SLAP Lesion (Biceps Tendon Tear)

Following up on my SLAP repair surgery of November 13, 03. On 1/19 I visited the surgeon (and therapist) and kind of vented about how the pain never seemed to to go away. I had been trying to be diligent about therapy despite constant pain, but it was tough to keep up. I had even been having some of the old "impingement" feeling. The Doctor gave me a prescription for anti-inflammatories. I don't know if the anti-inflammatories were a miracle, a placebo, or just a coincidence, but things changed dramatically in 3 or 4 days. The constant pain just disappeared. This allowed me to really concentrate on the physical therapy. As of now my range of motion is vastly improved. It's still painful to reach out, particularly with my elbow extended. I guess throwing a softball is a few months away yet. Went Paintballing with my daughter and son-in-law last week with no ill effects. I even fell backwards, hitting my elbow on the ground, which I figure was the ultimate test of the screws and sutures in my shoulder. Anyway, things are lookin' up. By the way, having had this forum to read has been helpful in knowing I'm not alone out there.

I have a question about physical therapy. I had a SLAP repair and have just finished 4 weeks in a sling that held my elbow at my side w/my arm out in front. Its fairly new and helps promote range of motion to the side. BUT I have horrible range of motion across my body and forget it in back. Therapy today was excrutiating. When I hold my arms out in front they look different- the operated upon one all sort of skinny and gawky- and it won't move the same way as the other. No muscle tone. I believe this is normal, but unsettling. Does anyone have experiences to share about their progress in PT, and did anyone feel like this? Thanks!

I had a SLAP repair and bicep tendon repair on Oct 7. I'm about 80%. My surgeon and PT both said I'm about the best recovery they've seen. The clavicular resection still hurts more than anything. I still don't have 100% ROM but am getting close. I don't think I'll ever do push ups (at least the real ones) again but probably shouldn't anyway. I am continuing to work at home but I don't go to PT anymore. I will say that I pushed myself; did everything I was told to do and nothing I wasn't suppose to do. I think the key is keep it moving....good luck

I was just wondering how your recovery is going. I tore both my bicep tendons at work pulling something very heavy. They don't want to do surgery yet, i guess they're hoping it would just heal or reattach itself. Anyway, was surgery your only option? Thanks.

Yes I had these done beginning of Feb 2003. PT for 4 months. Back at work and the gym but still not quite healed. Debbie

I am a 52 year old Brit with a ruptured bicep tendon playing rugby 5 years ago. Is there any chance of a repair procedure succeeding now ? I was offered a tunnel (bone drilling) repair by an NHS (Brit public healthcare) specialist but the success rate was put at a maximum 50% so I did not take it up. I run and do keep fit but would like to swim and play tennis better and for longer.

I just went today to my post-op appointment (6 days after surgery) for SLAP repair. The thing that surprised the surgeon (and me) was how much arthritis was in the shoulder. In watching the video of the surgery, it's amazing how many "loose bodies" get removed. Today is the first day I actually feel like things have improved at all. Of course part of that may just getting the stitches out and being able to take a hot shower. I continued to play racquetball right on up till the surgery, even though playing caused quite a bit of pain, particularly for any overhead or "reaching" shot. I don't really know if my continuing to play caused additional damage or not. Tonight I began those pulley "range of motion" excersizes. It was somewhat less uncomfortable than I had anticipated. I'm also going to try and sleep in bed for the first time, after spending nights in a recliner.

I'm recovering from what it sounds like you had. I'm 1 week post op; typing one handed. I'm FT in a slig and not suppose to force my arm straight.... what were your immediate restrictions? I'm supposedly starting PT in another week and a half after my surgeon sees me again.

hi my name is chris. i have had 56 subluxations of my left shoulder. i have a labral tear and are goin to have surgery. can someone tell me what to expect. how long does it take to recover? how long will i be in a sling? Thank you very much

I am a 35 year old female. who just had a ruptured bicep repaired, along with several other tears in shoulder. the repair took place 6 months after the rupture. i am now 5 months post surgery and looking to be back at work within a month or two. I am getting back my strength in my shoulder and the bicep is getting stronger. The surgery was worth it! Make sure that you find a surgeon who is comfortable doing a rupture repair. Good luck!