Shoulder surgery

[golfintheworld]

Hey Gang,

So I'm halfway thru my rotator cuff surgery recovery. I haven't played a round in 11 months (by far the longest ever). My last swing was October. Has anyone had to go thru this? How did it feel when you picked it up again? Any tips are welcome. 

[RandallT]

Some threads you might find some nuggets of information in:

 

 

[Buckeyebowman]

I have not, but my buddy has. All I will say is listen to your doctor and your therapists. I've seen way too many guys who thought they knew more than medical professionals screw themselves up by pushing too hard, too fast.

[Hatchman]

Been there, done that, going through it now.  Played through the injury during golf league.  Results not pleasant.  Had surgery afterwards, rehab and returned to playing probably a little early.  Working the swing changes out now.  

[Hatchman]

Sorry, I didn't give you any tips about playing again.  Depending on when your doctor clears you to play, and the amount of structural work performed, you may be limited in ROM.  If the bones were thinned to make room for the repaired tendons you don't want to go at it fully when retuning or fat your club into to ground hard.  That hard jar will punish it if its the back shoulder / arm.  Take some short sweeping swings off the tee.  My sport ortho's worked with me even to the extent of the PT area, knowing I was trying to return to golf and umpiring needing that right arm.   

 

Edited March 15, 2017 by Hatchman
Typo

[boogielicious]

10 hours ago, golfintheworld said:

Hey Gang,

So I'm halfway thru my rotator cuff surgery recovery. I haven't played a round in 11 months (by far the longest ever). My last swing was October. Has anyone had to go thru this? How did it feel when you picked it up again? Any tips are welcome. 

Besides @RandallT 's posts, I have had the surgery. Don't push yourself too fast or you will regress. Don't increase weights and resistance unless directed by your PT. Too much weight can cause regression. Also, keep doing your PT exercises diligently. It took me about a year to be playing without stiffness. It didn't really limit my golf except my follow through got shorter. It still is to some degree. 

For full range of motion without warm-up and stretching, it took about 2 years. I still do the exercises three times a week and stretches daily.

[golfintheworld]

Thank you all. I'm afraid that my natural impatience will not help me. But I guess litlle by little is the only way. Maybe I can join you guys next year.

[Buckeyebowman]

Keep your eyes on the prize!

[Inthetrap]

Yes, as  PT, i certainly agree with "Listen to your PT"!  But it is true, many patients want to push too fast, and studies support a longer rehab process.  Also, if you have the ability to do so, possibly seek out a TPI certified PT in your area who can offer some sound advice. 

Oh, and make sure you do not return to a full speed swing right away.  I would suggest taking several weeks to build up gradually, once you are deemed strong enough to even attempt a swing.  Don't ignore lower body strength and core control.  While you are rehabbing your shoulder, often times you forget the deconditioning that happens elsewhere.