Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

Hello everyone it's been awhile since I have been in. Just a reminder of my injury. I had my right rotator cuff operated on had an impingement they had to reattach all the tendons to the rotator cuff and had to cut bone on both sides of the rotator cuff. Surgery was jan 15th started passive therapy and then after 6weeks went to active therapy. Very painfull but the therapist said I was doing good and was really pushing myself to get the best results possible. I went to the surgeon yesterday and he told me that he was not happy and that I was starting to get frozen shoulder and that scar tissue is building up and that if I dont start pushing harder that he will have to go back in and remove scar tissue. I told him I have been pushing it already and even taking the pain meds I was still in a great deal of pain. I have been doing therapy at home as well as at therapy. I asked well if there is scar tissue built up if he removes it what if it builds up again and he just looked at me. Is this going to be an every 6month issue...anyone, any suggestions. thanks

I sure hope not and it would of been nice if he would of told you what needs don't if it continues.I wish you the best and take it slow and dont over do it.

Hi,
You are correct...if you are one that grows scar tissue....it will return even if he does a release. Thus the funny look doc gave you when you inquired about the possibility of it returning! (He had no answer for you..or bad news)
You could have a MUA (Manual Manipulation under anesthetic ) where the surgeon puts you under, and manually takes your arm and MAKES it move, supposedly breaking free the scar tissue. I had this done but it was unsuccessful, even though the surgeon said he was able to make it move, and the breaking of the scar tissue was audible to the hallway! I next had a surgical release by a different doctor, which helped a bit ...but not enough to have a working dominant arm. It was too late...
as I have a severe impingement from a failed, over tightened anterior stabilization surgery in the first place.

I have no other suggestions...other than to keep working at PT and home PT. Apparently your PT Person has reported the possible frozen shoulder to your surgeon.....what does he or she have to say about it?
Take care of that shoulder! & Good Luck, Lilly

Sorry to hear Hardworker, I dont have any shoulder scar tissue but have lots of hip / pelvis / abdomin scar tissue. It is very painfull and am going through thereapy now for the second time. I had compained the first time to pt about the stiffness and pain/ but did not take me seriously. Now I am having different therapist do the release work and it's painfull but has really helped. It is very important to keep up with the stretches and exercises which help keep it from comming back........................I wish you good luck and hope you get results...........Bronco...

I want to thank all you for advice and information. I went to therapy yesterday and advised her what the doctor said. The therapist said to make sure to take my pain meds before comming to her (which I do) and said that she will try to break it free with us working together. I am very impressed with my therapist she didnt baby me but prepared me and it hurt like the dickens yesterday but I think we made some good process because I was in so much pain when I got home all I wanted to do was cry. But this morning I am really sore but it feels better. I will continue to work my shoulder at home on the days I dont have therapy.Once again thanks for all your guys support. It means alot to know other people have gone through this and are nice enough to offer support and advice! I will keep you updated.