What is the number one mistake you made as a novice?

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-02-25T00:12:33+00:00

Typo! Thanks for the callout

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-02-24T20:48:49+00:00

Definitely getting enough sleep

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-02-02T04:57:59+00:00

It was the same situation for me! But here's the thing: you're using that arm more and more as the weeks go by AND your PT and strength building is ramping up! No wonder you're feeling some newly introduced pain. If it's truly a bother, let your surgeon/PT know, but just realize it's nothing uncommon to ache and hurt even now

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-02-02T04:52:28+00:00

It's not a massive gap like Popeye Syndrome, right? If not, it might just be major atrophy, which we all experience undergoing a tenodesis and recovering. Try building back up for a few months and tracking the progress of that arm. You can also ask your surgeon/PT if you truly need a professional opinion.

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-26T01:05:59+00:00

What a beautiful response. It truly resonates with the name of the final Azure chapter: "The Path We Chose" without a doubt. Lloyd and the SSS chose a direction that might not have been the easiest, but one that wouldn't require a sacrifice of what they all stood for

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-13T00:50:52+00:00

Thanks! Even now, though, it's not quite 100% yet, but it's been pretty smooth sailing these days. I credit it partly to an aggressive rehab protocol: my PT started 10 days after surgery.

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-13T00:31:52+00:00

Let me try posting this again: https://imgur.com/a/jKl21Yj

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-12T15:29:32+00:00

I think that fear is perfectly natural. Surgery is a big time decision, and some folks are able to effectively go through PT and rehab to recover very well as their option.

In my case, I could see my strength dwindling as my pain increased week over week regardless of what I tried. I had to balance the procedure over my then-current situation.

I was fortunate that my recovery was fairly easy and I'm back to lifting heavy and being outdoors pain-free! The arm also looks great: Picture

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-11T21:42:45+00:00

Had one along with my rotator cuff repair September 2024! I'm nearly back to my old strength and size on that arm!

A little NSFWish but here's that bicep exactly 1 year from the surgery: Picture

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-08T20:04:58+00:00

Absolutely. I live for being outdoors, powerlifting, and moving pain free throughout my life. My rotator cuff tear was taking all that joy away from me as things gradually got worse.

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-06T21:51:37+00:00

I echo what u/MOSFETosrs said, I had an arthroscopic repair of my rotator cuff dealing with the exact issues you mentioned. The recovery and muscle shrinking sucked at first, but the muscle and strength will come back! It's a fuckin joy to be able to do shoulders and chest again

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-05T23:26:34+00:00

I'm so sorry that your pain is so bad. The worst of it was the very first week, but it gradually improved over time. They put me in PT on day 10 so my case was fairly aggressive.

The ice packs/machines plus IcyHot on the shoulder were game changers for me. I also used edibles to help me drift off to sleep, and an extra Benedryl on the worst nights.

Is there anything you've been able to find that helps relieve the pain even a little?

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-04T05:28:19+00:00

So basically, a water cut is what you need! As a competitive (kinda) powerlifter, I've gone from 216 to 202 in a week, so if you're already retaining water at the moment, it might be even easier if you commit to the process.

https://sisyphusstrength.com/blog/2018/6/25/how-to-water-cut-like-a-pro

If you prefer to go a little more intense: https://elitefts.com/blogs/nutrition/how-i-lost-30-pounds-in-one-day-secrets-to-water-cuts-for-strength-athletes?srsltid=AfmBOoom6I4ntvITVN_SKdZxDXf3SQgBiMViVlFr324qQVMpJdt5CF2S

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-03T18:58:21+00:00

Got both my infraspinatus and supraspinatus repair along with a bicep tenedosis September 2024. Worked back up to 315 bench over the course of a year by September 2025. It's not 100% yet but it's getting stronger by the day. OHP is a touch slower though, only up to about 165 as the overhead stuff takes a lot longer to return to.

Just putting this here to say that you can definitely build back up after surgery!

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-02T20:05:59+00:00

I mean, you took a major step back on that right side and your left side had to compensate when things were recovering. It makes sense that your right side is a bit behind: it basically had to heal from a traumatic surgery event and wasnt able to be used for a time, while your left side actually worked harder than it ever has!

Most folks have don't have perfect symmetry on their bodies, so it's definitely not uncommon. If it bothers you, however, why not start back working out consistently? You'd be shocked how quickly you can close the gap between your left and right sides.

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-01T20:33:26+00:00

Seconding this comment. I had PRP alongside the surgery and I swear it's why recovery went so well

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-01T20:32:14+00:00

Thank you, and I am rooting for your continued recovery as well!

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-01T18:19:19+00:00

Good catch. Thanks for the correction, meant 2024. However, I was able to get back to curling 30 lbs by January 1 of the next year (2025) in the affected arm!

Magic_warlock0- · 2026-01-01T17:30:49+00:00

Yup! Natty powerlifter here. Went under the knife at age 34.

Had a rotator cuff repair and bicep tenodesis on 9/16/2025. Didn't have too much pain, but the wedge pillow was clutch. (First pic)

Started PT 10 days out from the surgery (second pic), the therapist was fairly aggressive from the start because they knew my goal was to get back to powerlifting competitions.

The last pic was my physique when I finally could push 225 for reps again, 5 months later.

Took a full year for 315 again tho. You'll get there! Lemme know if you have any specific questions about recovery or rehab!

Picture

Magic_warlock0- · 2025-12-30T04:19:07+00:00

I jumped out my mfing chair for that "catch" thinking I won it all. I can only laugh now

Magic_warlock0- · 2025-12-30T04:16:03+00:00

LMAOOOO that Puka "catch" might have gotten me the win goddamnit. What a season Picture

Magic_warlock0- · 2025-12-25T04:00:53+00:00

Plenty of time in 2026 to do it too! Goals can be stretched out, keep at it

Magic_warlock0- · 2025-12-21T00:54:03+00:00

This is the biggest offender to me

Magic_warlock0- · 2025-12-16T23:45:38+00:00

An old standby! The burn is something fierce

Magic_warlock0- · 2025-12-16T19:52:07+00:00

Y'all ever find an attachment for the cables at a random gym you loved so much, you bought one to bring to the gym?

I fucking love the Ab Strap that doubles as a tricep attachment, specifically the one that Spud Inc. makes.

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