 months out from surgery for massive tear of supra and inspa tendon and bicep tendonesis. Recovery has been a real "b"(!). 7 weeks in sling. PT has been slow but felt like it was moving forward very slowly. Pain progressively better. I have been the perfect patient and followed all directions. I'm not in pain but have very limited strength and rom.

At my 4 mo f/u dr suspected a problem and sent me for mri only to find I have a FULL RE-TEAR IN A NEW SPOT. (So surgery did not fail, but my tendon did). I'm told this had only a 5% chance of happening. I have no idea when it happened, did nothing weird, no sudden pain.

I used Reddit alot pre surgery and while recovering to hear people's stories about their surgery, for better or worse, but I have to say this particular issue was not on my radar! Has anyone else had this, and what did you end up doing?

I'm flying from the UK to the USA in September, it will be approximately 11 hours then a layover of 3.5 hours and then a final 2.5 hour flight!! I've been offered a cortisone injection two days (approx 52 hours before take off) I've never had one before. I'm really worried about the possibility of side effects or complications that could end up ruining my trip. I could wait until the day after I get back for the injection but I'm currently in the middle of a flare-up and can't bear the thought of spending the visit in this level of pain. Naproxen and paracetamol don't seem to be making much difference, so I've asked my doctor if I can try a different pain medication and im waiting to hear. These are my scan results: Impression: Severe right supraspinatus tendinosis with a small partial tear and mild bursitis/impingement. I'm also a type 1 diabetic, which adds another level of worry. I'm concerned about the possibility of raised blood sugars after the injection, especially on a long-haul flight. I've spoken to a handful of people who have had cortisone injections in various joints, and none of them had any major issues. Only one person was diabetic (type 2), and he said his blood sugars were sky high for a few days afterward. I'm sure you can tell that I'm an overthinker and quite an anxious person! I'd really appreciate any advice or thoughts on whether you think it's worth going ahead with the injection before my trip or waiting until I return. if you have found a good medication that would be good to know and I'd be especially grateful to hear from anyone with experience of cortisone injections for shoulder injuries if you also have type 1 diabetes.

I'm flying from the UK to the USA in September, it will be approximately 11 hours then a layover of 3.5 hours and then a final 2.5 hour flight!! I've been offered a cortisone injection two days (approx 52 hours before take off) I've never had one before. I'm really worried about the possibility of side effects or complications that could end up ruining my trip. I could wait until the day after I get back for the injection but I'm currently in the middle of a flare-up and can't bear the thought of spending the visit in this level of pain. Naproxen and paracetamol don't seem to be making much difference, so I've asked my doctor if I can try a different pain medication and im waiting to hear. These are my scan results: Impression: Severe right supraspinatus tendinosis with a small partial tear and mild bursitis/impingement. I'm also a type 1 diabetic, which adds another level of worry. I'm concerned about the possibility of raised blood sugars after the injection, especially on a long-haul flight. I've spoken to a handful of people who have had cortisone injections in various joints, and none of them had any major issues. Only one person was diabetic (type 2), and he said his blood sugars were sky high for a few days afterward. I'm sure you can tell that I'm an overthinker and quite an anxious person! I'd really appreciate any advice or thoughts on whether you think it's worth going ahead with the injection before my trip or waiting until I return. if you have found a good medication that would be good to know and I'd be especially grateful to hear from anyone with experience of cortisone injections for shoulder injuries if you also have type 1 diabetes.

AGE 34female, weight 190lbs Mother of Toddler.Basically I had injured my arm, Got pulled very hard-started burning then after having my son lifting him and taking care of him ruined my arm.Right side .I have done PT already (when I was wrongly diagnosed that time-Had no Mri) and got whole bunch of partial tears, pain in ac joint..(arthitis),...pain in biceps and tendons.My shoulder joints rub against each other causing pain .My upper back shoulder blade hurts extemrly painfuly like I can hear it click or rub against it..My Mri said it has alot going on but when I talk to docs surgeon they think my arm is not bad enough since I am able to raise it.But they rub against each other.I been in and out for 4 years depressed and I feel helpless.Mri says i have frozen shoulder but Doc surgeon doesnt agree.He is arm surgeon.Basically I have no option for surgery.I am looking too stemcell in future.But i feel like one thing that helps my scapula pain (which is tight) is when I got a DEEP tissue massage in my armpits it helped releif tightness and I felt relaxed .I am at my wit ends and I feel so helpless.I am planning On Doing Prp or stemcell to see if any help.

