[roddy]

I had this surgery about 6 weeks ago. It is a little too early to tell yet how things are going to go. I am going to physiotherapy 3 times a week, and am currently working on stretching and range of motion exercises. I expect to start working with weights soon. My tear was relatively small, so I didn't have any dislocation issues, but I was having problems with my shoulder locking up. Raising my arm wasn't a problem...getting it back down was. When lowering my arm from an above shoulder movement, my arm would catch at shoulder level, then make a resounding "POP", and continue moving...quite painful. Since the surgery, that particular catch is gone, but new ones have developed. The new ones are very minor in comparison (only slight clicks), and my physiotherapist says they will go away as I progress through the strengthening exercises.


Speak with as many people as you can who have had this done. results are all over the map, but most I spoke to were happy with the results. Don't set your expectations too high, and take it easy after surgery...even if you feel OK. Too much too soon is not good. It takes time to heal from this. My surgeon said the best I could hope for is 85-90% of the pre-injury abilities. If you can get by without surgery, do so. Think of it as a last chance tried everything else solution.


Be picky. Choose your surgeon carefully. Get some names of orthopedic surgeons and do some online homework/investigating. The one who did mine is a straight-up pr!ck...his demeanor/bedside manor leaves a lot to be desired, but his success rate/results are stellar. You will need someone to do a good job more than someone who will hold your hand and pat you on the back. Just my opinion.