rehabilitation of inoperable rotator cuff tears

[rachieb]

Would like to hear from anyone who has managed this patient group regarding your experience, difficulties and outcomes

[SamBowden]

The most important question as I see it, is why is it inoperable? This I would imagine is the first question you must answer. i.e. is there insufficient soft tissue to pin, are there associated health problems, is surgery not indicated due to situation at home( pt is carer and cannot have arm immobilised after open repair), is pain neurogenic/neuropathic not local nociceptive, are there considerable yellow flags?etc etc....
There are numerous more categories of patients who are inoperable and have there own set of specific management challenges.....what are you interested in particular?

[Robert Cooper]

Could you please let me know what information is available on inoperative rotator cuff conditions. I was scheduled for surgery, but cancelled when another Orthopedic Surgeon informed me that the tendons had retracted to a point that surgery would be of no benefit. What do I do now to prevent
arthritis?

[Robert Cooper]

Mr. Bowden, do you have any suggestions for physical therapy for an inoperable rotatot cuff condition.

Thanks
Robert Cooper

[toad]

It will depend on the state of the rotator cuff, type/size of tear etc.

General ROM (pendular/active-assisted exercise for pain), strengthening if some cuff remains usable should be strengthened. If its a massive i tear i use anterior deltoid strengthening exercises which seem to work - though that depends on what you want to be able to do!

[Robert Cooper]

Originally Posted by toad

It will depend on the state of the rotator cuff, type/size of tear etc.

General ROM (pendular/active-assisted exercise for pain), strengthening if some cuff remains usable should be strengthened. If its a massive i tear i use anterior deltoid strengthening exercises which seem to work - though that depends on what you want to be able to do!

Thanks, for your response. My goal is to stabalize my shoulder and try to prevent futher deterioration and arthritis. I have pretty good range odf motion now and very little discomfort. I try to avoid all overarm motions or exercise, but I want to get back to some forms of weight lifting that will also aid my shoulder.
ROC