Full Shoulder Replacement

[sdf777]

Here's my story. I'm 66 and been lifting all my life. In January 2018 had my left shoulder replaced (bad arthritis). Went very well. Was lifting light after 8 weeks and reasonable heavy after 12 weeks. One weakness was pec deck motion. Where before this was my best movement (whole stack for many reps) I could barely move 50 pounds after 12 weeks. No problem with press or pull motions. Took six months to get back to about 75% strength. Had my right shoulder replaced in November. It went even better than the left and after 8 weeks have full range of motion. Seeing the ortho tomorrow and hoping to get clearance for light weights. Highly recommend the surgery as I was in pain before. My doctor played basketball at Duke so understands lifting. He says just don't go crazy like 1 rep max but ok to do weight to failure at 10 -12 reps. Avoid overhead press but incline ok.

[JD2C]

That's awesome to hear sdf777, pretty impressive after shoulder replacement surgeries. Got a few questions, are you keeping high reps with your set like 10-20? For chess, are you better with the dumbbell press instead of the barbell? if you don't mind and can share your program, that will help me a lot next week.

as of today, I still can't do a push-up, I have to be inclined by using the counter-top. It's driving me nuts.

[sdf777]

That's awesome to hear sdf777, pretty impressive after shoulder replacement surgeries. Got a few questions, are you keeping high reps with your set like 10-20? For chess, are you better with the dumbbell press instead of the barbell? if you don't mind and can share your program, that will help me a lot next week.

as of today, I still can't do a push-up, I have to be inclined by using the counter-top. It's driving me nuts.

I stay between 10-12 reps. I also stay away from dumbbell presses. Getting them into position and dropping them over the years is what I think added to my shoulder problems. I use plate loaded machines like Hammer press and incline along with a pec deck for chest. For back my gym has plate loaded row and pulldown machines and I start with assisted pullups. I'm only using dumbbells and angle bar for biceps. Stay encouraged, progress takes time and depending on your age, months not weeks.

[JD2C]

Excellent, here's what I'm thinking to start with next week, still taking my 3days/week program powerlifting, however the weight will be totally different and more assisted. Something like
Day1; Chest and lats always 5 set of 10-12
Barbell decline (don't think I can do flat)
Dumbbell bench (or machine as you suggested)
Fly (machine assisted)
Cable seated row
reverse grip machine lat pulldown (not sure how the pulldown will go)
close grip front lat pulldown
Day 2; Legs and Triceps always 5 set of 10-12
Reverse Hack squat (once I get my leg back, will start with full squat if my shoulders can tolerate it)
Leg Press
Leg curl/or extension
Dip Machine
Triceps V Bar
Cable One Arm Tricep Extension (once tricep back, will do bench press close grip)
Day 3; Shoulders and Biceps always 5 set of 10-12
Deadlift
Barbell shrugs behind the back
cable front raise
Dumbbell one arm preacher curl
cable drag curl
dumbbell concentration curls

Based on your experience, let me know what I need to be more careful with? or something like for Bench Press or row, not to go the entire way down? Anything you can think of?

Thanks in advance sdf777

[sdf777]

Excellent, here's what I'm thinking to start with next week, still taking my 3days/week program powerlifting, however the weight will be totally different and more assisted. Something like
Day1; Chest and lats always 5 set of 10-12
Barbell decline (don't think I can do flat)
Dumbbell bench (or machine as you suggested)
Fly (machine assisted)
Cable seated row
reverse grip machine lat pulldown (not sure how the pulldown will go)
close grip front lat pulldown
Day 2; Legs and Triceps always 5 set of 10-12
Reverse Hack squat (once I get my leg back, will start with full squat if my shoulders can tolerate it)
Leg Press
Leg curl/or extension
Dip Machine
Triceps V Bar
Cable One Arm Tricep Extension (once tricep back, will do bench press close grip)
Day 3; Shoulders and Biceps always 5 set of 10-12
Deadlift
Barbell shrugs behind the back
cable front raise
Dumbbell one arm preacher curl
cable drag curl
dumbbell concentration curls

Based on your experience, let me know what I need to be more careful with? or something like for Bench Press or row, not to go the entire way down? Anything you can think of?

