Shoulder Surgery

Our user asked: "Hi, I am having an ac joint ressection and sub acromial decompression/ debridement surgery. In addition, I may have to have a biceps tendinopathy depends on how it looks when my doc gets in there. My question is, if the he indeed has to move and re-attatch my biceps tendon, how long before I could workout with wieghts? I have read a wide range of time frames and wanted to hear your opinon. I will be going to the std. 6 week pt program. Without the tendon procedure I know the recovery is relatively quick ~2 months or so. Thanks"

Ask a PT Response: "You are correct that the time frame for therapy is less when it comes to a subacromial decompression. Should you have sustained a biceps tear and require a tenodesis of the biceps the recovery time is usually longer. The biceps long head tendon is a small tendon, so great care is taken after surgery to prevent compromising the surgery. Gentle strengthening is usually not performed  until greater than 6 weeks after the surgery (this will vary depending on extent of injury and the surgeon). Therefore, it is common for a patient to not be able to fully work out with heavier weights until 3 to 4 months out after the surgery. Again this will vary depending on extent of injury and the surgeon."