Anybody had rotator cuff surgery? How long did it take for you to get back to shooting? Did you have to put pads on your rifles and shotguns to reduce the recoil? I am 7.5 weeks past surgery and still am not allowed to pick up more than 1-2 pounds. Any info would be appreciated.
Rotator cuff surgery
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mc5aw
Member
I had mine roughly eight weeks ago in my dominant shoulder. Full scope to remove a calcium deposit and bursa sac. I started getting mobility back after six weeks, but not a lot. There's still a considerable amount of discomfort, and I'm up to 50% range of motion from normal. I'm going to try to shoot IDPA this weekend as I can raise a pistol up enough to get a decent sight picture ... the main problem will be endurance. My arm has been idle for so long, most of the bicep/deltoid muscle has atrophied and there is minimal strength. I wanted to get to the range earlier, but my body did not cooperate.
I don't think shooting any long gun with modest recoil is a good idea. At least not until the surgery related pain subsides. I plan on using a pad of some sort, maybe more than is found in a shooting vest, and will start with a 9mm carbine and work up to an AR. Anything heavier will have to wait. I'm hopeful that in another few weeks I'll be ready. Good luck!
I don't think shooting any long gun with modest recoil is a good idea. At least not until the surgery related pain subsides. I plan on using a pad of some sort, maybe more than is found in a shooting vest, and will start with a 9mm carbine and work up to an AR. Anything heavier will have to wait. I'm hopeful that in another few weeks I'll be ready. Good luck!
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Buckey08
Member
Had it done in 1987, was off work 11 weeks. It was my left shoulder and being left handed it put a real crimp in my life. At the time I thought it was the most painful thing that could happen to a person, Little did I know that 30 plus years in the future I'd find out about Knee replacement! Man, was I a sissy back then.
Straightshooter2
US Veteran
I had an MRI in Sep., 2008 that showed a complete tear of the rotator cuff and had surgery in Oct. same year. During surgery, they found the tear was only partial but I also had a lot of calcium deposits under the bone that covers the shoulder joint, the joint itself was highly inflamed and there was a lot of ligament fraying. Along with repairing the rotator cuff, they also had to do a subacromial reduction or decompression. This means he scraped down the bone along with all the other work. What was supposed to be about a 45 minute surgery actually ended up much longer. For the first week, I said a lot of very un-Christian things about my doctor but THEN came physical therapy. The exercises, cold pack and electrical stimulation of the shoulder was great however the manipulation phase where the therapist moves your arm and shoulder into places and positions it doesn't want to go was something else. During these sessions I confessed to kidnapping the Lindbergh baby, being on the grassy knoll in Dallas in 1963 and told them where Jimmy Hoffa was buried. 
In all seriousness, it's only been this summer or almost four years that I really wanted to pull the trigger on anything with a lot of recoil. But then again, with mine he made one incision right where the but plate would rest against my shoulder.
CW
In all seriousness, it's only been this summer or almost four years that I really wanted to pull the trigger on anything with a lot of recoil. But then again, with mine he made one incision right where the but plate would rest against my shoulder.
CW
mstuhr
Member
Good luck
Hi Brick,
It has been 13 months for me. It was more painful than anything I have endured in 60 years of life including fusion/ back surgery.
I did shoot an 30-06 a few rounds this summer.
I used to be a fair bullseye shooter and doubt that I will ever be good at it again. I switched to left hand but get frustrated and try right handed from time to time. I'll keep working and trying but may never get back anywhere close to where I was.
The good news is I don't hurt anymore.
PPC and bowling pins shot two handed ? I don't feel like it has cost me anything. I shoot like I used to when I get two hands on a gun.
I have taken a couple of float trips and paddled 100 miles over a period of a week on four occasions starting last Sept without shoulder pain.
I think they gave me a strong, pain free shoulder but I lack the fine control I once had and don't have quite as much range overhead
Did yours hurt? MAN! The first several weeks were terrible.
I hope the worst is behind you.
Mike
Hi Brick,
It has been 13 months for me. It was more painful than anything I have endured in 60 years of life including fusion/ back surgery.
I did shoot an 30-06 a few rounds this summer.
I used to be a fair bullseye shooter and doubt that I will ever be good at it again. I switched to left hand but get frustrated and try right handed from time to time. I'll keep working and trying but may never get back anywhere close to where I was.
The good news is I don't hurt anymore.
PPC and bowling pins shot two handed ? I don't feel like it has cost me anything. I shoot like I used to when I get two hands on a gun.