Thanks in advance sdf777

Be sure you are at least 12 weeks out before doing more than very light weight. Behind the back shrug will stress your shoulders more than in front.

[NapEsq]

I am 52 years old and needed a shoulder replacement since I was 48. I did not want a TSR (total shoulder replacement) because once you do, your lifting career is OVER. The glenoid plastic component that is installed cannot handle the pressure heavy lifting places on it. As such I did my research and found Dr. Matsen in Seattle from the University of Washington who pioneered the Ream and Run procedure 25 years ago. This is the ONLY procedure available which has no restrictions on the use of your shoulder and WILL allow you to continue to lift as hard as you can. I had my R&R performed on September 11, 2018 when I was 51.

At 4 months post-op on January 11, 2019, I was given the green light to start to lift again, light weight, high reps. I have done this for a month solid with all my exercises for chest, back, shoulders and arms. On February 11, 2019, I will begin to go back to regular lifting and work my way back to where I left off.

Dr. Matsen was a God send to me. I live in the Cleveland, Ohio area where we have two of the top 10 hospitals in the nation, The Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals of Cleveland. I went to the top shoulder doctors at both of those institutions and each told me the same, my lifting is over after a TSR. I even consulted with the same orthopedic surgeon who did Louie Simmons replacement, however with his replacement my research established that his glenoid component is not a long term viable option because it is still a plastic type of joint. Thus, the R&R is the ONLY option if you want to lift hard again.

The R&R is NOT FOR EVERYONE! You have to be a highly motivated person because the rehab is intense, not like a traditional TSR, the initial pain is more and lasts longer.

For rehab, during the first six weeks you are not allowed to lift anything with your arm more than a cup of tea. You MUST stretch 5 times a day for the first six weeks. At the beginning its about 15 minutes per session but it will eventually progress to 20 or more minutes per session. You stretching actually begins in the recovery room. For each stretching exercise, you perform 5 reps per stretch and hold for a full 10 seconds from when you get to the stopping point. You are then to progress to full 30 second hold per rep. My motto was to stretch NOT to the pain, but INTO the pain but NOT through it. I made sure it was a true 10 to eventually 30 seconds per rep by using the stopwatch on my phone instead of counting in my head.

I started stretching at 7:30 am and then stretched again every 3 to 4 hours with my last session at 7:30 pm or so. My goal was one session every 3 hours. However, depending on if I had to extend my stretching to every 4 hours because of my schedule, then sometimes my last stretch was close to or even after midnight. Nonetheless, I made sure I did 5 stretches a day without missing a single session for the first six weeks. After six weeks, then you are able to start actual rehabilitation and building strength in your shoulder but you still stretch two to three times a day. After nine weeks, you stretch once a day for the rest of your life.

To start the review process with Dr. Matsen is simple; all you have to do is to send him your x-rays and/or MRI, he will review it and contact you directly. He did that with me and I scheduled my surgery with him at that time. When it came time for my surgery, I flew to Seattle to the University of Washington on a Sunday, meet in person with Dr. Matsen on a Monday, had surgery on Tuesday, was released from the hospital on a Thursday and flew back home that Saturday.

Dr Matsen is an incredible doctor, not just because of my results, but his responsiveness. For instance, I had some pain that was new to me two weeks post-op, so I sent him an email at 6:30 am Cleveland time which was 3:30 am Seattle time. He responded back to me a half hour later at 7:00 am Cleveland time which was 4:00 am Seattle time. Later that morning he called to talk to me in person. Whenever I sent Dr. Matsen an email with questions, he responded immediately with an answer. Further, on a weekly basis I would send him videos of my stretches. On the same day, he would send me back an email commenting on how I was doing in the videos.

Like any surgery, it is not a 100% successful. Further, there are a group of people who have an R&R and like me progress at a good pace. There is a second group of people who progress at a slower pass, some taking up to a full year. Then, like a traditional TSA, there is about a 10% failure rate.

For more information on the R&R you can copy and paste the following in your browser but since I do not have enough posts, I cannot post a direct link so make sure you type (www) before you paste the link: .orthop.washington.edu/ReamandRunwithPT.pdf. For a Youtube video conducted by Dr. Matsen on the R&R you can copy and past .youtube.com/watch?v=MmSNYnc-avU. Additionally, there is a Face Book group where I am a member that you can ask questions of other Ream and Runners like myself by copying and paste: .********.com/groups/1194479510666751/ or just search FB for Ream & Run Support Group.

