Having spent months avoiding surgery due to fear of losing fitness and all gains in gym i finally decided to go ahead and have surgery, this was done Wednesday 16th November by Dr Zvijac @ UHZ Sports Medicine Institute. I should add that now surgery is done i have come out of a depressed disposition and now looking forward to rehab, recovery and getting back to being a gym rat and playing golf.

I have read many threads however i would like to hear from persons with similar lifestyle to me who have successfully rehabed back from surgery and made it back to serious gym activities.

How long in a sling ?
How long in PT ?
How long before returning to gym ?
How long before returing to max in gym ?

btw - 4 days post op, not taking pain killers and able to do all PT perscribed easily and pain free.

The answer to every question is "it depends." How old are you?

How long in a sling?
> Anywhere from 2 weeks to two months, depending on what was done and how conservative your OS is. According to my OS, it takes 12 weeks for the labrum's re-attachment to reach 80% strength.

How long in PT?
> It depends on you. I was there three times a week for four months and once a week for another 2.

How long before returning to the gym?
> It depends on how aggressive your OS is. I was performing resistance exercises for my un-injured side about two weeks after surgery but he wouldn't let me work my injured side for 12 weeks.

How long before returning to max in the gym?
> What does your PT say? Mine says that full recovery takes 12 months for professional athletes in their 30's (who have access to advanced training resources) and 18 months for recreational athletes like me. I'm almost 8 months out of surgery and am nowhere near full strength.

Good luck with your recovery.

Thanks for your feedback. I am a 42 (old lol) male.

Had my follow up visit with OS Monday 21st Nov, he was impressed with my progress in 5 days. He advised to remove sling and being PT immediately, fist session scheduled for Friday 25th Nov.

The arthroscope confirmed a slap 2 however only one anchor and two stitches between 11 to 1 o'clock, he said normally two anchors required but ligament sat so perfectly back onto the bone with one he decided no need for second.

PT prescription is for 4 weeks 3 times a day, after which will be reviewed, OS, also like you, advised resistance training for uninjured side as the balance required will strengthen repaired shoulder.

My recovery journey has started, I'm looking forward to sharing my progress in this thread, off now to first PT session !

First day of PT ... 9 days since surgery !

First step was for therapist to take all my range of motion measurements, could only move my head 20 degrees either side would you believe. Taking measurements was a little painful as wanted to get to point of where significant pain was felt. After this a 5 minute ultrasound was done then 10 minutes of using a vertical pulley using my good arm to extend surgically repaired arm vertically, surprisingly i was able to almost lock out arm at the top. After this was ice therapy with massage !

At home PT superscribed twice daily (Non PT days) and once (PT days) walking my fingers up a wall or while showering put soap on hand and slip hand up a wall, after ice for 20 minutes.

Basically therapy will be same for next 3 weeks, then range of motion measurements taken again.

Like the OS the therapist made it crystal clear that even though i may feel like i can do more, don't !

Early days but i must say shoulder feeling great, no pain !

Next PT appointment Tuesday 29th November

First day back in the gym ... 12 days since surgery !

Felt Great to be back, hadn't been going as too depressed prior to surgery.

30 minutes on the stationary bike and used chest/shoulder machines pushing with good side only (light). OS advised this is great PT as would work the muscles on operated shoulder, i actually felt it !

Best nights sleep since surgery.

PT again ... 13 days since surgery !

Basically same as first session, however added some stretches behind back and some isometric pushing of hand against a sponge. Advised that i will feel increased soreness and some stiffness tomorrow. Ice, Ice and more Ice !

Next PT appointment Thursday 1st December