Hi - my name is Steve Lucci PT and I am co-founder of Be Recovery Ready -- this is the story of my shoulder surgery and why my colleague Kyle Macri DPT and I felt there was a need for this type of resource.
I had rotator cuff repair for a large tear a year ago. Despite a good amount of experience treating these surgeries, this was my first time experiencing the recovery journey as the patient.
So like most people, I started talking to friends and family that had the same surgery and also scoured the internet for suggestions - some were good - some not so good. Along the way it was obvious how random and fragmented the research and resource gathering process was.
We hope to change that.
Below is what helped ME- it's a combination of my clinical experience and the selective use of input from my friends/family and online research.
Hopefully this will be helpful for others along the same journey.
3 THINGS that helped me the most
Early Pain Management: Getting proper rest early days post-op is vital - here's what helped me most: Ice Machine - with timed on and off feature and a software app for medication reminders. This was very helpful in ensuring I was following the exact dosage and timing for my post-op meds. Also, use the sling/abduction people exactly as directed by your surgeon/PT -- it does allow the shoulder to "rest" even while sitting /standing.
Structured Easy Initiation of Motion: Over the door shoulder pulleys - ONLY WHEN OK’ed to use by surgeon and INSTRUCTED in use by PT- is a very helpful tool in regaining shoulder motion (again only when cleared by surgeon and after instructions from PT)
Back of Shoulder Pain: A Thera- Cane can be very helpful for self treatment of shoulder muscle “knots” that are common during recovery- they can be a major source of pain in the back of the shoulder.
3 STRATEGIES that helped me most
Physical Therapy: Stick with the daily exercises and routine as instructed by your PT- the trick is the proper balance between tissue healing and the slow restoration of motion as guided by your surgeon and PT. Be sure to communicate any adverse reaction to the exercises.
Sleeping: A couple days post-op - I found moving to a bed and sleeping somewhat upright on my back- with lots of pillows around me (and of course in post-op sling/abduction pillow) was more restful than the recliner.
Activities of Daily Living- If your surgery is on the side you do most tasks with (brushing teeth, dressing, bath/shower activities, I found it very helpful to PRACTICE all those things with my opposite arm BEFORE the surgery.
Now 1 year post-op, I can say I've fortunately had a great recovery (yes - be prepared for a long road)
Hopefully sharing these thoughts can help those on a similar recovery journey.
We welcome everyone to the Be Recovery Ready Family - a community dedicated to helping others!
Steve Lucci PT