Labrum/shoulder surgery.

Hi all,

I had shoulder surgery before Christmas for a slap tear, cysts and bone spurs. All went well and I'm recovering well. My question is about how long does it take to get back into a ski if physical therapy and alternate training go well?

The Dr. tells me running is around 12 weeks post surgery, swimming ranges 16-20 weeks but not being a paddler he throws out silly ranges from 6-9months. Strangely I'm not worried really worried about about the paddling it's a remount.

Any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

-Mark

Injuries always seem to take longer to rehabilitate than you would hope. Get a shorter paddle to reduce the load, and paddle with a friend who can help you carry your craft and remount.

I had major shoulder surgery including pegging 75% of the labrum back to the bone. The surgeon, a shoulder specialist, said rehabilitation of soft tissue can begin within a week. The labrum needs up to a year to reach full attachment strength to the bone, so high-stress activity and full range of motion cannot begin until then. I had to wait for about ten months before returning to work and sport.
In the interim, I was lucky to have a very good sports rehabilitation physiotherapist. Looking back, I think the best advice I had was to begin rehab. patiently and slowly.
If, by pushing too hard and too soon, your labrum may tear again. That would be a mess.
My surgery was done fourteen years ago at age 58. I still paddle a bit.

Supsherpa, been there a few times with couple of shoulder reconstructions, bicycle and motorcycle misadventures mainly. Worst was slow-speed over-the bonnet of a car turning in front of me resulting in ruptured supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons, ruptured bicep and glenoidal labrum tear. Insurance covered me for significant rehab after the op which had me doing very little else physically other rehab for 3-6 months. I was doing triathlons at the time so that buggered me around a bit.

Of relevance to you and your question, although our injuries may differ a bit, I was told I would never have more than about 130 degree vertical arm movement and never be able to lift more than 15kg LHS. Well after relentless rehab, a year officially but well beyond that personally, I have almost vertical rotation and probably 85-90% strength back. I am weaker on that side but it barely compromises anything I do (apart from drunken wrestling - don't do it!).

One thing that made a significant difference for me was an intensive weight rehab program I did for three months 3-4 times a week both upper and lower body in tandem with good physio advice and top-shelf masseur for about year (yes thank God for insurance). Invaluable that strength conditioning bit by bit bringing your body back. Also did lots of stretching and own rehab. Perseverance pays.

Answer to pushing too hard is your body will let you know, but go softly softly to start off with. That's where lots of strength conditioning comes in, physically supporting that most complex joint in your body. You also need to be ever aware of proper technique (paddling, swimming, even running), tucking that scapular in to avoid impingement. Bone, ligaments, tendons, cartilage - everything that is your shoulder capsule - takes good time to heal. You'll come back no worries though!

Good luck, but more good management and she'll be apples!