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Suggest Treatment For Severe Shoulder Pain
Question: I am a 77 year old male who is scheduled for rotator cuff surgery in a couple of weeks .Since about 2012 (when I strained my right shoulder lifting a heavy object) I have had pain in that shoulder. At first it would gradually go away, then it would take a periodic injection of cortisone in the shoulder to relieve the pain but that is now longer is effective.
I am concerned about the surgery for to the following reasons. I have had spinal stenosis/arthritis in my lower back for about 6 years. It has limited my physical activity and exercise and I have become progressively weaker since. It has effected my walking to the point where my gait is irregular and my stride is shorter. My legs have lost much muscle mass and I do not feel like I am in good shape at all. When walking in the woods I must use a walking stick to navigate uneven ground for fear I will fall.
I am worried that I am not physically fit enough to (1) endure the surgery and (2) make a complete recovery from it.
What do you think?
I am concerned about the surgery for to the following reasons. I have had spinal stenosis/arthritis in my lower back for about 6 years. It has limited my physical activity and exercise and I have become progressively weaker since. It has effected my walking to the point where my gait is irregular and my stride is shorter. My legs have lost much muscle mass and I do not feel like I am in good shape at all. When walking in the woods I must use a walking stick to navigate uneven ground for fear I will fall.
I am worried that I am not physically fit enough to (1) endure the surgery and (2) make a complete recovery from it.
What do you think?
Brief Answer:
Anaesthetist opinion regarding fitness, Physiotherapy after surgery
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for the query
The cortisone shot was the last straw to damaging an already weak Rotator cuff. Without the surgery you wouldn't be able to take support or navigate effectively.
I suggest you do have a word with your Surgeon and the Anaesthetist as they will decide if you are medically fit for the procedure. If you aren't, this providing can be managed with physiotherapy.
Recovery depends not only on a good surgery but also on an equally good Physiotherapy. This requires motivation and commitment from your side for a few months to improve your strength.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr.Aashish Raghu
Anaesthetist opinion regarding fitness, Physiotherapy after surgery
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for the query
The cortisone shot was the last straw to damaging an already weak Rotator cuff. Without the surgery you wouldn't be able to take support or navigate effectively.
I suggest you do have a word with your Surgeon and the Anaesthetist as they will decide if you are medically fit for the procedure. If you aren't, this providing can be managed with physiotherapy.
Recovery depends not only on a good surgery but also on an equally good Physiotherapy. This requires motivation and commitment from your side for a few months to improve your strength.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr.Aashish Raghu
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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