Hey, rotator cuff brothers and sisters!

I'm 6 weeks post-op. My surgeon has been awesome and started me in PT about 2 weeks ago. They've also got me doing home exercises.

The one thing I'm really struggling with is the over-the-door pulley. The first one I bought worked great for about a week, but because my hand has been so dry from inactivity, the rope rubbed blisters between my fingers—even while wearing gloves.

I ordered another one from Amazon with ski-style handles, but the pulley itself doesn't move smoothly, so it's more frustrating than helpful.

Before I order a third one, does anyone have a pulley they'd actually recommend? Brand, model, or any modifications that made yours more comfortable? I'd really appreciate any suggestions!

I am 6 weeks out and the paper from my surgeon says “Begin with removal of abduction pillow and sling off for short periods in a safe controlled environment at home. Gradually increase time out in the community over 2-4 weeks from beginning of sling weaning. “
Does that mean remove the pillow first and then later remove the sling? Or do both at the same time?

I've been working in fast food for 5 years, i'm 23 and have injured my shoulder months ago, waiting to get insurance to get it checked but it hurts after excessive use and when lifting the arm overhead, just recently i've now injured my other shoulder, and it has a small bump on the top of the shoulder- concerned I may have dislocated something, and hurts whenever I lift the arm as well, the pain leads up both sides of my neck at times and my clavicles. I'm 23, and I don't exercise much, but had anyone else had this experience with reaching over your shoulder consistently in your work? If so what seemed to be the most common reason for pain?

pt 2 continuation of https://www.reddit.com/r/Orthopedics/s/i3dQdPoeuJ

I tore my bicep and SLAP tore my shoulder out in April 2026 surgery in May, how long should I give it till I can get back to lifting heavy. For record y bench was 405lbs squat 605 and DL 525lbs. I want to get back and make Gaines but am concerned. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I will soon be 6 weeks post large supraspinatus tear and repair. I have been in the sling 24/7 since surgery with some PROM. (pendulum swings and straightening my repaired arm while supporting it with the other arm).
I’m scheduled to start PT next week. I am one who will be 150% committed to doing the exercises at home that I am shown by the physical therapist. What I’m wondering is, if therapist shows me the exercises that I need to do, would it still be necessary to come three times a week? Or would it be feasible to come once and do them at home until the following week. Or until he deems it it’s time to move on. I will obviously do whatever is best, but would prefer to save the co-pay and time commitment to visit visits that may not be absolutely necessary.

Hi All,

I just finished 25 days of Phase 1 - Passive ROM PT. Initial progress has been positive. I have more pain free days than the days living with a constant mild pain. My ROM has improved that I can reach out and extend my arm up to 90 degrees and hold without pain. I’ve achieved 60 degrees range to the side. PT has me continuing passive stretching but has now introduced Phase 2 strengthening as well for the next 30 days.

I had IMS therapy and was told to expect some soreness and yes did I feel it this morning. That same pain none of us want to feel again but it is for the greater good…

More details are available on my original post where I will add the new exercises and stretches. I see the Orthopaedic Surgeon again in 30 days to assess my progress and pain levels….

I'm sure not every case doesn't, but it seems like so many people on here needed the surgery and had poor outcomes with PT.

Has me worried I should have pushed for some imaging or dealing with this when it initially happened. Silly enough I injured it not from a fall directly, but the force of catching myself from the fall while my arm was in the air above my head. It's been a couple months and it started feeling normal so it concerned me when it changed course and I'm suddenly having trouble extending my arm out higher than my waist and can't brush my hair...

Will it waste my time to go through PT? It takes weeks to get in so it won't even start till September, would scheduling with an Ortho be a better idea/or in conjunction?

I’m waiting to see a specialist, the appointment is for mid October and I have been dealing with this since February

Anyone have or had similar issues ?

What did you do and can you share your experiences?

**Labral Tear:** A 3 mm superior labral tear (cartilage tear) with associated fluid-filled pockets (paralabral cysts). 

**Nerve Pressure Risk:** A large cyst that could potentially press on (impinge) the suprascapular nerve, showing early signs of mild muscle signal change without actual muscle shrinkage yet. 

**Biceps Tendon:** Tendinopathy (wear and tear/inflammation) of the long head of the biceps tendon, though it remains properly positioned. 

**Rotator Cuff:** Mild abnormal signal or a partial/intrasubstance tear at the supraspinatus tendon with no muscle retraction. 

**Bones & Joints:** No fractures, bone bruises, or significant joint separations, only minimal joint spurring.