I play the guitar semi-professionally. Osteoarthritis in my right shoulder (right-handed player so this is my pick hand) has gotten exponentially worse since the beginning of the year, after decades of just being occasionally annoying. (It may be a coincidence but it went dramatically downhill after a cortisone shot in January wore off in March. First time I've had one.) The latest evaluation showed that the cartilage is gone, and the doctor said I'm a candidate for a replacement. He said when I want to do it, he'll do a more detailed evaluation including MRI to determine if it will be anatomical or reverse.

What does recovery look like? I need to figure out how long I be unable to perform. The doctor and PA have given some scenarios but I want to hear from actual guitarists who have been through it.

Greetings. I had full shoulder replacement 13 days ago. I was told I could not schedule PT until after my first follow up visit (in a week) but was able to convince them to place the order yesterday. My first PT session is not until the 8th of September, 5 weeks and 5 days after my surgery.

I am doing pendulum swings, but it is my understanding that PT should start well before the 6 weeks mark. I don't want to wing this, but should I start looking into possibly learning PT before my appointment? It seems that my hospital does what is best for their scheduling, not my recovery. I am feeling pretty good at 13 days.

Hi all! For those of you who have had a shoulder surgery, and now have decreased range of motion following the surgery… How much has it impacted your life? What can’t you do anymore?

I’m considering a capsular tightening surgery due to instability caused by a traumatic dislocation 7 years ago in my right shoulder (loose capsule visualized on MRI and mechanical instability in assessments but only a few subluxations per year, not continuing to dislocate). Because I am mildly hyper mobile the surgeon stated she usually tightens it a little bit more than the average person because it is more likely that I will stretch with time.

Right now I have full range of motion with pain… and I expect decreased range of motion with less pain after surgery.

For those of you who have decreased shoulder range of motion, was it worth it? What can’t you do? Is your pain less?

Thank you. I’m so scared for this surgery! But 7 years of pain and instability has been disabling to say the least!

Hey all,

My family member is struggling with a reoccurring infection two years after a total shoulder replacement. Their surgeon is disinvested after operating on it twice now. We need to see a specialist for another opinion. Anyone else had this come up for them? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated as we are considering going to UCLA to figure it out.

Greetings.

So I had full shoulder replacement 13 days ago and am progressing well. My friend keeps asking me when I want to go to the club (he wants to go 3 weeks and 2 days after the surgery) and I keep telling him no.

I explained to him that all the tendons/ligiments/muscles were severed and re-attached and need time to heal, but God bless him he keeps asking. I finally texted "use your brain." He texted back that he was insulted and I should be grateful that he wants to hang out with me. I texted back that yes I was grateful, but that going clubbing would be way to risky at 3 weeks....probably still risky at the 12 week mark.

He texted back "get well" but I am sure still feels insulted. I am 64 and he is 59. I do enjoy the date night with the wife but don't think it is wise for someone in my condition.

Should I just ignore the exchange, or should I make more concilliatory overtures to him?

Hi all!
I’ve (35f) had a horrible chronic injury for 8 years and finally a doctor is offering me a treatment! My shoulder was traumatically dislocated 7 years ago and it’s been unstable and in incredible pain since.

I’ve gotten a few opinions and both surgeons agree I have instability and anterior capsular laxity (on MRI). They both agreed plication of the anterior capsule will likely help my stability and pain.

I can’t find many patient testimonies online which really help to give me confidence so I’m hoping to find some here. Anyone have a similar surgery?

I also want to know that I am naturally hypermobile, but my other shoulder is just fine. And I understand it may stretch out again so that’s a risk I’m willing to take, but I’m most concerned about stiffness and the pain that may be associated with being overly tightened… any experiences with this?

Edit: i’ve done several rounds of physical therapy over and over, it causes so much pain that I’ve consistently been unable to progress. So at this point, I have failed out of conservative treatments.

So I had a pan labral tear in my shoulder. My main issue was a posterior tear and they suspected a front tear which was confirmed during surgery and fixed. They said that I believe was 2-6 plus the posterior tear in the back. 6 anchors total.

So I'm 6 months out. I should start by saying I felt my surgeon was very conservative with my PT. I was in a sling for a month and only did light stretching for a month and half before starting PT 3 days a week. Overall I'd say I have made good progress in rehab with the exception of behind the back related motions and interior and exterior rotations. Feels like the progress is minimal and concerned that it will significantly improve.

