Hi:Five weeks ago I had arthroscopic debridement of the bursa and acromioplasty done. The doctor said I have a slight tear of the rotator cuff from bone spurs (due to wear and tear over time) tearing at the muscle (he cleaned them up and said I’m good to go, do anything I want). I am now rehabbing and want to get back to surfing as soon as possible. I have pain if I push my stretching too far (sometimes sharp pain) not relieved by painkillers (i.e., vicodin es, ibuprofen, vioxx). Do you have any advice on how to speed up my recovery time? How long do you think it will take to recover fully so that I can surf? I’m 60 but in very good shape and was surfing consistently until the surgery. Thanks in advance for the help.
Patrick R.
ANSWER:
Hey Patrick,
Sounds like you are ‘jonsing’ a bit to get back into the water, which is totally understandable. But since you have taken the time to go through surgery and rehab, I would be as patient as possible before getting back in the water. You definitely don’t want to re-injure yourself or do anything that will set you back again. Believe me, I am telling you this based on personal experience and not listening to my body!!
In terms of recovery time, I really don’t have an answer for you since I have not seen your shoulder. I would consult my therapist on that. With regards to expediting your recovery time, I would suggest a bit of massage therapy from someone who is knowledgeable in the rehab/shoulder arena. I would also stick heavily with my PT regimen and continue with the good stretching. Over-stretching is a no-no. Let pain be your guide and if you have overdone it, back off a bit. Too much pain can slow down your recovery rate.
Once your range of motion improves, I would have your PT put you on a solid rotator cuff/upper body exercise program to strengthen your atrophied muscles. If you jump back into surfing prior to performing specific strengthening exercises, you may end up compensating and then re-injuring your shoulder. Swimming is not a bad substitute to surfing and a great way to work on your range of motion.
Good luck, Patrick. And remember, patience IS a virtue!!!
Hasta,
Beth(Posted 5-25-02)
Related posts:
