Rotator cuff surgery a year ago..

160 rep

i had rotator cuff surgery a year ago,,,prior to that i was in the gym 3 days a week. I need to get back into the shape i was at one point. i was an avid free weight user...i am a little hesitant to jump right back into free weights...i am tired of of the way i look. If you have any suggestions or comments i would appreciate it.

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MemberMurrysville, PA

Did your physician recommend physical therapy after your surgery? I would suggest calling your surgeon's office and asking them for a referral to a physical therapist. (Many health insurance plans also allow you to "self-refer" yourself for physical therapy, but they typically limit the amount of sessions you can use before your follow up with your doctor.)

A physical therapist will be able to recommend the best exercises for you to start out with, and once you are comfortable with doing them, you will probably be ready to go back to the gym on your own.

If you can't go to physical therapy, try a consultation with a trainer at your gym. Most of them have experience in dealing with your type of injury/surgery. Good luck!

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I would hire a trainer because they know how to do exercises that will not cause injury.

19 rep

I tore mine in baseball 4 years ago. I am good now except it hurts in cold weather

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MemberPensacola, FL

Derek,

I would take the advice a use a trainer for a few sessions. I have never had surgery but I am a Martial Arts instructor and have had my collar bone broken 3 times and both shoulders dislocated a total of five times.

Start off slow!!! Light weight Light weight!!!!! It has always taken me a few months to get back into the swing of things. Bands are wonderful, Light dumbbells. Concentrate on strengthening your shoulder from the inside out. The is a great web site your should view MobilityWOD.com

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O₂i | OwnerGig Harbor, WA

Derek, I agree with those recommending a trainer. I too had rotator cuff surgery about a year and a half ago. It has taken me awhile but I am back to 100% + of where I was before. Had to take it slow especially on overhead stuff. Find a good trainer and they will make all the difference, mine are awesome!
Thanks, Pete, Julian, and Neal Anytime Fitness Gig Harbor!

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H₂i | ManagerMadison, WI

I am going through therapy of a badly sprained rotator cuff right. I have been meeting with a trainer 3 times a week for a month now and the results have been awesome. That is definitely the way to go!

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MemberOmaha, NE

I had cuff surgery as well as an Acromionplasty 3yrs ago... muscle memory is a great thing.
I started back on weights only a few months, by weights I don't mean heavy, I went light, lots of resistance band work! Lots of stretching!

And as I rehabbed my shoulder I realized I could take it the next step and I changed the way I looked. You can too.

Greg

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MemberGig Harbor, WA

Derek:
I had rotator cuff surgery 6 weeks ago and am doing pysical therapy as well. They emphasized the importance of slowly stretching and to go very slow one I add light weights to my workout. I can see bits of improvement every day. Take care.