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Torn rotator cuff
Hello all, Well I have been unable to play for quite some time now. I have a torn rotator cuff and have been undergoing physical therapy. In the beginning it was just to painful to even attempt to play. Now however, I am ready to get back to it. I have to go slow and easy and short periods of practice at first. But at least I can hold the guitar now without it being so painful. I am anxious to get started again. I think I will go back to the beginning and start anew. Any ideas on how to approach this?
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7 Replies
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I’m so sorry about the torn rotator cuff. I feel for ya – had surgery years ago for that, and that was a long and painful ordeal. I’m glad things are looking up. Take it very slowly. I suggest starting with the 30 days to play (take as long as you need). See how your arm feels, and just play it by ear. When you feel better and more confident, then incorporate the daily challenges. Good luck with things, and just listen to your body.
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Ask your Physical Therapist if you can start some of the “Stretching to Play” exercises Tony details in the skills section. I developed my own outline summary of each (I will send you as a message if you ask me to) but @davefive did a wonder pictorial of it: https://bit.ly/tac-tonys-daily-stretches-pdf that can be downloaded. I look at it each day before I stretch (had to laminate it since used so much).
With the physical restrictions it would be a great time to exercise mentally by going through the skills courses that interest you for the knowledge they provide even without holding a guitar. Have a successful and speedy recovery @Janet C !!
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@highihid , wishing you fast healing. I had shoulder surgery a year ago for labral tear and tendon anchoring. I suggest going slowly. LIterally. 40, 50, 60 bpm. I was able to play pain free at those tempos and I gradually began increasing speed from there. Be observant of how your shoulder feels. If it starts hurting fi nd another way to do it. Subtle changes in posture and arm position made a big difference for me. In some ways I think I may be a better player for having gone through it because it forced me to slow down and pay attention to tension big time. Being forced to play without tension was satisfyingly benefi cial .
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Great advice even for people with “normal” shoulders. Thanks @jumpinjeff .
MG 😀
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I’m glad you’re ready to get back to playing, Janet ( @highihid ). I wish you speedy recovery and much guitar improvement and fun. I don’t think I can add anything to the excellent advice that has already been given. I just wanted to wish you well.
MG 😀
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Good for you!!! I agree w/ what others have said. Slow, easy, check w/ PT. That’s great that you are still going or it!
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Wishing you a speedy recovery Janet C! Take it slow and easy until your healed up. 🙂🎸
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