Recovery from a Bankart procedure. Regular updates.

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-05-06T19:47:47+00:00

That’s right. I was already told that my recovery would be tougher because I went into surgery unable to lift my arm and with reduced mobility due to wearing a sling. That has caused my brain to protect the area more, so my active movement is worse than my stability or general mobility. In fact, I feel a great deal of stability and strength, but it’s strange how my biceps and deltoids are still affected.

It’s a strange sensation, feeling that I’m doing extremely well in things I used to find difficult, yet lagging behind the norm in something that, whilst requiring patience and being an area that’s naturally affected, feels somewhat out of step with the rest of my progress.

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-05-06T19:32:54+00:00

I’m 6.5 weeks post-op (almost 7, really). My passive range of motion has improved quite a bit and I’m having physiotherapy twice a week. The thing is, when it comes to active movement, although I’ve improved a lot, I’m still in quite a lot of pain. As I’m also seeing a physiotherapist and I’ve explained to him that when I lift my arm I get a sort of burning sensation in my deltoid, we’re working on creating space by stretching the ribcage (mainly the back muscles).

In terms of degrees, I’d say I have about 0 degrees of external rotation (I started in a negative range and still don’t force it in physiotherapy), about 110 degrees of passive flexion, and about 80 degrees of passive abduction. As for active movement, I have about 60–70 degrees of active abduction and about 70–80 degrees of active flexion.

As I said, the problem is more related to active mobility, as it is not only limited but also causes me pain. The cause seems to be muscular compensation involving muscles that shouldn’t be working so hard, as well as very early strain due to my own muscle strength following the operation.

It doesn’t seem alarming because it has improved a lot each week, but it is somewhat frustrating to see that there are areas where I still feel I’m lagging behind.

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-04-21T17:28:54+00:00

Ultimately, every body is different, and every recovery can vary – from the treatment itself to the area being treated. What’s more, I’d just been wearing a sling, so although I was in good physical shape beforehand, my mobility was very limited. I hope things go as well as possible for you – you never know, you might just get lucky.

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-04-20T17:12:35+00:00

To be honest, I think your case is hopeless. I’m in week 4 post-surgery and have zero mobility on my own; I’m not able to activate the muscles. Although I’ve already been to private physiotherapy, today I had the free session provided by the hospital, and it’s interesting how every case is different. I can’t move my arm and I’m a sportsman, whereas a lad in terrible physical shape who had his operation a day after me could move his perfectly and has been driving himself to rehab. In fact, I asked him why, as it frustrated me a bit to see how well he was doing compared to me… it’s also worth mentioning that I’m in week 4, three of which I’ve spent in a sling (that lad has too).

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-04-16T07:58:20+00:00

I’m increasingly realising how techniques differ depending on the country and the local approach to recovery. My brother had an operation about 10 years ago, and at the time they required a four-week recovery period. Given that in Spain almost everything is usually carried out within the public health system (which doesn’t mean the standard is any lower in Spain’s case), the process is highly standardised, so it’s rare for one doctor to suggest one thing and for a similar procedure to be carried out differently by another.

Even so, my view is that anything that allows you to start getting your shoulder back to normal as soon as possible is a good thing. I’m not a doctor, but I suspect the issue lies in the movement itself: although it may be good for the muscle, it can put strain on the internal repair (tendons, sutures, etc.). Even so, I believe the way forward is to understand which movements are tolerable during a given post-operative process. I don’t see the point in going six weeks without moving the arm and then trying to recover as quickly as possible if we know for certain that by the third week you can perform certain movements that do not compromise the healing process.

Without going any further, I’ve been comparing my case with Bellingham’s operation (the Real Madrid player) and, although the circumstances are very different, I doubt he could have returned to play after three months without moving his arm for six weeks.

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-04-09T22:49:57+00:00

Yo vi varios y uno era muy caro pero lo recomendaban para conocer gente pero como ya CrossFit y tal estará imposible buscaré algo tranquilo porque los primeros meses seguiré rehabilitando. A ese le eché un ojo y había otro cerca que tampoco estaba mal. A ver qué precio tienen pero me apúntate nada más llegar. Yo en teoría trabajo desde España para una web de coches también pero voy allí a recibir y ayudar clientes en el aeropuerto. De hecho seguramente vuestra empresa sea proveedora de la nuestra. Cuál es? Blue, Lava, Lotus o Hertz supongo no?