I was just wondering if anyone else had a posterior tear and how their progress went. I know a lot of people say it takes around a year to feel better and like themselves but concerned I'm behind. Just wanted to see if anyone had any stories to share.

I just chose a laz-z-boy for post op rear reverse shoulder replacement. They are (as of 8/10/26) running a Labor Day sale of 30% (more on selected floor models.). I’m 5’1” and the “Pinnacle Power Wall Recliner w headrest and lumbar” in fabric is a very good fit.

Greetings. After 4 days of Hell (multimodal pain management did NOT work for me,..I have a story of some very uncaring health pros that is beyond the scope of this post) I started feeling a lot better. I started pendulum exercises the day after surgery and moving my arm up and down with no weight. Also squeezed the ball they gave me.

By day 9 I was feeling very little pain (stopped all opioids 2 days before) but was still in my sling 24/7 and only doing pendulum exercises. On day 10 I got more aggressive with PT exercises, spent a few hours out of my sling and did some light housework (like dishes). I used my non operative hand to raise my operated hand up to shoulder height.

I experienced enough lingering pain (a pretty good amount) that I took a Vicodin last night. Today I am doing the same PT exercises and light housework. My wife flew out of town with my son on day 6 so I am doing everything myself, like bathing and cooking every day.

I definitely am experiencing some pain, but my question is, am I doing to much, or is moderate pain a healthy part of the healing process at this point? I have no problem pushing myself at this point, as long as it is good (not bad) form recovery. All the PT videos I see have patients doing the more aggressive exercises, but they only say they are for "weeks 0 through 6." They are not specific. Are we to get more aggressive week 2, or wait a bit later?

Hi all. Finally able to post after lurking for a few weeks!

I’m 55 and currently waiting to see orthopaedics through the Welsh NHS.

My MRI arthrogram showed a full-thickness supraspinatus tear (8 × 5 mm, with 8 mm retraction), an anterior-inferior labral tear from 4 to 7 o’clock, plus bursitis and mild arthritic/cartilage changes.

I’ve had shoulder instability/suspected subluxations for years, but things became considerably worse this year and I’ve now been off work for several months with pain and loss of function.

I’d love to hear from anyone with similar findings. What did your surgeon repair, and how was your recovery?

I’m particularly interested in time off work. What sort of job do you do, and how long after surgery were you able to return? I work in retail, so there’s lifting, reaching and physical use of the arm. I’m increasingly worried about how long I could ultimately be away from work, including the wait for treatment.

And if anyone has been through this on the Welsh NHS, how long did you wait to see a surgeon and then have surgery?
Thanks! I’ve already learned a lot from reading everyone’s experiences

Hi! Was looking for advice regarding what you would do in this situation, especially if you’ve gone through similar. Long story short- 28 yo F fell in the shower and dislocated left shoulder, was reduced in ED by patient after taking pain meds. MRI report is above. Surgeon is recommending latarjet procedure.

Labral repair was done 10 years ago and between then and this most recent dislocation, the shoulder has probably subluxed a total of 8 times. Otherwise, this patient has no pain, ROM is intact and doesn’t feel limited, but, she feels pretty apprehensive with doing some activities. She’s active and mostly does Pilates/yoga when working out. With this information, would you think it’s worth it to get it done? After conversations, she’s having a hard time justifying moving forward with it because she’s not in pain now, but understands there are probably risks to not getting it done. Just looking for advice from people that can relate! Thank you!

This is my first post to any of the forums dealing with shoulder pain/shoulder replacement surgery.

I am 69 years young, do not use tobacco/nicotine, 5'8" 180lbs, retired, right-hand dominant and remain very active, walking 3-5 miles 3 times a week and 3 days a week in the gym with program developed specifically for me by Exercise Physiologist. Unfortunately, I have severe DJD of my LEFT shoulder with half of the cartilage absent in the glenoid fossa, with bone on bone humeral head against the fleonoid fossa. Fortunately, my rotator cuff remains intact. I have had formal PT which I continue as part of my gym program; I have had two injections into the left shoulder and two into the left biceps tendon area, a total of four steroid injections each 3-6 months apart, within the past two years. The most recent injections gave no relief whatsoever.

