ROTATOR CUFF SURGERY - KEEP UP THE MUSCLE TONE
Schila64
Posts: 240 Member
I tore my left rotator cuff recently and is so torn that it needs surgery. I cannot weight train my shoulders as it is right now. I've worked hard to gain the muscle tone that I have now at 53 years old. This is a MUST surgery and I know it will take me a few months to recuperate. I'm so afraid to lose the tone that I have but if it happens, so be it. Is it possible to build that tone at my age after the rehabilitation and all that comes with that surgery? I'll post a picture of the tone I have gotten so far. 
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Replies
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you don't have "tone" - you have built muscle!! you look great and yes, after your surgery and recovery you can totally build up that muscle again!1
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What is the difference between tone and muscle????Muscleflex79 wrote: »you don't have "tone" - you have built muscle!! you look great and yes, after your surgery and recovery you can totally build up that muscle again!
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Being toned is being lean enough to see the definition of the muscle you have.
You will likely lose some muscle, and it will take time to rebuild, but doable. Staying lean comes down to diet..5 -
"tone" is usually a word people use to describe low body fat and muscle revealed underneath....its usually used by women who don't understand that to have that "toned" look you need to build muscle...it goes back to the myth that women are afraid that by looking at a weight they will grow huge and bulky.
like I said ,you look great and after your recovery will be able to get back to that point or beyond - just dont push it sooner than allowed by doctors or you'll end up setting yourself back further.2 -
Thanks... very appreciated..Muscleflex79 wrote: »"tone" is usually a word people use to describe low body fat and muscle revealed underneath....its usually used by women who don't understand that to have that "toned" look you need to build muscle...it goes back to the myth that women are afraid that by looking at a weight they will grow huge and bulky.
like I said ,you look great and after your recovery will be able to get back to that point or beyond - just dont push it sooner than allowed by doctors or you'll end up setting yourself back further.
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Are you sure you really need surgery?
Can you just take enough time and heal up?
Have you gotten second opinions?6 -
Oh yes . Two of the tendons have completely detached and have retracted . It al started with a bursitis per first doctor. He injected cortisone and suggested rest which I didn’t completely do. Then after almost a month I felt on the bathtub and hit myself on that shoulder . From there everything went down hill .Are you sure you really need surgery?
Can you just take enough time and heal up?
Have you gotten second opinions?
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I'm sorry this has happened to you. You obviously have worked very hard. Don't try to rush recovery, follow instructions. Get into PT as soon as possible and be sure to let them know your ultimate goals. I have no doubt that you can rebuild your overall strength that you lose during this time as well as the specific shoulder affected. While I am nowhere near your level of fitness and conditioning, I have been able to build my own abilities from ZERO to respectable for my age group the past few years. I'm sure you can out do that. Just take care of yourself during this difficult time!
PS Be extra diligent on good nutrition and appropriate calorie levels during recovery. I see MANY MANY threads on here from folks who've been laid up for some reason and gained 10-30 lbs or more in a short time due to not adjusting their calories in line with lower activity level.8 -
Thanks for your encouraging words ..I'm sorry this has happened to you. You obviously have worked very hard. Don't try to rush recovery, follow instructions. Get into PT as soon as possible and be sure to let them know your ultimate goals. I have no doubt that you can rebuild your overall strength that you lose during this time as well as the specific shoulder affected. While I am nowhere near your level of fitness and conditioning, I have been able to build my own abilities from ZERO to respectable for my age group the past few years. I'm sure you can out do that. Just take care of yourself during this difficult time!
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Sorry about your injury but your recovery will probably take longer than you think.
I've had 2 rotator cuff surgeries- one in both shoulders but neither was as serious as the one you are going to have.
In each case, it took about 3 months before I could take the sling off to begin PT which lasted about 3 months more, when I could begin to move the shoulder again w/o major pain or stiffness. However, I did not regain full range of motion and strength w/o pain in one shoulder for a YEAR and 2 years in the other!
We're all different and maybe your recovery will be quicker but whatever you do, do not rush your recovery or you may reinjure the shoulder which may require further surgery.
