Shoulder surgery/Return to rowing

[Jenniferferree]

My rowing partner is going to be having SLAP surgery on her shoulder soon. Anyone with experience with this? How long should she expect to recover from it? How long before she can row without pain? Any insight would be welcomed - lots of conflicting information out there!

[Nick]

I've had major surgery on my left shoulder - not SLAP, but still surgery, and my right shoulder is shot as well. That said, I'm working on my 4 million mark and doing ok. The best advice that I personally can give your rowing buddy is to not rush the recovery process. An injury to a healing shoulder will mean a great setback to her. I would assume that she will undergo physical therapy following surgery. She should definitely advise the physical therapist that she is a serious rower. The therapist will guide her recovery process with this fact in mind. I recently had to take a week off because I pulled my rhomboid muscle lifting weights. I just got back on the erg this morning and did a very easy, verrrrrry sloooow 22 minutes followed by a cold pack for ten minutes. Just ask your rowing buddy to take it easy, listen to the docs and the therapists and she'll be fine. Good Luck! Nick

[heroesfitness]

Yes, I would definitely advise the therapist if provided one after the operation, also I would see about getting referred to a Personal trainer via your GP as these are normally versed in rehabilitation