Treatment FAQ

in post surgical treatment of a rotator cuff repair, overhead pulleys when to use

by Dolly Altenwerth Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

How do you use a pulley after rotator cuff surgery?

Hold the handles of the pulleys in both hands, and pull the handle on your non-painful side down. When you do this, the other hand will slowly rise up. Allow your shoulder and arm to move forward and up while keeping your elbow straight, and use the pulleys to lift your arm as far as possible.Jun 22, 2020

How long after rotator cuff surgery can you raise your arm above your head?

You should not do any reaching, lifting, pushing, or pulling with your shoulder during the first six weeks after surgery.

How long after rotator cuff surgery can you lift weights?

First, there are a few ground rules. You should not resume weight lifting until cleared by your doctor to do so. For rotator cuff repair patients this is often 4-6 months after surgery. Second, you should ask you doctor if you have any restrictions or recommended limitations.

How do you use a shoulder pulley?

Part of a video titled How to Use a Shoulder Pulley from RangeMaster - YouTube
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1:23
Use your healthy arm to pull down and elevate the impaired side go up and down as fast or slow asMoreUse your healthy arm to pull down and elevate the impaired side go up and down as fast or slow as comfortable keeping the affected arm completely relaxed and the shoulder blade. Down.

How long does it take to get full range of motion after shoulder surgery?

It takes 1 year to fully regain external rotation after small and medium tears, whereas mild residual stiffness remains after large tears. Full forward elevation is restored by 3 months for small tears vs 6 months for medium and large tears.

Why does my bicep hurt after rotator cuff surgery?

When the rotator cuff is torn, the humeral head is free to move too far up and forward in the shoulder socket and can impact the biceps tendon. The damage may begin to weaken the biceps tendon and cause it to become inflamed.

Can I do bicep curls after rotator cuff surgery?

Weightlifting Exercises After Shoulder Surgery

Some of the exercises that are generally safe after shoulder surgery include bicep curls, triceps pulldowns, and rotator cuff exercises.

Can I do push ups after shoulder surgery?

If you know that you have a rotator cuff problem, or even if you suspect one, it's best to avoid regular pushups for a while until you fully heal. In the meantime, wall pushups are a great alternative, as is doing pushups on an elevated surface like a counter or aerobic step.Dec 14, 2020

How long after rotator cuff surgery can you sleep in a bed?

This is really going to depend on your exact surgery and how quickly you recover in general. However, a good rule of thumb is 4-6 months before you can go back to sleeping however you want.Nov 22, 2021

What are 3 types of pulleys?

Pulleys consist of a wheel that rotates on an axle—which is a rod through the center of the wheel—and a rope, cable, or chain. There are three main types of pulleys: fixed, movable, and compound.

How do you use an arm pulley?

Part of a video titled Shoulder Rehabilitation Exercise - Rope & Pulley Demonstration
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So he's going to grab it with his left keep those shoulder muscles relaxing can use his right arm toMoreSo he's going to grab it with his left keep those shoulder muscles relaxing can use his right arm to pull that shoulder.

What is shoulder pulley?

The shoulder pulley is an apparatus that's hooked over the top of a door, with a small pulley system near the top, and a rope with handles that hangs down from the pulley. You can use the pulleys to perform various shoulder exercises to help improve ROM in different directions in your shoulder.Nov 24, 2021

How to recover from shoulder surgery?

You will begin simple exercises the day of surgery. They should be done every day for the first week post-op, to maintain blood flow and help prevent blood clots.

What is partial tear of rotator cuff?

Partial tears can be within the tendon itself, on the upper or lower surface. Sometimes these partial tears are associated with calcium deposits; this is called calcific tendonitis. Patients with rotator cuff tears usually experience loss of motion, weakness and pain. Night pain and pain with certain arm motions are typically ...

What is the procedure to repair a tear?

A partial tear may require only a trimming or smoothing procedure called a “debridement.”. Removing thickened bursal tissues (bursitis) or calcium deposits may also help.

Can bone spurs be removed?

When bone spurs are impinging on the tendon they can also be a source of pain and would be removed at the same time. A complete tear within the substance of the tendon is repaired by suturing the two sides of the tendon.

How to strengthen your hand in the shower?

Hand squeezes or grip strengthening: Using a small soft rubber ball or soft sponge, squeeze your hand. When in the shower, you can use a sponge filled with water. Do this for 3-5 sets of 10-20 repetitions each day. If this is too easy, later in the rehab course you can use a grip strengthener.

How to get rid of a swollen arm?

Pendulum Exercise: Holding the side of a table with your good arm, bend over at the waist, and let the affected arm hang down. Swing the arm back and forth like a pendulum. Then swing in small circles and slowly make them larger. Do this for a minute or two at a time, rest, then repeat for a total of 5 minutes, 3 times per day.

How to fix a sore in your hand?

Wall Walking: Stand facing a blank wall with your feet about 12 inches away . “Walk” the fingers of the affected hand up the wall as high as comfort allows. Mark the sot and try to go higher next time. Do at least 10 repetitions, 3 times per day. When more comfortable and stronger (not before three weeks) do these exercise sideways, with the affected side facing the wall. Do not let the hand drop down from the wall- walk your fingers down as well as up. Dropping the arm will strain the repair and be painful. If having weakness on the way down, feel free to use the other arm to help.

How to do rotator cuff surgery?