BTW, I was 64 when I had the 2nd rotator cuff surgery. I'm 67 now. I had no difficulty regaining my strength and "tone" following the surgeries BUT I was very patient w/my recovery and did not attempt any serious lifting until the shoulder fully healed and felt strong enough to do it.
FYI, I'm 158# down from 196 at about 12% BF down from +20% (based on DXA and hydro) and I can lift weight (including OHP) at the advanced and elite levels (depending on the lift) as compared w/other men my age and weight based on the Strength Levels website database.
The key to full recovery is to be PATIENT!!! It sounds like having patience may be be the most difficult part of recovery for you.
Good luck!9 -
Just to warn you it will probably take you 12-18 months to get back to previous levels of activity after a RTC repair so you can set your expectations correctly.4
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As a trainer who works a lot of rehab (I'm currently rehabbing my impinged shoulder and rehabbed my meniscotomy and can squat and leg press again), you will atrophy in those areas. What I can say is there is a TOTAL difference rehabbing when you're 20 years old versus when you're 50. You CANNOT rush the process or be too aggressive because recovery takes so much longer.
When I tore my meniscus and almost detached my MCL, I took a 6 month layoff on legs and even then came back really slow, not even doing leg presses till 6 weeks after the layoff. It paid off in the end.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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https://onhealth.com/content/1/rotator_cuff_injury
"If surgery is required, the recovery time is longer. The shoulder will need to be immobilized for four to six weeks, followed by physical therapy. Patients usually need to wait about three months before using the shoulder for light activities above shoulder height, and about six months to return to vigorous activities."1 -
After having several shoulder operations, I would offer this suggestion. Explain to the surgeon and the physical therapist that you would like to continue working out after your recovery. Also explain to the PT that you are willing to do extra work (without over-stressing the repair) to ensure optimum recovery. My PT told me that unfortunately many people do the bare minimum, if that much, of the prescribed rehab so unless they are working with an athlete or someone who steps up and tells them they are willing to do extra work, the rehab is dialed back a bit so people don't feel overwhelmed.5
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I know nothing about shoulders, except mine often hurts when I bench press. But what I do know is that you are one of the most fit and stunning 53 year olds I’ve ever seen. I would have seriously guessed you were in your 20’s. Do your PT.5
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https://onhealth.com/content/1/rotator_cuff_injury
"If surgery is required, the recovery time is longer. The shoulder will need to be immobilized for four to six weeks, followed by physical therapy. Patients usually need to wait about three months before using the shoulder for light activities above shoulder height, and about six months to return to vigorous activities."
My experience (I know it varies by practitioner) was PT starting a couple days after surgery, immobilizer sling for 7-10 days 24/7 except when showering. I was about 3 months before light activity above the shoulder.1 -
Thanks for your kind words . You have made my day
I know nothing about shoulders, except mine often hurts when I bench press. But what I do know is that you are one of the most fit and stunning 53 year olds I’ve ever seen. I would have seriously guessed you were in your 20’s. Do your PT.
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Thanks to all of you for your recommendations . My Doctor told me that after surgery I would have to wear a sling ( not sure if that is the name ) for 1 week . PT starts at one session per week and he said that due to my athletic condition I should recuperate very quick .1
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Will sure let them know that !!!!Packerjohn wrote: »After having several shoulder operations, I would offer this suggestion. Explain to the surgeon and the physical therapist that you would like to continue working out after your recovery. Also explain to the PT that you are willing to do extra work (without over-stressing the repair) to ensure optimum recovery. My PT told me that unfortunately many people do the bare minimum, if that much, of the prescribed rehab so unless they are working with an athlete or someone who steps up and tells them they are willing to do extra work, the rehab is dialed back a bit so people don't feel overwhelmed.
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Sorry about your injury but your recovery will probably take longer than you think.
I've had 2 rotator cuff surgeries- one in both shoulders but neither was as serious as the one you are going to have.
In each case, it took about 3 months before I could take the sling off to begin PT which lasted about 3 months more, when I could begin to move the shoulder again w/o major pain or stiffness. However, I did not regain full range of motion and strength w/o pain in one shoulder for a YEAR and 2 years in the other!
