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Shoulder replacement surgery.
1 year(s) ago • 8363 views • 158 replies
DKBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
I am a 50-year-old two-stripe blue belt. Next Monday, March 17, I will undergo a posterior cervical foraminotomy, with all the associated risks. The recovery time will be long, and I will definitely miss BJJ during that period. But I also believe that everything will be okay.
I get your dilemma—it’s a tough decision. On one hand, waiting might seem like the safer option, but on the other, continuing to train with a bad shoulder could limit you even more over time. If surgery gives you the chance to heal properly and eventually go full force again, it might be worth considering sooner rather than later. Plenty of people have come back strong after major surgeries, even competing at a high level. Recovery will take time, but if done right, it could give you a fresh start instead of constantly dealing with pain and limitations. Whatever you decide, I hope it leads to you being able to train and compete the way you want.
I get your dilemma—it’s a tough decision. On one hand, waiting might seem like the safer option, but on the other, continuing to train with a bad shoulder could limit you even more over time. If surgery gives you the chance to heal properly and eventually go full force again, it might be worth considering sooner rather than later. Plenty of people have come back strong after major surgeries, even competing at a high level. Recovery will take time, but if done right, it could give you a fresh start instead of constantly dealing with pain and limitations. Whatever you decide, I hope it leads to you being able to train and compete the way you want.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
I put on my monkey suit for the first time in 2 months and ran judo class the other day since our regular instructor was out of town.
It should go without saying that I didn't do any sparring or falling or any of that nonsense. Still, it felt pretty good to be able to do some instructing.
https://youtube.com/short[...]b3BCMZbbEG
It should go without saying that I didn't do any sparring or falling or any of that nonsense. Still, it felt pretty good to be able to do some instructing.
https://youtube.com/short[...]b3BCMZbbEG
FFrankieOP
Black belt 2nd degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
How did your shoulder feel while teaching the throws? I’m a brown belt in judo as well and I have to teach it as well.
Have you drilled?
Have you drilled?
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
How did your shoulder feel while teaching the throws? I’m a brown belt in judo as well and I have to teach it as well. Have you drilled?
Shoulder felt...ok. I can throw most my throws one-handed at this point, since my shoulder has been jacked up for so long.
I just felt super rusty, if you can't tell already by the video.
I really didn't do any drilling outside of demonstrating uchi komi. I definitely can't take a fall on my shoulder at this point.
It was good for my psychological well-being more than anything: one of the many hidden benefits of bjj/judo.
I just felt super rusty, if you can't tell already by the video.
I really didn't do any drilling outside of demonstrating uchi komi. I definitely can't take a fall on my shoulder at this point.
It was good for my psychological well-being more than anything: one of the many hidden benefits of bjj/judo.
PFBlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
I put on my monkey suit for the first time in 2 months and ran judo class the other day since our regular instructor was out of town. It should go without saying that I didn't do any sparring or falling or any of that nonsense. Still, it felt pretty good to be able to do some instructing. https://youtube.com/short[...]b3BCMZbbEG
Who cares about randori, you’re demonstrating sode with a new shoulder! That’s a win!!!
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
FFrankieOP
Black belt 2nd degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
Fuck man, I’m a little jelly lol. Maybe someday. I have now assumed the responsibilities of lead instructor so it will have to wait until my shoulder falls off I guess lol.😆
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
I have now assumed the responsibilities of lead instructor so it will have to wait until my shoulder falls off I guess lol.😆
You can still be lead instructor and take care of your health issues :).
FFrankieOP
Black belt 2nd degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
My goal is to compete as much as I can this year and maybe next year take care of it.
Question are you ever going to compete again or train really hard you think?
Question are you ever going to compete again or train really hard you think?
PGBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
I'm glad you're recovering so well! I'm battling for every degree of motion now.
Last Friday I felt a sharp pain while my PT was stretching me out and over the weekend it was really painful even at rest. We discussed the progression timeline and how aggressively to approach range recovery stretches on Monday. Instead of the normally recommended pain level 5-6, based on my personal pain tolerance I'm no longer allowed to allow anything beyond a 4 to avoid overdoing it again.