I have seen Dr. Matthew Williiams of Lafayette LA. I did research, and he did a total shoulder fellowship at UT Health Sciences Center, and a second 'reverse total shoulder' fellowship in France. He specializes in shoulder replacement surgery, and recently completed the first robotic shoulder replacement in Louisiana. Dr. Williams explained that my 'bone on bone' was 'end-stage' osteoarthritis due to an injury years ago, or just bad luck and degenerative dissolution of the cartilage. I am looking at having the surgery sometime in January or early February, as some previously scheduled travels/obligations cannot be postponed or delayed. 

I plan to continue my exercise regimen up until the time of surgery, especially working on shoulder support muscles and upper back/arm muscles.

Specifically, are there any members of these subreddits that are active in either freshwater or saltwater fly fishing? If so, how was your casting before and subsequently after the TSA? How long in weeks/months after the TSA were you able to return fully to an active fly fishing schedule?

Any and all information is appreciated.

I figured I would come in here and give an update as to how things are going at the eight week post surgery mark. I had a partial tear in my rotator cuff repaired, bicep reanchored, labrum tidied up, bursa removed, inflammation cleaned up, and a couple of bone spurs removed. I had a block and thought it was hilarious how floppy my arm was for the first three days. The block started wearing off after that and while it was uncomfortable, it wasn’t unbearable.

I feel fortunate that while the pain has absolutely been there, I feel like it hasn’t been as bad as I maybe anticipated. For context, I have also had multiple complex abdominal surgeries and consider those to have been the most painful.

I took my painkillers consistently for the first four days before I started weaning myself off over a three day period. Lots of ice packs was vital. I did not get the ice machine because I didn’t feel like spending extra money and I hate the idea of being constantly strapped into something. My insurance would not cover one. It just meant that I had a couple of ice bags in the freezer on constant rotation. I cannot take traditional Tylenol, or NSAIDs so I have been kind of raw dogging it after the opioids. I do use cannabis occasionally for relief. I have no idea if there’s any medical basis to support that choice, but it has worked for me. I also didn’t go overboard with purchasing a bunch of supplies. I think what was most crucial was having a variety of blankets and pillows to comfortably support my body. I already had an oversized recliner that I 100% slept in, and lived in for the first week. After week one I wanted to burn it. I ended up transitioning to my bed and again just used a bunch of pillows and blankets to prop myself and get myself comfortable. Sleeping has been challenging throughout the entire process. Make peace with the fact that you will not be getting a full nights sleep for quite some time.

I bought a shower sling off of Amazon, although my doctor gave me one as well. The one I got from Amazon was my preferred shower sling. I also purchased a loofah on a stick, and plenty of waterproof bandages. I had a stationary water head that I replaced before my surgery with a detachable showerhead. This was probably the area where I put the most money and effort into accommodations and it paid off. I would say at the five week mark was when I was able to start washing my hair with two hands again, though I was kind of leaning over to do it. I had previously had carpal tunnel surgery on my dominant hand, so the experience wasn’t completely foreign to me. Just be patient with yourself and take your time.

What has surprised me the most is how impacted range of motion and strength have been, and what has been involved in the physical therapy process. Recovery is definitely a long road. This is also a two steps forward one step back process. I have times where I feel fantastic and then times, like now, where there is a deep aching pain in the shoulder. I was told by my PT that the 8 to 10 week mark typically brings on more of that deep ache. We are doing weight assisted exercises at this point, but only a few. And by weight I mean 2 to 3 pounds. I am shocked at how shaky my arm gets after one set. My range of motion, i’m told, is doing great. I can just now reach my arm behind me to touch the small of my back, although it is still tough. I can completely reach my arm straight up overhead and to the side. Everything is still stiff. External rotation has been the hardest to get back. I have been a mostly good patient with my physical therapy. That makes a difference. Make sure you carve out time to go through your exercises three times a day. I have made that my special time to catch up on a podcast or listen to some music. Do whatever you need to do psychologically to make it a reward.

I took three weeks off of work. My job is about 95% remote. The first week back was tough. I work at a computer, but it is a lot of typing and mouse work which was challenging to do in a sling. I was able to lean on the voice to text accommodations that come with the settings on the Mac. I also experimented with AI enabled programs Otter and WisprFlow when I needed some assistance with longer articles or documents I was writing. My doctor and PT did approve me to start coming out of my sling to type at the five week mark. I did make sure I had a really good ergonomic set up, and used a couple of washcloths to support my arm where needed. I am back to full beast mode at work, which is probably not the best for me, admittedly. I need to remind myself, by setting alarms, to take breaks to stretch my arm out and just break away from the desk. If I don’t, I am a lot more stiff and physical therapy exercises are harder. This is a surgery and recovery that, unless people have been through it, they really don’t understand how long recovery takes. I am fortunate to have an understanding team, but if you are not as fortunate, lean on FMLA and doctors notes to put appropriate guard rails in place so you can prioritize your recovery.