If you want an R&R, be careful of the doctor you choose. Not every doctor can successfully perform a R&R. As a matter of fact, most will not attempt an R&R because of the precise nature of the surgery. You want a doctor who performs R&R on a routine basis. If you need to travel, I suggest you go to Seattle to the pioneer of the surgery, Dr. Matsen. Why go to a pupil of his when you can to the Master. Nonetheless, in Virginia Beach there is a Dr. Brad Carofino who studied under Dr. Matsen and whom seems to be well respected in our FB R&R support group.

[luvtolift4ever]

So glad I found this subject matter. I am a 60 year old male and have been bodybuilding for over 35 years that includes some NPC comps back in the day. A few years ago I began getting a lot weaker with my left shoulder and found out my arthritis had destroyed my cartilage. I have way too many bone spurs to try anything other then complete shoulder replacement. I have just set up an appointment with a shoulder replacement Doctor here in California and I am reading the posts to find out info about how long it takes for most people to start light lifting again. So from what Ive seen so far it look like sticking to the rehab and eating clean is very important. Looks like i am going to have to learn how to lift all over again so I don't re injure the shoulder replacement. My doctor told me that if I go for the full SR that I will not be able to lift more then 10lbs is this just him being over cautious or is he telling the truth. Looks like people with FSR are lifting much more then that after they do the rehab and start out slowly. I really want to still be able to work out after my FSR so any info would be helpful from the 60 and over bodybuilders on here. Thanks Lee

[AkiraFudo]

For those who don't know he isn't replacing his shoulder he is replacing the tendons & connective tissue.

[luvtolift4ever]

Who are you talking about AkiraFudo?

[sdf777]

So glad I found this subject matter. I am a 60 year old male and have been bodybuilding for over 35 years that includes some NPC comps back in the day. A few years ago I began getting a lot weaker with my left shoulder and found out my arthritis had destroyed my cartilage. I have way too many bone spurs to try anything other then complete shoulder replacement. I have just set up an appointment with a shoulder replacement Doctor here in California and I am reading the posts to find out info about how long it takes for most people to start light lifting again. So from what Ive seen so far it look like sticking to the rehab and eating clean is very important. Looks like i am going to have to learn how to lift all over again so I don't re injure the shoulder replacement. My doctor told me that if I go for the full SR that I will not be able to lift more then 10lbs is this just him being over cautious or is he telling the truth. Looks like people with FSR are lifting much more then that after they do the rehab and start out slowly. I really want to still be able to work out after my FSR so any info would be helpful from the 60 and over bodybuilders on here. Thanks Lee

Can't speak to your situation, but after my doctor told me the same thing after each shoulder replacement, no lifting for the first 2 months, 10 pounds max from 2 months to 3 and reasonable weighs after that (i.e. no powerlifting or one rep max sets). After 4 1/2 months after my right shoulder, my pulling movements are back to full strength (I'm doing 200 pounds pulldowns). Press is still very weak (135 is a challenge) and delt raises are the worst (10 pounds).

[JD2C]

Can't speak to your situation, but after my doctor told me the same thing after each shoulder replacement, no lifting for the first 2 months, 10 pounds max from 2 months to 3 and reasonable weighs after that (i.e. no powerlifting or one rep max sets). After 4 1/2 months after my right shoulder, my pulling movements are back to full strength (I'm doing 200 pounds pulldowns). Press is still very weak (135 is a challenge) and delt raises are the worst (10 pounds).

My surgeon was very open to those discussions, this is Steadman’s clinic at Vail, CO. They are dealing with professional athletes like football players and Olympians. These guys are crazy!! Some basic rules that I was given is to always keep an eye on the pinch and pain level, and never push through it too hard, that’s where problem start to occur.
Since I wrote my program above, I increase the intensity by 3x, always keeping high rep 12 to 20 with some, 5 sets. I’m about 80% with pulls in general (push away the Teflon from the Cobalt ball). However, all the press (reverse) it’s till pretty hard and had to be very careful. I just did the 20lbs Dumbbell Shoulder Press, got to start very slow by just moving a few inches, then as you progress you move a bit more until it becomes comfortable. That’s how I could make it works.
The key is to start very light, slow and listen to your body/joints. It’ll feel some pain which is normal with all the work they did but never push it too hard through it.
Good luck.

