Hi all, just wanted to post an update on my progress.

I am a 26 year old active female, 4 months out from SLAP II lesion repair (2 anchors), subacromial bursectomy, and infra/supra debridement. I started PT 1 week post-op (simple stuff like wall isometrics and light stretching) and continued until my last session today.

I've had several bumps along the way. The pain during weeks 3-6 was more severe than I'd ever experienced before. I had bicep tendon flare-ups and developed scapular grinding/pain. I was very weak. But despite my slow progress, I tried to stay positive. My surgeon told me it would take at least 3-6 months for things to start getting back to normal. I learned to embrace small victories. I measured my progress in terms of weeks. Some days were better than others. My PT's kept me motivated.

The turning point came around weeks 7-8. I began receiving electrical stimulation for the scapula and learned new exercises to strengthen that area. I honestly tried to do my exercises every day. I made big gains in ROM and strength over weeks 8-12. In the last 4 weeks (month 4), I've learned more ways to stretch out the bicep tendon and began simple throwing. My strength is not yet 100% and I can just barely reach behind my back to fasten a bra, but where I am today is a lot better than where I was a month ago, even a week ago. I was discharged today and given the green light to start a throwing program.

For the folks just beginning the healing process, know that it'll take several months. Do your exercises as often as you can and trust your PT. As you progress, push yourself a little, but don't overdo it. Try going up a color on the Therabands or adding 1 pound to your weights. If it doesn't feel right, then don't force it. The first few months are very difficult physically and mentally, but you'll eventually turn the corner.

Sure, we all get discouraged. But realize that there's plenty of other people out there that are (or were) in your shoes. In addition to the exercises, the forum has also been instrumental in helping me stay on the right track. If you have a question but think it's "too stupid to ask," I can pretty much guarantee that if you do a search, you'll find a previous thread on that exact topic. If not, go ahead and ask anyways, we're here to help each other out. I've learned so much from the advice others have given me!

I wish you all the best of luck and I hope your path down the the road to recovery is a smooth one!
Maxine

Hearing your story is so motivating. Thank you. I am 6 weeks post op and it is painful and slow going. But, I work hard to do all the right stuff. I am fairly happy with my progress. external rotation is still an issue, but I have faith and hope. My surgery sounds the same as yours. I am looking forward to the future. You are soooo right about this experience being physically and mentally challenging! no doubt about it. Congrats to you for your progress and good luck to you. My thoughts and prayers are with all of us that have been thru this. THIS site has been my support system, along with a couple of friends. My experience has been that "family" and most people don't have a clue of what we are going thru. Thankful we have each other here on this site.

Well sure enough as predicted, after seeing my OS because of residual pain and concerned about a re-tear, the preliminary arthrogram findings on Monday was unremarkable except for supraspinatus tendonosis, which was present before surgery. As soon a I scheduled the MRI, I found with some AYSTIM, better bicpeps stretching and few other therapy gems things were already resolving. I had a feeling that the repair was fine, but was happy to confirm this by MRI. I may still consider a PRP injection to the SS tendon, but will continue with PT to see if this will resolve further without the out of pocket expense.

I played my first USTA tennis match Wed night and although not the greatest challenge, a solid victory at 6-0,6-1.

Maxine nice post and encouraging for many indeed. For those in the late stages of rehab post PT, you maybe just fine but sometimes paying for a few more visits within the year to help with residual issues maybe needed to achieve 100%.
Sharon

Hey Sharon,

That is great news. So glad there isn't another tear. Believe me, you don't want to go through another surgery. That is great about tennis. I remember after my first surgery, I was so excited to get back to skiing. It makes all the hard work worth it. I am hoping to try biking soon but waiting to regain a little more strength.

Take Care,
Karen