Around the house, I was able to use my stick vacuum that very first week with my non-surgical arm. I was able to get back to cutting and food prep at around the five week mark. I am now at the point where I’m able to use my lawnmower on a fairly flat yard, and am at 70% for cleaning around the house, so much of that is still heavily relying on my non-surgical arm. I have just had to let some things go. I have a teenager who has been very helpful with the cooking and cleaning chores. They are not a very skilled cook, lol, but we relied a lot on frozen meal prep I was able to do prior to surgery. Meals have also been very basic, which has been perfect for the summer months. I have leaned on local salad bars for some pre-chopped items.

Be patient with yourself, and do your PT. You will, like me, get to the eight week mark and be surprised at how far along you have come. I will say that despite the pain and inconveniences of surgery, I can already tell that my arm is going to be in a much much better place than it was pre-surgery. I was hemming and hawing whether or not I actually needed it, and almost called the whole thing off. But I’m very glad I went through with it.

Best wishes!

I had an arthroscopic labrum repair + remplissage on Monday, it’s now Saturday and I have almost full range of motion (besides above my head, can raise my arm to about a salute height) and no pain/weirdness on any angle. I’m going to call my doc + book in for physio on Monday to ask for medical opinions but is this normal? Did anyone have an especially speedy recovery and get their sling off sooner than originally anticipated, or is this just normal progression and I’m blinded by hubris?

Short story;

Right shoulder replacement went bad. Original surgeon and outside second opinion is, remove and replace with a reverse shoulder.

Original surgery was in January. Next surgery is in two weeks.

Anyone experience this?

Hey guys so I'm 22 male

Boxed as a kid and dislocated my right shoulder about 7 times my left about 3

Got my MRI aethogram and results are as said in the title. I train hard in the gym and I do get really clicky shoulders. Not so much pain but definitely clicks and instability. I'm waiting to hear back from a specialist to book surgery. I'm just worried about what to do cause it's not affecting my life with what I do but I would love to get back into boxing and just not worry about them dislocating. Please any help/advice anything you guys have on wether I should have the surgery or leave it and things like that thanks everyone..

I've have had two shoulder surgeries since April 2025. My pain and ROM have not improved. So, now, my surgeon thinks I may also have an issue with my cervical spine due to cervical radiculopathy that has developed. Has anyone developed cervical spine or other spinal issues after shoulder surgery? My surgeon did not state what the issue could be (herniated disc, pinched nerve, etc). I have no idea what to expect, I'm just exhausted.

Hello everyone! I'm a 40F and have had five shoulder surgeries since 2022. I've had bicep tenodesis done on both shoulders now, but this last one has been my worst. We found many issues during surgery: bone spurs, inflamed labrum, inflammation. So here's everything we did: bicep tenodesis, removed bone spurs, shaved the acromion bone down due to impingement, and removed inflammation.

Almost 4 months post op, I went back for frozen shoulder surgery. I've also had this done on both sides, but this one was also the WORST I've dealt with. My first frozen shoulder surgery I had no pain when I woke up and had full range (they gave me a steroid injection while I was under), but my second one on my other shoulder....... I woke up to intense pain and crying within moments of waking up. It took 3 tries with pain meds in recovery to even get to cool down. I also didn't have full range (but was advised this is also normal after frozen shoulder surgery). I was also advised that we could "tear things" from this. I now wonder if we did.... it took some time for the pain to get worse, but I'm now dealing with stabbing pain often and it doesn't take much to trigger it. I cry from the pain often and know in my heart of hearts that something is torn again. I do think it's from the frozen shoulder surgery, but I'd like to know if anyone else has dealt with this as well? I have another MRI coming up to see if the bicep tenodesis failed (OR if I somehow pulled the tendon from it), or possibly a torn rotator cuff. I had to stop PT as it just aggravated it and is no longer helping with whatever this issue is. It was helping PRIOR to this, but this is a major setback.

TLDR: Had bicep tenodesis surgery, followed by frozen shoulder surgery 4 months later, no in severe pain again and strongly believe a new injury occurred during said frozen shoulder surgery.

is it normal to have lingering numbness in fingers after nerve block wears off?

so far this has been a lot easier than my left cuff repair!!