[spurcocks]

I had my first tsr in 2005 at age 37 and started back lifting soon as Dr released me. By the way my Dr is a well known shoulder specialist on the east coast as well as nfl team physician. Fast forward to 2007 shattered the plastic glenoid incline pressing 225lbs. Had the tsr again and began lifting after dr released me. Just had a tsr on my other shoulder October 2018. Both shoulders replaced now at age 52. The night before having right shoulder done I benched 355lbs x 2 as well as 225 x 25. I am now hitting 185 x10 on flat and using 75lb dumbbells for reps with tsr on both shoulders. The rehab and mindset are the most important part. Hurts like HELL rehabbing but must be done. Good luck to everyone needing TSR.

[JD2C]

I had my first tsr in 2005 at age 37 and started back lifting soon as Dr released me. By the way my Dr is a well known shoulder specialist on the east coast as well as nfl team physician. Fast forward to 2007 shattered the plastic glenoid incline pressing 225lbs. Had the tsr again and began lifting after dr released me. Just had a tsr on my other shoulder October 2018. Both shoulders replaced now at age 52. The night before having right shoulder done I benched 355lbs x 2 as well as 225 x 25. I am now hitting 185 x10 on flat and using 75lb dumbbells for reps with tsr on both shoulders. The rehab and mindset are the most important part. Hurts like HELL rehabbing but must be done. Good luck to everyone needing TSR.

That’s what I’m talking about, what a determination! I’m very glad to hear that others are also pushing the envelope. About this plastic glenoid, did you really break it during the press? I think they put 3 of these per shoulder, which one did you break? Please provide more information as I’m also a bit suspicious that I might be killing it too.
Btw, I’m presently creating a ******** page with a group on this topic. I haven’t push it out yet, you’re welcome to check it out.
JD.lifting.shoulder.replacement (since I can't post any link)

[facepullz]

Most orthos disapprove of ream and run, but the ******** support group has a guy in his 60s with a double rnr benching 315 for 10 several years after surgery

What you need is one of these arthritis cures that have been used successfully for decades on horses and pets. They're injectable, and require regular injections (your cartilage will start degrading again if you stop). They've all been tried in humans--some veterinarians use them on themselves--and I've never heard of anyone having any ill effects. (I think there is one mammalian species they're not supposed to be used in, but I forget which one.) They're not "drugs" in the usual sense of something that engages a receptor or catalyzes a reaction; they're molecules that act as structural components that help your cartilage to rebuild.

- polysulfated glycosaminoglycan: The most-popular brand names are Adequan and Ichon. Note that "polysulfated glycosaminoglycan" is a general term, so just because you find some other polysulfated glycosaminoglycan doesn't mean it will rebuild cartilage.

- pentosan polysufate (again, a general term): Brand-name Cartrophen.

THE BAD NEWS is that they're totally unobtainable for humans. Just a few years ago they were OTC in Canada, but now they're prescription-only everywhere, and the govt has been cracking down on veterinarian meds for the past few years, because so many people have only been able to afford the meds they need by buying veterinary meds. Up until 2018 they could be bought on ebay, but ebay's cracked down on that. I have tried and tried and been unable to get any for myself. Even my so-called friends who are USING the stuff on their dogs, and say it's great, have refused to try to get any for me.

They will never be approved for humans in the US, because it costs about half a billion dollars to get a drug approved, and nobody's going to spend half a billion when the patents have all expired. (This is a very common problem in the US. I used to work in a molecular biology research institute, and we'd regularly have guest speakers talk about the new genomic tests and medicines they were developing, and every one of them said, "We aren't even going to bother trying to ever get these approved for humans in the US, but you'll be able to use them in Africa or India, or on your pets.")

There are LOTS of other injectible drugs for arthritis, but the others don't work as well, and most of them are just vitamin injections, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, or some other much-less-effective drug.