We're all different and maybe your recovery will be quicker but whatever you do, do not rush your recovery or you may reinjure the shoulder which may require further surgery.
BTW, I was 64 when I had the 2nd rotator cuff surgery. I'm 67 now. I had no difficulty regaining my strength and "tone" following the surgeries BUT I was very patient w/my recovery and did not attempt any serious lifting until the shoulder fully healed and felt strong enough to do it.
FYI, I'm 158# down from 196 at about 12% BF down from +20% (based on DXA and hydro) and I can lift weight (including OHP) at the advanced and elite levels (depending on the lift) as compared w/other men my age and weight based on the Strength Levels website database.
The key to full recovery is to be PATIENT!!! It sounds like having patience may be be the most difficult part of recovery for you.
Good luck!
It encourages me to know that if you, at your age was able to gain the tone and strength back, I can also get it back after the surgery and rehab
. Because I want to get back into training SO BAD, I will, for the first time in my life I believe, follow Dr's instructions to the "T". 
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I am going to have surgery on my left rotator cuff also but I am NOWHERE NEAR as fit as you. Two of my tendons detached but have not retracted and my doc said I'll be in a sling for 4 to 6 weeks and then at least 10 weeks of PT 2x/week. You're in amazing shape so I'm sure your recovery will be much easier. Good luck!
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Btw... I keep looking at your photo. How the heck are you 53???
You look amazing!!! 0 -
Lol ... thank you !!!bonitabrooklynbomb wrote: »Btw... I keep looking at your photo. How the heck are you 53??? You look amazing!!!
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I’m terrified of the time I’ll be out after the surgery . I’ll have to work real hard on the Nutrition part ,. I’m positive that I’ll bounce back . Good luck with yoursbonitabrooklynbomb wrote: »I am going to have surgery on my left rotator cuff also but I am NOWHERE NEAR as fit as you. Two of my tendons detached but have not retracted and my doc said I'll be in a sling for 4 to 6 weeks and then at least 10 weeks of PT 2x/week. You're in amazing shape so I'm sure your recovery will be much easier. Good luck!
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Good luck.
I don’t know the answer for you, but will say I had arthroscopic surgery on my hip to repair a tear. Recovery took a year. Seriously. Actually I was in pain for over a year. They also told me I needed surgery on my shoulder for a partially torn rotator cuff. I could not move my right arm through a normal range of movement to the side and was in constant pain. I declined the surgery though after my hip fiasco. (Not suggesting you do as I don’t know your case, just saying what happened to me).
I began individual sessions of reformers pilates with a highly skilled trainer who recovered from her own injuries with pilates. I credit her for both getting rid of my hip pain and rehabilitating my shoulder. I now have full range of motion in my shoulder and am pain free, which is all I wanted. Of course, the tear is still there, but I worked around it. I will never be a tennis pro though. Lol.
In your recuperation, I strongly recommend finding a skilled pilates teacher that knows how to rehabilitate. That is the only advice I have to give.2 -
I tore my rotator cuff a few years ago. but I didn't need surgery. the gym owner/ personal trainer gave me some exercises to do. I think it was stretches. I wish I could help you more. take it easy when you start back and are you sure your 53 I would of never guessed you were that old0
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michael1976_ca wrote: »I tore my rotator cuff a few years ago. but I didn't need surgery. the gym owner/ personal trainer gave me some exercises to do. I think it was stretches. I wish I could help you more. take it easy when you start back and are you sure your 53 I would of never guessed you were that old
Yes I’m 53 ... that is for sure ...but wait ... is 53 “ THAT OLD ?” LOL
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UPDATE
It's been 60 days after my RC Surgery. Dr. took the sling completely off last week. Dr and PT are impressed on the way that I've healed. Already lifting my arm all the way up. No pain whatsoever. They don't even know how to treat me but they are being very cautious. He said that in 2 more weeks I'm able to start lifting light weights. Not even getting physical therapy. Only once every two weeks. I'm very happy.bonitabrooklynbomb wrote: »Btw... I keep looking at your photo. How the heck are you 53??? You look amazing!!!
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