Originally Posted by
force10
I'm following this thread with some interest as I was diagnosed with a torn labrum ~20 years ago and didnt have enough time to devote to recovery. I just gave up on rock-climbing and pull-ups.
Ive recently added about 20km of indoor rowing to my weekly exercise as the winter approaches and am beginning to feel that old ache in my shoulder.
My recollection from 20 years ago was that the surgeon said recovery would be considerably shorter if he could repair the tear arthroscopically (sp?), longer if he had to open the shoulder up. I wonder if anyone knows whether techniques have changed/improved in the intervening 2 decades? Sounds like shoulders still take a long time to heal.
YES, improvements have been made with joint repair and replacement.
2016 I had a
complete right shoulder replacement at age 66. My Doctor was the Cincinnati Reds Team Ortho for 11 years. Shoulder was installed on Monday. Tuesday I saw the PT at which time the sling was removed, inspection made, directions given about allowable movement
AND confirmation that I could get back on my bicycle the following day for an easy ride.
I waited until Thursday and biked 10 miles without issue. Six weeks later I rode Six Gap Century of 103 miles and 11,000' climbing. Replacement heals quicker than repair. July 4th this year a bike mishap caused a left shoulder MINOR ROTATOR CUFF tear. I am still nursing that injury with my riding abilities still compromised.
IMO, one should do as was mentioned earlier in THREAD, seek out a very experienced ORTHO with PROFESSIONAL sports injury background.