I have taken a couple of float trips and paddled 100 miles over a period of a week on four occasions starting last Sept without shoulder pain.
I think they gave me a strong, pain free shoulder but I lack the fine control I once had and don't have quite as much range overhead
Did yours hurt? MAN! The first several weeks were terrible.
I hope the worst is behind you.
Mike
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Hey guys, you aren't making be feel any better!!
My wife is scheduled for rotator cuff replacement in Sept....she is a lovely lady but I'm seriously thinking about going to Calif to visit the daughter for about a year!!!!!!!
My wife is scheduled for rotator cuff replacement in Sept....she is a lovely lady but I'm seriously thinking about going to Calif to visit the daughter for about a year!!!!!!!
smitret
Member
Rotator cuff
8/10/11 motorcycle accident
9/19/11 major tear repair of cuff
Pain was 1-10 usually about 1 or 2.
Slept in recliner 1st 30 days with padded sling.
Therapy was tolerable except for one motion which caused me to threaten therapist life.
Getting strength back is tough.
Overhead is hardest. 5lb about my limit.
Reaching up to 3rd shelf in cupboard is doable.
Do your therapy at home.
Right hand is dominant, using left for IDPA is OK.
Been competing since April.
Good Luck
8/10/11 motorcycle accident
9/19/11 major tear repair of cuff
Pain was 1-10 usually about 1 or 2.
Slept in recliner 1st 30 days with padded sling.
Therapy was tolerable except for one motion which caused me to threaten therapist life.
Getting strength back is tough.
Overhead is hardest. 5lb about my limit.
Reaching up to 3rd shelf in cupboard is doable.
Do your therapy at home.
Right hand is dominant, using left for IDPA is OK.
Been competing since April.
Good Luck
Had the right arm done three years ago. Left arm two years ago. When the orthopedist and I were discussing the first operation I queried him about what it would do to my shooting. He countered by asking me what firearms I shot. He stated that the reason he wanted to know was so he could buy them cheaply from me after the operation.
As it turned out he didn't get any of them...
Didn't have too much pain from either time. On the first one I was off the strong pain meds in three days; second one in about five. Therapy started in a week after and usually had me gritting my teeth. If you don't laugh about it you will cry.
Being in that damned sling was the worst thing to me, followed closely by trying to get dressed. Buttoning shirts one-handed isn't much fun, either. On the plus side, it's a great chance to become ambidextrous.
My return to shooting was via a Ruger .22 auto pistol, and building up from there. As noted, it takes quite a while to recover real strength--probably a year plus. But you do get there in time. As for long guns, just getting the gun up and controlled was the issue for me. The biggest caliber I've shot since has been the 5.56 AR and that never bothered me at all. I used to shoot quite a bit of .30 caliber but the weight of the rifles and getting into position were getting harder even before that. However I wouldn't expect any recoil-related problems from them.
Apparently 30 years ago this surgery wasn't even an option and people just suffered with these injuries; so even with the inconveniences it imposes, it's a pretty good deal. I tend to be a bit careful as to what I do these days, but for the most part I almost forget I ever had it done.
Good luck.
As it turned out he didn't get any of them...
Didn't have too much pain from either time. On the first one I was off the strong pain meds in three days; second one in about five. Therapy started in a week after and usually had me gritting my teeth. If you don't laugh about it you will cry.
Being in that damned sling was the worst thing to me, followed closely by trying to get dressed. Buttoning shirts one-handed isn't much fun, either. On the plus side, it's a great chance to become ambidextrous.
My return to shooting was via a Ruger .22 auto pistol, and building up from there. As noted, it takes quite a while to recover real strength--probably a year plus. But you do get there in time. As for long guns, just getting the gun up and controlled was the issue for me. The biggest caliber I've shot since has been the 5.56 AR and that never bothered me at all. I used to shoot quite a bit of .30 caliber but the weight of the rifles and getting into position were getting harder even before that. However I wouldn't expect any recoil-related problems from them.
Apparently 30 years ago this surgery wasn't even an option and people just suffered with these injuries; so even with the inconveniences it imposes, it's a pretty good deal. I tend to be a bit careful as to what I do these days, but for the most part I almost forget I ever had it done.
Good luck.
I had my left shoulder done several years ago (I'm left handed.) When I finally decided to have it done, I couldn't lift a quart of milk into the refrigerator. The orthopedist told me that it would be a year before I was completely recovered. He was exactly right. The good news is that now that is stronger than ever.