Last Friday I felt a sharp pain while my PT was stretching me out and over the weekend it was really painful even at rest. We discussed the progression timeline and how aggressively to approach range recovery stretches on Monday. Instead of the normally recommended pain level 5-6, based on my personal pain tolerance I'm no longer allowed to allow anything beyond a 4 to avoid overdoing it again.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
My goal is to compete as much as I can this year and maybe next year take care of it. Question are you ever going to compete again or train really hard you think?
Oh I'll definitely compete again; and I'll be able to be way more competitive with a fully-functional shoulder as well.
I've got 99 recorded competition matches to date. Looking forward to #100 when I'm all healed up.
I've got 99 recorded competition matches to date. Looking forward to #100 when I'm all healed up.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
I'm glad you're recovering so well! I'm battling for every degree of motion now. Last Friday I felt a sharp pain while my PT was stretching me out and over the weekend it was really painful even at rest. We discussed the progression timeline and how aggressively to approach range recovery stretches on Monday. Instead of the normally recommended pain level 5-6, based on my personal pain tolerance I'm no longer allowed to allow anything beyond a 4 to avoid overdoing it again.
I'm sorry it's taking so long. Seems like you should be feeling better than you are at this point. My understanding is that unless they had to reattach your biceps or mess with your rotator cuff, you should be nearing the end of your PT.
PGBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
The problem is external rotation. My PT has guessed that the surgeon probably tightened up the subscapularis a bit to make sure the joint was stable, combined with six weeks in the sling with the muscle in its shortened state have made it resistant to loosening back up. My right arm only goes to 60-65° or so, which is pretty tight already, but the 40-some degrees I have back on the left side sounds like it's not far behind but is actually kind of pathetic. That and lifting the arm directly out to the side are still bad, everything else is coming along just fine.
We're going to dry needle the muscle again today, the first time we did that I jumped from 30° to 40° in like two sessions, so here's hoping it works just as well this time.
We're going to dry needle the muscle again today, the first time we did that I jumped from 30° to 40° in like two sessions, so here's hoping it works just as well this time.
Edited 1 year(s) ago
PGBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
Stabbed and zapped the subscap and deltoid last night, and wow, does it make a difference! We're going to remeasure on Friday, but I think I got another 5° of external rotation, and everything else feels calmer and looser as well. I can lace my fingers together behind my head/neck again.
I have no idea why blue cross blue shield doesn't recognize this as a legitimate medical treatment. Each needling has broken plateaus for me that have stalled me out over weeks of PT without it. I'm happy to pay the extra fee for what I get out of it.
I have no idea why blue cross blue shield doesn't recognize this as a legitimate medical treatment. Each needling has broken plateaus for me that have stalled me out over weeks of PT without it. I'm happy to pay the extra fee for what I get out of it.
JCPurple beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
I have no idea why blue cross blue shield doesn't recognize this as a legitimate medical treatment. Each needling has broken plateaus for me that have stalled me out over weeks of PT without it. I'm happy to pay the extra fee for what I get out of it.
The just recognize it as something they can deny to boost their profits. Health care in the USA is such a goat rope. When I got my hip done last month I got a letter from the insurance company a few days before my surgery telling me they acknowledged that it was a medically necessary procedure, but they weren't sure if they were willing to pay for it or not. That was a tense few days getting that sorted out.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
Stabbed and zapped the subscap and deltoid last night, and wow, does it make a difference! We're going to remeasure on Friday, but I think I got another 5° of external rotation, and everything else feels calmer and looser as well. I can lace my fingers together behind my head/neck again. I have no idea why blue cross blue shield doesn't recognize this as a legitimate medical treatment. Each needling has broken plateaus for me that have stalled me out over weeks of PT without it. I'm happy to pay the extra fee for what I get out of it.
So you went somewhere other than your pt for the dry needling? Dry needles have never worked for me (prior to total replacement) but my shoulder/hip, as i mentioned earlier, were pretty far gone.
I'm expecting they'll give it another try with my new shoulder, maybe even tomorrow, and it's definitely covered by my insurance. I also have bcbs, fwiw.
