My deltoid muscle is so tight it feels like it could pop. I am 19 days post-op for a SLAP type II repair and a posterior labral tear (5 anchors). Is the tightness in the deltoid normal? Is it caused by something I am doing too much or wrong? I have been sleeping in the sling because that feels more comfortable but I wonder if that could be part of the problem. Anyone have the same issue or know what could be causing it? Thanks.

Well KCD you actually have 3 portions of the deltoid the ant mid and posterior and this along with my triceps has been my nemisis, even now into week 14. They need constant stretching and massaging. It is really no accident that while in the immobilizer these muscles become contracted/tight and atrophied.

When you finally get out, you still are not really working them until about week 5-6 and thats just a start. You are still very fresh at 19 days so I recommend continuing with the sling a little more at night, but beginning to wean yourself. Massaging towards the incision moving your elbow out from your body and beginning light isometrics against a wall might help.

As most posters are discovering the sling is a blessing and a curse. Research has shown that at 3 weeks post slap repair, the tissue actually needs some stress to heal. This stress comes in the form of letting it be outside of the sling and begining to hold a small cup and moving it outside of the sling. At night it is used as a protection but should be shed by week 3-4. You will have a different pain,but this is part of the weaning away. At week 5 I felt like I had little toothpick arms and bands of tight tissue where the delt use to be. It is common, but no fun for sure. sharon

I am so glad you ask this question.I was beginning to think I was going nuts. I've been out of the sling since week one though so I don't think the sling is bothering mine.

I mentioned at week two to my PT that after I did the post ROM exercises ice down I had this tightness and pain in my arm where the delt is. MY PT said it was referred pain and not to worry about that and there was nothing that I could do to ease the pain.


Now armed with sskylor's answer I will be trying some pool walking arm finning motions and see if it gets better.

I actually called my OS about this exact issue. I am 5 weeks post op tomorrow and have not started PT as of yet. Mornings are the worst as far as this particular tightness and pain for me are concerned so the other posts are comforting. I was told by my OS that because the muscles have not been used (really, except for a few ROM exercises), this pain is not uncommon as a result of the immobilizer. I have my second post op visit this Friday and expect to shed the Immobilizer then and finally start PT. YEAH!

P.S. I have found this site/forum to be invaluable pre-op and post op. Thanks to all!

Yep notice the delt tightness, rather painful during abduction. Seems to be the sticking point of my ROM right now in Abduction.