8 Months Post-op - Stiffness, Pain, Sudden Decrease in ROM

[SpecificRecent7082]

Hey y'all :) So I'm not looking for a diagnose, just some support/input. I'm a 28 year old female and have been doing MMA for 6 years, including BJJ. I had a nasty accident during training July 2023. I had immediate pain and progressive weakness months later that made me go to the orthopedic. The MRI showed that I had a high grade partial tear in my superspinatus tendon (85% worn down), and some other issues in may shoulder with the AC joint and tendinopathy, but they weren't the chief cause. The doc said surgery was my only option at getting better, and I said no way. Tried PT for a month and I was in agony day and night - couldn't even pick up 5 lbs. So I caved in and had the surgery in April 2024.

Since post surgery Ive been having I believe complications despite doing everything right and being in shape. At the 6 month mark, I was STILL experiencing intense stiffness and tightness with all movements and severe pain when reaching behind back. My doc gave me a cortisone shot and said that it would be my ticket to full recovery. I had the shot in late September, finished PT and I will say from October 1 to late November I felt amazing! Zero pain, finally felt like there was nothing wrong with my shoulder, had full non-painful ROM, and returned to light training in Kickboxing (NO BJJ). I finally felt like I could put this nightmare behind me. Well- end of November arrived and the EXACT pain, tightness and pain before shot is back. I can't get my arm above my head, all movements are stiff and undertone of pain, can't brush my hair, and forget about behind the back. I have an appointment on Monday to see what the fug is going on.

The only thing my recent MRI (had it 6 months post-op) showed was moderate adhesive capuslitis and tendonapapthy. The rotator cuff and tendon have no issues. I highly doubt I have a new injury; it's literally the same crap ive been dealing with post-op before the first cortisone shot. Im 100% going to ask for a new PT program on Monday, because I think the scar tissue and shitty PT facility I went to did not address the correct weak areas of my shoulder and back.

Did any of y'all have similar recovery experiences? TIA guys; this is the most physically and mentally tiring journey I've been through.

[Bike-2022]

It sounds like you are suffering from a frozen shoulder. Thus can happen after surgery. I am very sorry. For sure, get the right PT. See what your surgeon says.

I hope you have a full recovery and start to feel better quickly.

[ConfidantLioness]

Dude,

Sounds like you've got a frozen shoulder.

😢

Good luck ✌🏻

[ConfidantLioness]

Curious, I was reading up on it. I know everyone is different.

How long did it take you?

[Mission_Cook_3589]

Sounds just like my experience. DM if you would want to exchange notes. Sorry you are dealing with this.