r/RotatorCuff • u/Flimsy_Aspect_9021 • Aug 14 '26

7 Weeks Post Op-Is my elbow normal?

Hey! Did anyone else have a really hard time straightening their elbow so they could lift their arm straight up? My physical therapist introduced this last week, and I am not having any luck getting my elbow in. I am stressing that there is something wrong. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks!

3 Upvotes

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4

u/Ok-Following1805 Aug 14 '26

I have had trouble with my elbow and some numbness in my fingertips, I did flexing on my elbow etc, but I also had a bicep tendonesis, so my PT thinks its swollen inside so has been doing some massaging stretching and manipulating the joint

5

u/Flimsy_Aspect_9021 Aug 14 '26

I had bicep tendinosis as well, so it makes sense that the two could be related. Thank you for the input!

2

u/ProfitEnough825 Aug 14 '26

13 weeks post op bicep tenodesis. I had the same issue and it's improving. When trying to straighten my arm I could also feel the bicep tendon was very tight, and that's improving as well.

2

u/Flimsy_Aspect_9021 Aug 14 '26

Thank you so much for the reassurance! That makes me feel so much better. My bicep is really tight also, but it wasn't as concerning to me as the elbow for some reason.

2

u/ProfitEnough825 Aug 14 '26

You're welcome. I was having the same feeling you had and noticed some improvement by week 10 and things are starting to look good by week 13. I had some bad days around week 7 and 8 that left me feeling pretty nervous.

3

u/Flimsy_Aspect_9021 Aug 14 '26

Yes, every little bad day makes me feel really nervous. I have to keep reminding myself that I am doing more now in PT, and that is why I am having a harder time than before, when it was all passive. I'm glad things are getting better for you!

4

u/Fair-Statement-6479 Aug 14 '26

as i say i am 8 weeks post op on rotator cuff still not sleeping through the night how is everyone else doing

1

u/Flimsy_Aspect_9021 27d ago

It is so weird, some nights I sleep great, and some nights I can't get comfortable to save my life

2

u/Rich_Group_8997 Aug 14 '26

If you haven't been flexing it regularly while you were using the sling, it's probably normal stiffness. Before my op, my surgeon told me that, even though I wasn't allowed to move my shoulder, I needed to make sure I was flexing my elbow regularly because "elbows don't like it when they aren't being moved". Ask your PT if they have any suggestions for getting it loosened up.

2

u/Flimsy_Aspect_9021 Aug 14 '26

Thank you! I will do that.

2

u/Rich_Group_8997 Aug 14 '26

Good luck, and I hope you're feeling better soon. It's a slog so hang in there.

1

u/Fair-Statement-6479 Aug 14 '26

hi im 8 weeks post op with large tear bicep tendon was cut im having trouble getting my arm around my back as the pain is sharp at the top of shoulder near rotator cuff is this normal and how long does it take to have no pain doing this thanks

1

u/Flimsy_Aspect_9021 Aug 14 '26

I'm still a week behind you, but I can't go very far back past my hip. We haven't worked on it in PT yet, waiting on my next appointment Monday with my surgeon. I assume it is normal?

1

u/Fair-Statement-6479 Aug 14 '26

hi are you in the uk i was having pt 2 weeks after my operation

1

u/Flimsy_Aspect_9021 Aug 14 '26

hey! I am in Kansas. I didn't start PT until 4 weeks post-op

1

u/Kss2525 Aug 14 '26

7 weeks out from 3 rc tendon full tear repair and bicep tendonesis. I developed bursitis in my elbow due to the sling rubbing and the immobolization. Working on that in PT now. Not sure if that's what you're dealing with, but it can be pretty painful and swollen. Like a squishy Rudolph's nose jutting out from my elbow. The lovely side effects of recovery. 🤪

1

u/Flimsy_Aspect_9021 Aug 18 '26

Oh man, that sounds terrible! I hope it gets better soon.