Labrum Repair Shoulder

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Question

Dear TAI Experts:

Hi, I have recently had a labrum repair on my shoulder (almost 12 months ago), however my shoulder is very, very slow in recovering. My range of movement is about 70% of what it should be and the shoulder capsule is still very tight. Prior to the surgery I had several subluxations, and then dislocated once. Had a frozen shoulder after the dislocation then had the surgery 5 months after (the shoulder was about 85% at that stage). Could you please offer some advice on how to further increase my range of movement (particularly the external rotation). I do several stretches twice a day, do not do any strength work apart from some band exercises (of which I don’t have much time to do a lot). Thanks.

Answer

Without an examination I can’t comment on your shoulder specifically, as I don’t know the cause of your pain. It could be related to the tendonitis, joint stiffness from the frozen shoulder or surrounding joints, poor muscle control from the dislocation or surgery, scapular weakness, or even the neck or thoracic spine. Sometimes it can take many months to gain full mobility after a frozen shoulder (even as long as 1-2 years in some cases). It can cause pain and impingement of some tendons in the shoulder with attempts to reach beyond the available range of motion. Often after a dislocation the surrounding musculature needs to be retrained to be coordinated again. Scapular strengthening is commonly a portion of shoulder rehabilitation. I would recommend you follow up with a physical therapist that can look more closely at your shoulder and help you determine the source of your pain and develop a plan of care to rehabilitate your shoulder to get you back to the activities you were enjoying prior to this injury. I’m sorry, but I don’t feel I can comment on whether a capsular release or acupunture would be appropriate without personally seeing your shoulder. Good luck!

Valerie Hilton, PT, MS