Here is the best advice that I can give you...DO YOUR REHABILITATION EXERCISES! I did them religiously and I still do them three times a week. That is the secret with any orthopedic procedure. The rotator cuff surgery recovery was more extensive than I anticipated (sorry about that). For the first week or two back at home I slept in a recliner. I don't know if it is a common procedure or not but my orthopedist sent me home with an indwelling local anesthetic pump. It was a cigar box sized device that hung on my good shoulder and it gave a periodic anesthetic drip of lidocaine. That made it all endurable.
Good luck. It will get better---if you do your part---but DON'T RUSH IT.
Bob
I'll add that three months after my surgery I was supposed to re-qualify for my CHL Instructor Certification. There was no way that I could have completed that re-qualification so I had to let it lapse.
B.
Here is the best advice that I can give you...DO YOUR REHABILITATION EXERCISES! I did them religiously and I still do them three times a week. That is the secret with any orthopedic procedure. The rotator cuff surgery recovery was more extensive than I anticipated (sorry about that). For the first week or two back at home I slept in a recliner. I don't know if it is a common procedure or not but my orthopedist sent me home with an indwelling local anesthetic pump. It was a cigar box sized device that hung on my good shoulder and it gave a periodic anesthetic drip of lidocaine. That made it all endurable.
Good luck. It will get better---if you do your part---but DON'T RUSH IT.
Bob
I'll add that three months after my surgery I was supposed to re-qualify for my CHL Instructor Certification. There was no way that I could have completed that re-qualification so I had to let it lapse.
B.
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Ignatz
Member
I tore my rotator cuff in January of this year, but only had surgery 7 weeks ago. My ICORE and USPSA season this year is on hold. I'm hoping to start lightly shooting with my right arm in October. So far everythimg feels like its improving. I'm lucky I can target shoot left hand to pass time during my time off work.
As far as me ever shooting my M1 Garand right handed again....I'm not quite sure. My rotator cuff was re-attached "along with the other stuff they do...5 incisions on my shoulder.
I'm around 140 lbs and the M1 tended to beat me up a little bit by the end of a NRA service rifle match. At my point in life (57) I can't see me shooting another service rifle match with a 30-06. I have full confidence that I'll be back to action pistol next year.
As far as me ever shooting my M1 Garand right handed again....I'm not quite sure. My rotator cuff was re-attached "along with the other stuff they do...5 incisions on my shoulder.
I'm around 140 lbs and the M1 tended to beat me up a little bit by the end of a NRA service rifle match. At my point in life (57) I can't see me shooting another service rifle match with a 30-06. I have full confidence that I'll be back to action pistol next year.
I am doing my therapy both at home and at PT. I guess I am fortunate that my shoulder doesn't hurt (it is uncomfortable at PT). I can only pick up about a pound to pound and a half with my right arm. I go back to the doctor in three weeks to see what he says. It is just frustrating that I can't go out and shoot. I am getting better at dryfiring left handed than right handed. Oh well.
rebcussion
Member
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I'm in my third week after surgery on my left shoulder and I am left handed, but shoot right handed. Therapy is suppose to start this week if I can get the paperwork pushed through. I had a two centimeter tear in the rotator cuff on the outside of the shoulder, arthritis in the AC joint, a bone spur, and a badly frayed long head biceps tendon. All that was worked on. Pain was only bad for two days, but I must use a sling for four weeks, and cannot lift my arm over my shoulder for six weeks. And I too sleep in a recliner chair. Doc said it would be six months before I will have reasonable strength and range of motion in the shoulder. I can already use the left hand for minor things like eating, typing, etc, but no heavy stuff at all. The Doc said the keys to a fast recovery are to ice the shoulder five times a day and as another fellow mentioned do your therapy religiously. Good luck.
EQGuy
US Veteran
I had my left shoulder done 2/11 and my right shoulder done 5/15/12. My problem was bone spurs and small openings the tendons passed thru. After the last surgery the surgeon told me that every time I moved my shoulder it was like passing a cheese grater over my tendons. My surgeon does not want me shooting even a .22. As he puts it its not the recoil as much as the strain on the muscles holding up the gun. I see him again 9/22 and hope to get the all clear to at least shoot my 20Ga this waterfowl season.
