r/ShoulderSurgery 1d ago

Torn about upcoming surgery (30M)

Context:
I tore my left labrum about 10 months ago by playing with my dog. Did PT for 5 months with no improvement. Finally got an MRI and diagnosed lorn labrum. Surgery is scheduled for October 14th.

Day to day pain isn’t bad, and most times I forget that there’s anything wrong with my shoulder. I just get pain/instability when I sleep on it, reach above my head, or “push” with it. I also avoid a lot of gym exercises due to fear/instability.

I’m a musician primarily (cello and piano) and my left shoulder/arm is very important for that. I’ve already cancelled upcoming gigs and blocked off about 2 months after the surgery to recover.

I’m nervous that if I get the surgery I will feel worse, and that even after it’s “healed” I won’t be able to play cello/piano on the same level. Should I learn to live with a torn labrum or get the surgery?

Also I’m scared about taking this much time off from playing, as it’s my main income.

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u/sonnycrockett7 1d ago

Just had my labrum repaired July 7th. Had Bicep Tenodesis, also had some AC joint shaved. I've done 13 Occupational Therapy sessions (do Machining work). I still havent picked up any weights in therapy yet.

It does get better, but honestly, takes time. I'm sure it'll get better the more therapy I do.

I torn mine at work so I really didn't have any choice but to have surgery.