Do’s after Rotator cuff surgery: 1 Move your fingers and thumbs in and out of your fist 5-10 times an hour. Try to put your finger right on your fist. 2 Always hold the sling unless you are changing clothes or doing physical therapy. If there are conflicting instructions from your doctor and therapist, please meet your doctor to clarify. 3 Take a shower, but make sure to cover your shoulders with something protective like plastic from getting wet. It may be easier to take a sponge bath until the suture removal. 4 Change your bandage 4-5 days after surgery and cover the incision with a bandage. The incision can remain open when it stops flowing. 5 Move your shoulders while walking as much as you can. It is essential to keep the blood flowing in your legs to prevent blood clots. 6 Use your hands to write. 7 Move your elbows up and down and close to your body when not in the sling. 8 Sleep carefully. Avoid sleeping on the side of your surgery hand. 9 Watch for complications 10 Do physical activity, as suggested by a physical therapist. 11 Feel comfortable 12 Watch your hand movements. 13 Check diet 14 Manage by taking medicines and by ice therapy 15 Take care of your surgical incisions.

Why does my shoulder tear?

However, sometimes a sudden injury or repetitive movements can damage the muscles and tendons in your shoulder and cause the rotator cuff to tear. Your shoulder joint is made up of a group ...

How to sleep after a surgery?

Sleep carefully. Avoid sleeping on the side of your surgery hand. Watch for complications. Do physical activity, as suggested by a physical therapist. Feel comfortable. Watch your hand movements. Check diet. Manage by taking medicines and by ice therapy. Take care of your surgical incisions.

Why is it important to strengthen the rotator cuff?

Because of the injury, surgery, and early phases of recovery, the muscles of the rotator cuff have become weak. Once the repair has adequately healed, it is important to begin strengthening the muscles to allow you to resume your normal activity level.

What to do after rotator cuff surgery?

The first days after rotator cuff surgery are focused on ensuring that your pain control is adequate. Your doctor will prescribe medications to help with discomfort. Trying different types of medication can be helpful; many doctors recommend alternating prescribed narcotic medications with anti-inflammatory medication.

Can you sleep after shoulder surgery?

Sleeping at Night. Sleeping after shoulder surgery can be a challenge. Even a moderate ache in the shoulder can prevent a good night's sleep. Many people find it most comfortable to sleep in a semi-upright position after rotator cuff surgery; a recliner is perfect. If you don't have a recliner, just get a lot of pillows ...

Can you sleep in a recliner after rotator cuff surgery?

Many people find it most comfortable to sleep in a semi-upright position after rotator cuff surgery; a recliner is perfect. If you don't have a recliner, just get a lot of pillows and create a backrest in bed to allow you to sleep in a seated position with the elbow pointing down.

How long does it take to recover from rotator cuff surgery?

Full recovery after rotator cuff surgery often takes 4 to 6 months and in some cases longer. 3  The critical factors that determine the length of the recovery are the size of the rotator cuff tear, the ability to adequately repair the tendons, and the commitment to rehabilitation.

Who is Jonathan Cluett?

Jonathan Cluett, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. He served as assistant team physician to Chivas USA (Major League Soccer) and the United States men's and women's national soccer teams.

How to stop shoulder pain from getting worse?

1 . Always try to prevent the pain from becoming severe by taking smaller doses of pain medication at the early signs of discomfort, rather than large doses when the pain is more severe.

Activity

Dressing/Cold Therapy

  • You will have a large dressing covering your surgical sites when you are discharged from the hospital. You may remove this dressing on the third day following your surgery. A small amount of bloody drainage on the dressing is not unusual. If your incisions continue to drain small amounts, cover with a clean 4x4 gauze and tape. If no drainage is seen, you may cover your incisions with …
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Bathing/Showering

  • You may not get your surgical incisions wet during the first 3 days after surgery. You will have a waterproof dressing in place following surgery. This may be removed o the fourth day following surgery. Your incisions may get wet in the shower on the fourth day following surgery. If your incisions accidentally get wet during the first 3 days, dry them quickly and notify your physician.
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Cold Therapy Unit

  • A cold therapy unit or ice should be applied to the outside of your dressing at all times during the first 48 hours after surgery, and frequently during the first week following surgery. After the first week, you may consider using your cold therapy unit or ice after rehabilitation sessions or when swelling occurs. Do not apply ice directly to the ...
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Post-Operative Swelling

  • Post-operative swelling can significantly slow your recovery time from surgery. If you experience significant swelling, elevate your arm and apply your cold therapy unit or ice as previously instructed.
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Exercise

  • You should perform your initial post-operative exercises exactly as instructed. Don’t start anything new, and don’t leave anything out. This is extremely important! Failure to perform these exercises may result in stiffness, atrophy, and ultimately a poor outcome. On the other hand, you could potentially cause damage if you do too much too soon. Please perform your exercises exactly a…
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Medications

  • Your post-operative regimen consists of several medications. You will be told the medications and their dosing.
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Special Instructions

  • Please contact my office for further instruction if you develop fevers greater than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, persistent drainage from your surgical incisions, intractable pain, or persistent numbness/tingling in your arm.
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Follow-Up Appointment

  • Your follow-up appointment will be scheduled when your surgery is scheduled. If you need to verify or change your post-op appointment, please call 703-273-2663. Please feel free to contact my office at anytime if you have any questions or concerns regarding your post-operative course.
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