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I had a Class III shoulder separation and was in a sling 24/7 for 6 weeks. Once it was removed I couldn't raise my arm. I went in a swimming pool and sat on the bottom holding a buoyant dumbbell which would raise my arm. It really helped getting my Range of Motion back, now I am 100% recovered and even forget which shoulder it was when doing avtivities.

Cortisone is a quick short fix and usually temporary. Relegated to diagnostic use a lot more these days I think. And the stuff is bad for you.

Be sure to get a second or third opinion and research the hell out of your Ortho. There are good and bad surgeons, just like any other mechanic. If possible track down some of their other patients and get their opinions and see how they faired. If you have a Ortho for other parts ask his/her recommendation. Good surgeons seem to know other good surgeons My knee guy set me up with my shoulder guy and I've been using him for almost 20years. 3 reconstructive surgeries on the right side and it feels pretty great. My shoulder guy has since retired but he sucked me on another guy who just did a biceps tenodesis on the right side and it feels 100% normal. Still kinda freaked about having a bicep screwed into the humerous but it looks and feels great and much better than it was.

Strengthen as much as you can before surgery and follow the PT protocols afterward. Keep the mobility, avoid frozen shoulder at all cost. Suck it up, work through the pain and you'll come out bomber. Kiting has not been affected at all by an of my shoulder work.

Open surgery is going to be a solid 7 months before it feels "normal". And normal may end up being a new normal and not exactly like it was when there was no injury. It's usually a solid year before you are 100%. The first 4-6 weeks are the hardest but they go fast.

Hardwater Kiter wrote:Cortisone is a quick short fix and usually temporary. Relegated to diagnostic use a lot more these days I think. And the stuff is bad for you.

...Strengthen as much as you can before surgery and follow the PT protocols afterward. Keep the mobility, avoid frozen shoulder at all cost. Suck it up, work through the pain and you'll come out bomber. Kiting has not been affected at all by an of my shoulder work.

Open surgery is going to be a solid 7 months before it feels "normal". And normal may end up being a new normal and not exactly like it was when there was no injury. It's usually a solid year before you are 100%. The first 4-6 weeks are the hardest but they go fast.

Thanks for the tips and notes on those first few weeks.

I was considering getting a cortisone shot before an upcoming kite trip, maybe I won't. Not sure it'd help anyway.

I have a friend who swears by the healing benefits of Class IV laser treatments to all bone/joint injuries. Might try that before and/or after surgery.

your own fysical imput will be the most important!, follow the advices from the guy who does the surgery on what and how to do it after the surgery, do not be mild on your self because it hurts a bit, but do not overwork it...and you will be fine in no time.
I have bad tendons...and I was out and running after 3 months...the first 6 weeks are very important to let it heal and not getting a frozen shoulder after the 6 weeks the program begins slowly but strict...then follow the program strictly...

btw
I would avoid the cortisone..it will never heal what has been teared off, keep moving it but do not overkill...this could result in inflamation as the leftovers that are still attached might get overworked
good luck!
dude

Well, got three opinions. They all said, at my age, I should get the surgery. That's due to the size of the tear and just the logic of wanting to get full mobility and comfort back. I could go without it, but the muscle would atrophy.

They all told me different things, but the recommendations were the same. The last doc seemed to do the most surgeries and also was the one who didn't recommend that full immobilizer foam sling, which I liked. Said there is no need for it. Seemed to encourage passive movement as soon as I could take it and also gave me a more optimistic view on when I can regain activity. So, I'll probably go with him just for the more progressive PT plan. More motion sooner seems like I'll be better off.

Nobody recommended cortisone for the tear. Said it wouldn't do anything. He did explain why it hurts so much when you sleep but is okay when you're up...something about fluid that is normally protected now flowing up to a receptor which gets irritated. (okay, I missed some of the details on that. but at least I got an answer).

I will say, cortisone, is bad for you but it does a hell of a quick job of relieving the pain for a bit.

But so does whiskey.

I think you are on the right track!!! good luck and a quick healing...
cheers
dude

Sometimes physical therapy isn't the answer. Some injuries just won't get better on their own. Really only a good ortho Dr. or physical therapist familiar with your injury can give you a good answer. A large tear though....I'd guess surgery for sure if you want full recovery. However....as far as rehab. I've found this device to be VERY helpful in strengthening the shoulder area. I had a shoulder injury that did not require surgery and the physical therapist used one of these as part of my rehab. I wound up buying one and my wife is now using it to recover from her recent shoulder injury. It's also good to use just to keep your shoulders in good shape. http://www.bodyblade.com/en/

Had my shoulder rebuilt, more than just a cuff repair. Better range of motion than my other shoulder. The big thing is continuing the exercises recommended by the Dr. and therapist. Most people exercise and stretch until things feel good then forget about it. This will lead to future problems.
Smae goes for backs.

Second for BodyBlade. Great for Rehab and Overall conditioning. I have had one (PRO) > 10 yrs and use it every week as part of my training program.