I'm expecting they'll give it another try with my new shoulder, maybe even tomorrow, and it's definitely covered by my insurance. I also have bcbs, fwiw.
PGBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
I do it through my PT, they just charge a self-pay $30 per needling because BCBS writes it down to an unsustainable number based on the fact that they don't believe in acupuncture or something. The entire billing system is pretty fubar, but I hit my out of pocket with this surgery, so I'm generally not required to pay a dime for the rest of the year. The extra $30 is money well spent.
As for its effectiveness, I'm sure it wasn't what you needed for the issues you had at the time. I've found for myself that nothing works better to calm down angry or misbehaving muscle groups, of which I have no shortage following surgery and six weeks of immobilization. If that sounds like part of your problem today, then I'd highly recommend it.
As for its effectiveness, I'm sure it wasn't what you needed for the issues you had at the time. I've found for myself that nothing works better to calm down angry or misbehaving muscle groups, of which I have no shortage following surgery and six weeks of immobilization. If that sounds like part of your problem today, then I'd highly recommend it.
PGBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
Had my three month follow up with the surgeon last week. He said everything is going well and that it's time to push harder to get to the end ranges of motion. I asked about coming back to the mats and he said drilling only for six more weeks 🥲
I guess it's more like five now, but I want to start rolling again!
He also said he'd write another prescription for PT. 🤞🤞 That BCBS honors it instead of cutting me off after five more sessions when I hit 30, which is their standard coverage.
I guess it's more like five now, but I want to start rolling again!
He also said he'd write another prescription for PT. 🤞🤞 That BCBS honors it instead of cutting me off after five more sessions when I hit 30, which is their standard coverage.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
Had my three month follow up with the surgeon last week. He said everything is going well and that it's time to push harder to get to the end ranges of motion. I asked about coming back to the mats and he said drilling only for six more weeks 🥲 I guess it's more like five now, but I want to start rolling again! He also said he'd write another prescription for PT. 🤞🤞 That BCBS honors it instead of cutting me off after five more sessions when I hit 30, which is their standard coverage.
Sounds like you'll be good to go, right in time for grappalachia! 😀
I also only have 30 visits that I'm limited to, between 2 joint replacement surgeries. 😕
I just had my 3 month follow-up as well, but not much has changed in regards to what I'm "allowed" to do. At least I'm onewheeling again.
I also only have 30 visits that I'm limited to, between 2 joint replacement surgeries. 😕
I just had my 3 month follow-up as well, but not much has changed in regards to what I'm "allowed" to do. At least I'm onewheeling again.
PGBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
As much as I would love to come, my availability that weekend was already iffy when my wife decided that was the only weekend we could do Henry's birthday party. I've already requested to save the date in September as soon as we know it.
HSBlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
Just stumbled on this, 44 yr old and my ortho says replacement but my PT and I have discussed doing an arthroscopic clean up and intensive external rotation work instead.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
Just stumbled on this, 44 yr old and my ortho says replacement but my PT and I have discussed doing an arthroscopic clean up and intensive external rotation work instead.
I hope your PT isn't doing the arthroscopic cleanup. Leave that to the surgeons!
Fwiw, I had the cleanup, it didn't work, I tried pt again in a last-ditch effort to avoid a replacement and my pt guy swore it would work, but it definitely didn't.
On the other hand, a friend of mine (also bjj black belt, same age) had the cleanup at the same time and he's fine now.
Fwiw, I had the cleanup, it didn't work, I tried pt again in a last-ditch effort to avoid a replacement and my pt guy swore it would work, but it definitely didn't.
On the other hand, a friend of mine (also bjj black belt, same age) had the cleanup at the same time and he's fine now.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
FINALLY did some sparring this evening. I had planned to take it easy for one or two rounds, but made the mistake of asking one of my blue belts to "flow a bit" lol, so ultimately I got to fire test my new shoulder.
Honestly it felt somewhat OK. Functionally, I have the same ability level, well almost, that I had prior to surgery.