I asked about physical therapy and his comment kind of surprised me. He said he did not want them to mess up his work. He had me doing the butterfly exercise 4 times a day for a duration of 5 to 10 minutes. After the surgery last year he told me to loose the sling as soon as possible. After the surgery I had this year I was told to wear the sling 24/7 for 1 month. After that I was to wear it when going out so that people would not want to shake my hand. Last years surgery was arthroscopic. The one this year required him to slice my shoulder open. I also slept in a recliner the first couple of weeks post surgery. Ice is also your friend. We are all different and not all rotator cull surgeries are the same. My suggestion is follow your Dr's orders and do not rush it as you want to heal and not have any problems in the future. Prior to this years surgery I was icing my right shoulder several times a day. Today I am pretty much pain free but still use the ice occasionally.
Now I am having problems with sciatica. An MRI a few weeks ago showed problems in the lumber spine area. I will be seeing a specialist to hear what my options are on the 20th. It is not fun to get old but it sure does beat the alternative.
OK Hog Shooter
Member
One word of advice. Do all of the exercises the therapist recommends... religiously. It WILL make a big difference! The only exercise l balked at was letting those sadomasochists push my arm behind my back and up towards my neck... l told them it wasn't like l had to undo a bra... so BACK OFF! ...not necessarily in those words... They backed off that particular exercise... 
Hog
They backed off that particular exercise... Hog
smitret
Member
Behind the back motion
Therapist let me do that myself at home.
Instead of going up, he had me pull across my back at the beltline with my good hand.
Everytime I did home therapy I did 10 reps as the last exercise.
Really helped with reaching wallet or hanky and putting belt
on if I was already wearing the trousers.
Good Luck
One word of advice. Do all of the exercises the therapist recommends... religiously. It WILL make a big difference! The only exercise l balked at was letting those sadomasochists push my arm behind my back and up towards my neck... l told them it wasn't like l had to undo a bra... so BACK OFF! ...not necessarily in those words...
Hog
Therapist let me do that myself at home.
Instead of going up, he had me pull across my back at the beltline with my good hand.
Everytime I did home therapy I did 10 reps as the last exercise.
Really helped with reaching wallet or hanky and putting belt
on if I was already wearing the trousers.
Good Luck
I haven't had any arm behind the back stuff yet. I need help tucking shirts in and I have to put my belt in the pants before I put them on. PT says I have good range of motion and have just started strengthening exercises. I forgot to put my sling back on before I left today so I am seeing what that is like.
Complete tear and total rebuild minus replacements. Most unpleasant surgery I've had and I've had many. Rehab was 4 days per week and lasted three months. That was after 6 weeks of sitting in the arm moving chair at home so it did not stiffen up. The should er is better than before but I would prefer never to have it again.
deralte
US Veteran
Had my rotator cuff tear some years ago and finally got around to seeing my surgeon last fall. He gave me 3 choices - 1. Total shoulder rebuild, 2. Do nothing. 3. Cut the bicep muscle connection. At 78 I wasn't about to consider 1 and the way it hurt I couldn't accept 2. I took 3 as my option and had the surgery in Nov. By the end of Feb I was back to shooting with no trouble and the pain had completely gone. My only problem is I can't raise my right arm so I hope some idiot doesn't tell me to put my hands up.
Stainz
Member
I tore my left, non dominant, shoulder in February. Finally saw the doc in March. After some X-rays, he suggested PT before the surgery, just in case... I finally gave in. Two months of PT and home excercises, and I could put my belt in my pants while wearing them - and reach as far above my head as I could pre-accident. The slight tinge of pain lessens as time goes on. I still don't shoot much over a rimfire revolver - but that's normal for this time of year - it's too stinking hot & humid!
If you haven't been cut on yet - ask for some PT to 'evaluate'... it could save you some pain. And - as has been said - do the excercises!
Stainz
If you haven't been cut on yet - ask for some PT to 'evaluate'... it could save you some pain. And - as has been said - do the excercises!
Stainz
BigBill
Absent Comrade
Both my shoulders need work. My knees need replacement too."both" But now for 15 years my lower back is killing me. I need an operation or stronger pain meds. Five surgeons told me i'm a high risk for an operation. So i may need to deal with it. As long as i can shoot and walk in the gun shop i'm ok.
BTW; I thought most of the pain is from my knees but the pain is shooting down from my back to my legs. I never noticed it till it got worse. I been thinking of getting acupuncture or seeing a caropractor. Before going under the knife which i don't want to do. Some how maybe after hunting season and the holidays. Sorry for the bad spelling you know what i mean.
BTW; I thought most of the pain is from my knees but the pain is shooting down from my back to my legs. I never noticed it till it got worse. I been thinking of getting acupuncture or seeing a caropractor. Before going under the knife which i don't want to do. Some how maybe after hunting season and the holidays. Sorry for the bad spelling you know what i mean.
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