Exact Answer : 3 – 4 Months
When non-surgical treatments fail, some rotator cuff injuries may require surgery, but data suggests that nonsurgical treatments can help in the vast majority of instances. The rotator cuff is a bodily component that assists in keeping the top of the arm bone in the shoulder socket. It can rip at times, causing pain and weakness. A torn rotator cuff might also make it difficult to do daily tasks.
Every year, about 2 million people in the United States seek treatment for rotator cuff problems, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). When it comes to repairing a torn rotator cuff, nonsurgical treatment is frequently the first choice. Nonsurgical treatment, on the other hand, is not always possible or effective .In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
This page explains what rotator cuff surgery is when you will need Physical therapy and how long you’ll need physical therapy afterwards
How Long Pt After Rotator Cuff Surgery
| Minimum Duration | 1 Month |
| Maximum Duration | 3-4 Months |
A set of four tendons in the shoulder is known as the rotator cuff. They connect the shoulder blade muscles to the apex of the arm bone. The rotator cuff not only helps to hold the shoulder in its socket but also permits the shoulder joint to move freely.
When a person’s rotator cuff is injured, whether as a result of an acute injury such as a fall or as a consequence of general wear and tear, they may experience the following symptoms like Pain, Lack of ability to acquire a complete range of motion, tiredness, trouble sleeping on the affected shoulder, a feeling that the shoulder is unstable.
Anyone experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms may find it difficult or painful to perform daily tasks such as fastening a seatbelt, reaching for items on shelves, or playing tennis.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, nonsurgical treatment may be beneficial in addressing rotator cuff disorders such as pain and lack of movement in about 80% of persons. Nonsurgical treatment, on the other hand, may not be effective in about 20% of persons.
However, according to the same study, most cases will necessitate surgical intervention to prevent a rip from worsening. A doctor may prescribe surgery if nonsurgical therapy alternatives have failed, as well as for the following reasons like If the symptoms have been present for more than 6 months, the rip is larger than 3 cm, or the tear was caused by a violent injury.
The main benefit of rotator cuff surgery is that it can eliminate symptoms such as shoulder discomfort, shoulder weakness, or both when nonsurgical therapy alternatives have failed. Physical treatment is required following surgery. This takes place after 5-6 weeks of Surgery. The PT goes on to more than 3-5 months.
Why Pt After Rotator Cuff Surgery?
When
After a rotator cuff repair, physical therapy is essential, and it’s still popular in an outpatient setting. Unfortunately, there is no universal agreement on when to start physical therapy. Some doctors recommend an early passive range of motion (PROM), while others wait 6-8 weeks (or even longer for a revision repair) before allowing any type of physical therapy.
Some doctors favour physical therapy immediately following surgery. This is due to the numerous benefits of early physical therapy. Your physical therapist can help you improve shoulder function and reduce pain while you recover from surgery. Your PT will assist you in safely returning to your prior activity levels as you rebuild strength and mobility.
Benefits
The goal is to regain your capacity to perform household tasks, employment responsibilities, and recreational activities. The surgeon and physical therapist work together to ensure that you recover safely.
Your physical therapist will assist you in regaining normal shoulder motion. They’ll show you how to securely undertake self-care activities that are essential to you. To aid healing, your physical therapist will assist you with mild movements in various directions. These could be passive motions that your PT does for you or active movements that you execute on your own.
Your physical therapist will create a customised programme to assist you to return to your job tasks as your strength and mobility improve. Reaching, pushing, and carrying motions are examples of these.
Conclusion
Physical therapists are well-versed in surgical methods as well as post-surgical treatment goals. Most importantly, physical therapists may customise treatments to improve a patient’s overall health, assuring long-term success.In fact, studies have shown that beginning exercise and rehabilitation after surgery as soon as possible is advantageous. After surgery, physical therapy can help patients return to their usual lifestyle and activity levels.
Pain and edoema are to be expected following surgery. As a result, you should start physical therapy the day of or the day after your surgery. Each day you will find yourself improving.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S074980630800501X
- https://www.bmj.com/content/307/6909/899.short
- https://journals.lww.com/jbjsjournal/Fulltext/2001/01000/Surgical_Repair_of_Chronic_Rotator_Cuff_Tears___A.10.aspx?__hstc=215929672.98fa600b1bb630f9cde2cb5f07430159.1535673600298.1535673600299.1535673600300.1&__hssc=215929672.1.1535673600301&__hsfp=2025384311