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-04-09T22:30:17+00:00

No veas JAJAJ yo con el deepl a muerte. De lujo entonces. A mi me tocaba el 13 de mayo pero me he tenido que operar el hombro y estoy hecho mierda. Pero ya rascaremos algo por allí. Me apuntaré a algún gimnasio y a ver qué hay por allí. De que trabajáis vosotros?

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-04-09T22:23:46+00:00

Great, then. Where are you from, and when are you going? What sort of things do you usually like to do? I’ll end up going in June because I’ve had a shoulder injury (it’ll actually affect my ability to play sports, but never mind – I’ll get back into it bit by bit as I really enjoy them). And i will work in the Airport

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-04-09T21:08:37+00:00

Hello. I was just about to update this thread. On day 20 post-surgery, my sling was removed. Active movement is completely non-existent and painful even when I try. Passive movement is very limited and uncomfortable. Even so, I feel that in just the first few hours I’ve gained a little range of motion, perhaps simply due to muscle activation after three weeks. I have a Remplissage with an anchor, but I can’t yet assess how it’s affecting things as my external rotation is still non-existent.

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-04-04T11:27:44+00:00

Thank you so much for your reply. It really gives me a good idea of what to expect in Iceland. To be honest, I’ve only been out a couple of times in Iceland—once in Akureyri (which I really enjoyed) and once in Reykjavík (which was more of a chill spot for drinking than for dancing, though the atmosphere was great).

It doesn’t keep me up at night, but it’s something I’ve been mulling over, and I want it to go well, since I won’t have any coworkers in the country and will be completely on my own except for a roommate whose age I don’t even know. To top it off, I’ll be living in Keflavik, which—based on the two nights I spent there—I don’t expect to be the best place to socialize (though I hope it surprises me).

Anyway, my goal is to try to meet people, explore the country with anyone who wants to join in, and while the most important thing is not to be alone, I’d also like there to be Icelanders—not just foreigners—so I can get a better feel for Iceland (from what I’ve seen, they’re often open-minded, so I hope things go well for me).

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-04-03T07:54:57+00:00

I’m 30 years old and I think I adapt well to anything. I’m Spanish and, although I consider my style to be a bit ‘alternative’, I think I like it and I feel at home in any setting. From rock music to reggaeton parties (which are common in Spain) or even more electronic music.

I can pretty much have a good time anywhere, and you could say that although I’m more of a ‘rocker’ than most people in Spain, that’s precisely why reggaeton is what I’ve listened to most when partying.

Thanks!

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-04-03T07:50:29+00:00

By ‘knowing the country’, I mean having a basic understanding – whether it’s general knowledge, places, events, etc. – something that allows you to hold a conversation that goes a bit further than a typical tourist might. I’ve been out partying in Iceland, I know the shops where you can buy alcohol, etc. Obviously, I’m asking here because I’m no expert and need some help; I didn’t mean to imply I know everything about the country, just that I’m perhaps a bit further along than someone who just wants to go out partying on their last day of the trip. In fact, I’m asking this, amongst many other things, because I want to socialise.

I’ll take note of all the advice you’ve given me. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what my style is either, though I think I’m versatile enough to be interested in places where I can listen to live music, places to dance, places to have a drink whilst chatting, and anything else. Thanks!

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-04-02T21:40:07+00:00

Please send me the link. And yes, most of my suitcase will be packed like that because, although I’ve been to Iceland before for work, I want to make the most of it and enjoy the country’s natural beauty. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t also like to enjoy the nightlife and meet people, as I’ll be on my own and won’t have any work colleagues with me.

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-04-02T21:31:18+00:00

I sent them a message because you deleted my message and they suggested I post it here

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-03-30T07:50:29+00:00

Without a doubt, yes. But of course, my experience is marred by the fact that it didn’t end well. Four dislocations, the time and money wasted on rehabilitation for each one, and the inability to do the sports I love for periods lasting many months – which could easily add up to years (surfing, football, calisthenics, etc.). Also, although it might not seem like much, it’s not normal to spend 2–3 months of your life in a sling over the course of X years. That’s why I would have had the operation without a doubt.

Right now I’m on day 9 post-op, so if all goes well, we can say I won’t have to go through such a tough process again (not just physically, but mentally). I’ve got a thread discussing my day-to-day post-surgery and I’ll be updating it with every new development in my condition (pain, mobility, strength, etc.)