It's stiff, weak and feels "delicate", and the rest of my body is fat and out of shape, but I'm officially rolling again :).
Honestly it felt somewhat OK. Functionally, I have the same ability level, well almost, that I had prior to surgery.
It's stiff, weak and feels "delicate", and the rest of my body is fat and out of shape, but I'm officially rolling again :).
PGBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
I've been doing some VERY limited sparring, to the point where I'm not even thinking of it as rolling, but just trying to remember how to move.
At this point, my shoulder feels perfect in everyday life, but as soon as I try to do something more strenuous than hold a door open, I get the reminder that it's not really ready for showtime yet.
At this point, my shoulder feels perfect in everyday life, but as soon as I try to do something more strenuous than hold a door open, I get the reminder that it's not really ready for showtime yet.
JABlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
FINALLY did some sparring this evening. I had planned to take it easy for one or two rounds, but made the mistake of asking one of my blue belts to "flow a bit" lol, so ultimately I got to fire test my new shoulder. Honestly it felt somewhat OK. Functionally, I have the same ability level, well almost, that I had prior to surgery. It's stiff, weak and feels "delicate", and the rest of my body is fat and out of shape, but I'm officially rolling again :).
Thats awesome, I'm happy for you, and I know the feeling to be back finally after a surgery.
JABlack beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
FINALLY did some sparring this evening. I had planned to take it easy for one or two rounds, but made the mistake of asking one of my blue belts to "flow a bit" lol, so ultimately I got to fire test my new shoulder. Honestly it felt somewhat OK. Functionally, I have the same ability level, well almost, that I had prior to surgery. It's stiff, weak and feels "delicate", and the rest of my body is fat and out of shape, but I'm officially rolling again :).
so during your "flow roll" how many times did he try to start a kimura on the shoulder? ;)
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
so during your "flow roll" how many times did he try to start a kimura on the shoulder? ;)
Zero times. I didn't say he was smart. 🤣🤣🤣
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
I've been a little disappointed lately, since I'm still having pain in my shoulder when I actively move it. Talking with my PT, she's saying that it's a little abnormal, but since I'm so active, the pain I'm experiencing might still fall into the "normal" range, especially considering the condition of my shoulder prior to surgery.
The good news is I'm able to do pull-ups and push-ups again!
Still, I'm very very limited in sparring sessions. I'll have my hip surgery in 2 days, so hopefully the time off the mat will help my shoulder feel a little more normal... 🤔
The good news is I'm able to do pull-ups and push-ups again!
Still, I'm very very limited in sparring sessions. I'll have my hip surgery in 2 days, so hopefully the time off the mat will help my shoulder feel a little more normal... 🤔
PGBlue beltVerified
1 year(s) ago
I have been cleared for contact a couple weeks ago, and I'm happy to say that I'm back! Rolling has gone well, and up until today my shoulder wasn't even the sorest part of my body.
Now I'm in that weird in-between point where I'm not happy just to be on the mats again and I'm also nowhere near where I was before I took six months off. My open guard was starting to get really good and now I'm getting passed by white belts (young, athletic white belt with wrestling experience, but it still stings). I know I need to still be patient, but it's a real bummer to be losing now to all the guys I came up alongside.
Now I'm in that weird in-between point where I'm not happy just to be on the mats again and I'm also nowhere near where I was before I took six months off. My open guard was starting to get really good and now I'm getting passed by white belts (young, athletic white belt with wrestling experience, but it still stings). I know I need to still be patient, but it's a real bummer to be losing now to all the guys I came up alongside.
BMBlack belt 1st degreeVerified
1 year(s) ago
I've been a little disappointed lately...
Now that this latest surgery has finally FORCED me off the mats, I'm definitely able to make a little more progress with my PT.
My therapist has added some new exercises to my routine, and I've finally been able to comfortably move my shoulder past the "problem area", where I have been stalled out for the last 6 years.
I'm definitely feeling more optimistic since my last post.
My therapist has added some new exercises to my routine, and I've finally been able to comfortably move my shoulder past the "problem area", where I have been stalled out for the last 6 years.
I'm definitely feeling more optimistic since my last post.
