Gracie, he really needs an MRI to diagnose a rotator cuff tear, although the symptoms are often pretty clear cut. The usual protocol seems to be to start out with an X-ray to rule out somethings and then PT to see if functionality returns and pain diminishes. If his pain returns then an MRI would probably be called for. In the event of a tear that is restricting his activities and/or is painful (sleeping at night is a common issue) then surgery becomes an option. The surgery is outpatient and the recovery is longish but not particularly painful, just inconvenient; typically 4 months before you can take complete golf swings (I was chipping and putting at 6 weeks) and about a year before you are fully back to where you were before the injury, YMMV. By this I mean, full range of motion with no tightness. PT visits 2-3 times per week for up to 16 weeks is not unusual.
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Originally Posted by graciegirl
Husband was asleep last night when I read your post Vintagegauge. Now he is playing golf.
Right after Irma, he helped neighbor lift a heavy generator when the power was out and damaged his rotator cuff. He went to see an Orthopedic doctor in Ocala and I went with him. He saw the doctor's PA and he seemed very skilled and recommended Advil and using the shoulder normally and if that didn't improve to return. At that time took an x-ray and said it could be a torn rotator cuff but the x-ray was inconclusive. It did improve slightly but still hurt, especially at night...a lot.
We returned and saw the doctor who said that surgery was not a top option, and had the PA inject cortisone. It took at least a week but he is out there swinging his golf club as we speak, no pain.. He really liked the OLD-er doctor but I can't think of his name. I will now go look in the records. Be right back.
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