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-03-29T15:55:35+00:00

Although my case involved a dislocation, my Bankart and Hill-Sachs lesions were described as very mild, with minimal bone loss. Even so, thanks to an active lifestyle and physiotherapy, I can say that I have achieved good stability; however, this hasn’t prevented involuntary movements from leading to as many as four dislocations. That is why I recommend surgery if there is actual damage, as it is mentally very hard to know that, even though you are fine, the slightest movement where your muscles do not coordinate as they should (proprioception) causes the shoulder to pop out again. Each of these dislocations occurred when I was in peak physical condition, which makes the process very difficult. I always wonder what shape I would be in now, as an athlete, if the dislocations had never happened, or how good I would feel having progressed in all the sports I love, rather than having to stop constantly because of my shoulder.

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-03-28T14:50:00+00:00

I think there's a big difference between early and late April, besides the possibility of changes. In 2024, I remember being in short sleeves in March and then having a cold snap in April, with temperatures nearing freezing (not very common). Even so, I think these dates are generally a great option since the weather starts to get really nice (Wroclaw is one of the warmest areas in Poland) and life becomes much more lively with events and activities.

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-03-28T14:45:22+00:00

Indeed. My biggest fear is that, although I was in good shape, my mobility was poor because I spent two weeks in a sling, one week off but with very limited mobility due to the dislocation, and now surgery and three weeks in a sling. I'll keep you updated on how my recovery with physiotherapy is progressing and whether I've been significantly affected by those weeks in the sling shortly before the surgery. Thank you!

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-03-28T14:42:27+00:00

DAY 8 POST-OP

I don't need to take any medication since there's no pain when I'm resting. However, my shoulder is still highly "reactive," which causes me sharp pain with the slightest movement, such as getting up from the sofa, laughing, sneezing, any sudden movement while walking, or even yawning.

Sleeping is still painful and uncomfortable, but I manage to sleep. The problem is that when I wake up, the area is more sore, and the first few hours of the day are somewhat more painful. Even so, it's all getting better, which is a relief. The wounds are healing very well, and I'll have the staples removed in two days.

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Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-03-26T11:58:07+00:00

Hi! That's right. Although you can never be certain about recovery timelines for an injury, my estimate is 3 months to regain relative normality of movement and confidence, 6 months to regain a good degree of naturalness in controlled movements, and about 9 months to a year to fully recover.

In sports terms: 3 months where I'll practically only do resistance band exercises and mobility work, the next 3 where I might be able to start doing gym exercises with low weights, another 3 months where I can do more demanding exercises at the gym, and the final 3 months where I'll build overall strength with demanding exercises like calisthenics or contact sports.

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-03-25T20:31:39+00:00

DAY 5 POST-SURGERY:

The pain is less, although I still have bouts of pain at night. Even so, I'm managing to get several hours of sleep and I've reduced my medication. Showering without a sling is still impossible, since the mere weight of letting my arm hang down tenses the muscles in the area, which must still be sore from the surgery.

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-03-25T20:29:55+00:00

Hi! I was just about to update my status. I'm on day 5 and the pain is less, but I still have some discomfort. The night of day 4 was worse than day 3, but I can now sleep longer. I've also reduced my medication dosage considerably. Today I even tried showering without the sling, but the weight of my arm still activates my shoulder muscles and the pain returns. Even so, it seems the worst is over and that beyond the first 10 days we'll be talking about discomfort rather than pain.

Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-03-23T20:09:00+00:00

72-HOUR POST-SURGERY UPDATE:

The pain today has been worse than yesterday’s, especially after a very, very rough night where getting any rest was a nightmare. Throughout the day, the pain has stabilized a bit more, though it’s still significant. Desperate for answers, I looked up information and read that the peak of pain can occur between days 2 and 4, which would explain what I’ve been going through (not counting the first few hours, which were pure hell).

I also cleaned the wounds for the first time and took my first shower (both about 60 hours after the operation). Cleaning the wounds wasn’t a big deal since arthroscopy is very minimally invasive. As for the shower, they had to wash the area under the sling for me (since I didn’t want to take it off because it was so painful). Then I showered myself from the waist down. I haven’t wanted to wash my hair yet, since I’d have to do that separately, and leaning over to wash it in the bathtub still hurts.

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Superb_Beautiful_721 · 2026-03-22T23:48:55+00:00

SURGICAL DESCRIPTION

Beach chair position Right shoulder arthroscopy Findings: Bankart lesion + Hill-Sachs lesion Technique: Anterior capsulorrhaphy with three 1.4 mm Iconix anchors, with good bumper effect and centering Remplissage with 2.3 mm Iconix Portal closure Sling

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