Torn rotator cuff

[jbil75]

Figured I’d post this here since I did it powerlifting. Pretty sure I tore my left rotator cuff last year overhead pressing. Finally went got MRI and xrays and it’s torn. Little more than 2mm. Not enough for surgery they said. My ins. Sucks and I already owe $2000 for the above. Said I can do rehab but I don’t wanna pay someone something I can do myself especially if it’s just a bunch of stretching. Anyone have any experience doing these? Thanks

Man that sucks and I’m sorry to hear. I’ve been fortunate so far but I’m dreading injury because I know it’s pretty much inevitable at my age of 45 lifting heavy. Prayers for a fast recovery and I’m pretty sure just about everyone’s insurance sucks nowadays. I had to pay a $500 copay for an MRI on my sons knee. I don’t even want to talk about the money involved after his surgery.

 

[4Figgy]

Figured I’d post this here since I did it powerlifting. Pretty sure I tore my left rotator cuff last year overhead pressing. Finally went got MRI and xrays and it’s torn. Little more than 2mm. Not enough for surgery they said. My ins. Sucks and I already owe $2000 for the above. Said I can do rehab but I don’t wanna pay someone something I can do myself especially if it’s just a bunch of stretching. Anyone have any experience doing these? Thanks

Had an L shaped tear that was fixed a year ago, and learned a lot about different fixes. What type of tear do you have and where is it located on the tendon?

 

[Dr JIM]

Although 90% of RTC tears involve the suprspinatus tendon, a 2mm tear does not warrant repair per se but the pathological process must be addressed, as extension is almost guaranteed in those who continue to lift, especially when shoulder impingement syndrome is the suspected cause.

And while surgery for impingement syndrome tends to be relatively straightforward with a couple week recovery, several months of rehab and a six month interval is required to for a complete RTC repair to become stable enough for "lifting heavy loads".

JIM

 

[Dr JIM]

It's important and unfortunate to note a large portion of those who sustain minor tears, which is often a result of impingement syndrome, wait for their symptoms (much of which are due to muscular spasm) to abate and continue to lift until an "oh no" event occurs.

The latter heralding the onset of a complete RTC or a SLAP tear all of which generally require surgery for optimal shoulder function.

And since combination of heavy lifting and anabolics does seem to increase the frequency of RTC injuries, running AAS during the healing phase is best avoided IMO.

JIM

 

[Nordic]

haha. Im one of those "waiters". Problem with most PLs is the wait till its broken before doing anything. And yes, anabolic usage and not easing into heavy lifts is also a huge factor.

Gay as it sounds but I never had issues with injuries when I was doing yoga 2x a week. Even during my college football days, yoga = little to no injuries. And older we get the more tight we are. Just bad habits built around body longevity maintenance vs lifting houses mentality. I'm trying to get back into yoga, and stretching more in general, but its tough to make priority.

 

[Gobuckeyes0122]

I’m not heavy lifting at all. Stretching, light dumbbells and cardio is all this guy is doing. No overhead movements of any type either

 

[Dr JIM]

QUOTE="Nordic, post: 2637127,

And older we get the more tight we are.

Yep and (exclusive of direct trauma eg contact sports) four factors increase the probability of shoulder instability and fragility, both of which predate a RTC tear —- Namely;

- Age > 40-45

- AAS esp when used to lift that which would not be accomplished naturally

- Overhead lifting

- Many forms of heavy lifting that stretch
the shoulder joint capsule.

Jim

 

[Gobuckeyes0122]

QUOTE="Nordic, post: 2637127,

And older we get the more tight we are.

Yep and (exclusive of direct trauma eg contact sports) four factors increase the probability of shoulder instability and fragility, both of which predate a RTC tear —- Namely;

- Age > 40-45

- AAS esp when used to lift that which would not be accomplished naturally

- Overhead lifting

- Many forms of heavy lifting that stretch
the shoulder joint capsule.

Jim

I’m 40 now and I was heavy overhead lifting.