Shoulder Replacement

[SZona]

I dont post much on boards these days, but am a frequent visitor and have been around this game for a while. Im looking for anyone who knows of or has personal experience with shoulder replacement surgery. Been to 4 surgeons and this appears to be the only avenue to alleviate the constant pain that I am in. My concern though is being able to train post op. Like so many of us....training to me is like breathing and has been a part of my life for 25+ years. Does anyone know of anyone who has been able to return to training following complete shoulder replacement surgery. Any input is greatly appreciated. I am attaching my X Ray. Thanks in advance.

Z

[EggSuckingLeech]

I am curious too. I've had 3 surgeries on my left shoulder (labral tear) and I'm sure I'm destined for a replacement some day. I have alot of arthritis in there but I have found ways to train around it so I'm delaying the inevitable for as long as I can.

I don't know how or if folks can train the same after a shoulder replacement. I'm curious to know though.

[rockhard]

Same boat here...two weeks past an AC Joint Resection, Glenohumular Debridement, Labrum Repair, Subscapularis Tear, etc......rehabbing now. But....this is just a temporary fix and also looking at a shoulder replacement in the next few years.

[SZona]

Thanks for input. Basically this was presented as my only option other than "Live with it". If I remember right the debridement wasn't possible because of the location of the bone spur that has developed at base of humeral head. Basically told me that training post procedure would be very limited if at all. Recommended activities such as shuffle board, ping pong and miniature golf. Most of these procedures are done on people 60+. Curious if there are other bodybuilders/powerlifters who have had this procedure and returned to training in some capacity. At 39 years old I didn't think low intensity shuffleboard would be the extent of my abilities.

Z

[BigJD69]

LIVE WITH THE PAIN!!!! DO NOT GET IT DONE!!!! A close friend of mine had it done by a top Dr. He can't lift weights or lift his shoulder past his pec.

[Dan Kennedy]

I'm an ortho rep and attend about at least 3 total shoulder cases a week. Let me get some feedback from my docs.

[SZona]

I have been living with the pain for about 6 years. Its getting unbearable. Cant put on a belt, brush my teeth, raise my hand above shoulder level without pain. Sleeping, training, driving you can hear my shoulder grinding. Really just want to be as informed as possible prior to deciding. The Dr's all say "No training", but they aren't exactly used to dealing with people with our mentality and performing the procedure on someone who is young and active. Appreciate the feedback!

Z

[SZona]

Thanks Dan, that would be great! Appreciate it!

Z

[JG1]

I know about 4 people in my gym that have had shoulder replacements. They train. Problem is they cannot go heavy at all....from what I understand it's easy to wear out the plastic socket.

You're gonna have to cut the weight way down. Ways to keep intensity up is to really slow down the speed of the rep, and keep the reps probably closer to 15ish. Something like a 7-8 second rep for 13-15 reps....it won't take a lot of weight to fatigue the muscle training this way.

[JG1]

BTW, I too am on the road to a shoulder replacement and I'm only 36 but have been training hard and heavy since 14. What I recommended above I have personally been doing for a while now in hopes to stop the progression of my arthritis. Funny thing is, I thought I was going to lose size training this way......NOT......actually just the opposite has occurred, I've gained size. The long TUT sets are great for hypertrophy.

[SZona]

Thanks JG! Some encouraging feedback. I have already modified and lightened up my training significantly and knew that post surgery it would have to be further restricted and controlled. The idea of not training at all, however, is unacceptable both mentally and physically. To know that there are some success stories out there is very encouraging. Thank you

Z

[sassy69]

FWIW, anecodatally, bodybuilders regularly seem to prove the docs wrong about what they can or can't do in dealing w/ an illness or injury. With the implicit passion & drive that peeps like us have, there is rarely an "I can't...." in the discussion.

Wishing you luck w/ this - I've had very minor clean up surgery in my rotator before - it is painful when things aren't right in there and it sucks moose balls when you can't lift like you want.

[SZona]

Agreed....definitely some MAJOR mooseball suckage! LOL!

Z

[tammyp]

i know 1 non bber person that had it done and still has very limited range of motion. older person though. another guy, life long lifter, in his 60s now and can lift, but nothing like he did and and lost all development. but has about 90% of range of motion back.

[SZona]

Really doesn't seem to be a lot of info out there on younger people and shoulder replacement. I really don't like the idea of being dependent on pain medication in order to function though. Presently on 3. Mobic in the am, Tramadol before I train and Vicodin before bed. Don't like it! Thanks for input Tammy!

Z