Anyone had a torn rotator cuff?

[DB]

Can you describe what it feels like? I got a twinge of pain in my right shoulder, just about the rotator cuff area, on Saturday, lifting a gas pressure washer into my truck and now it is killing me... particularly if I try to raise it over my head.

Any help appreciated ....



(hey... at least I didn't fall off a boat this time ... )

 

[Hall McClenahan]

Doug

It may be a torn Librium (sp?), Generally when the cuff it's self is torn there is a really ruff feel when rotating even with the arms hanging, The Librium keeps the joint from separating and any weight on arm attempts to pull the joint apart, pain was generally felt at lifting and full extension. A MRI will reveal which is the case. by the way the Librium is easy to fix but you will be out of service for about 10 weeks, the cuff is a monster..

 

[DB]

Figures .... I never do anything "half way" :glare:

Thanks Hall ...

 

[Hall McClenahan]

One good thing is if it is just the labrium it is done orthoscopically and usually a (in at 8am out by 2pm) procedure. Pretty minor stuff.

 

[Mountain Man]

DB, you really should use the left hand every now and then.

 

[KYLECODY]

If it was/is actually torn you would know it. I have pain in my rotator cuff,right shoulder, from years of lifting weights. When its aggravated it doesnt feel good when I raise it above my head though the severity comes and goes. From the sound of it I think youll be ok just let it heal..again if it were a true tear or rip there would be no question in your mind as to the extent of it. imho.

 

[George Hatch]

Lots of surfers have problems with rotator cuff injuries - comes from all the paddling we do. The repetitve nature of that one movement strengthens the muscles in the one direction, and because there's no balance in the development the other side just kind of lets go.

I had some problems with my left shoulder a couple months ago; I was quite concerned. As it turns out, there's lots of information on the web, including some exercises to work the different muscles. They say that most doctors recommend (for most cases) doing the exercises even if you're going to get the surgery, 'cause building them up prior to surgery helps the rehab. There's about 6 of the exercises and they don't involve weights.

In my case, I did the exercises for just a couple days before I started noticing the difference, and after a couple weeks my shoulder felt pretty good. Look around and try some of them out (gently) before you go asking an orthopod if they want to cut on you.

 

[DB]

DB, you really should use the left hand every now and then.

That's just it ... the left hand had the motor end and the right was just listing from the carriage ... but the right was in an oddball position and trying to counterbalance the left, and lifting at the same time ....

Thanks George .. I have read quite a bit and am fairly convinced that it isn't torn ... more like a bursititis and the excercises should help according to WebMD anyway ... if it isn't better in a couple of weeks, I may get it looked at ...

Thanks to all for the replies ...

 

[Michigander]

I had a small tear in one years ago (too much aikido) which was rehabbed through PT instead of surgery (same for a torn ACL for which I still wear a brace). It depends where the tear or strain is and how severe it is. I cannot put any downward pressure on my arm while it is lifted 45 deg or it "gives". I get a small "pop" in my cuff area and my arm gives out.

My brother had a really good tear and just had surgery and has been on rehab and off flying (he's a commercial pilot) for 3 months already. Depending on severity you might need to go for the surgery, but the only way to tell is with a visit to an orthopedic surgeon and an MRI as far as I know.

Good luck!

 

[Joker]

Call me later and I'll give you Jen's number. She should be able to help you out.