Rotator cuff surgery is designed to relieve stiffness in the area, and help you get back full range of motion. It's important to begin a physical therapy regimen soon after surgery, because scar tissue has a tendency to build up unless movement is started after two weeks. The rotator cuff is crucial in the game of golf, and provides power and control in a swing. With the proper physical training, most golfers are able to regain their form and play as the same level as before the surgery. It's important to consult a medical professional before beginning any treatment program.
After Surgery
Treatment from rotator cuff surgery is going to last anywhere from several weeks to a few months, and recovery time is going to depend on your age, type of surgery and physical therapy. You will begin the treatment period by resting your shoulder in a sling. You also need to ice your rotator cuff every two hours between 15 and 30 minutes. While you shouldn't move your shoulder for two weeks, it's good to go for walks and get blood circulating throughout the body. You can also take a broomstick or other light object similar to a golf club, and simulate a golf swing with your good arm. During these two weeks while your arm is immobilized, you can study read greens and putt better.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery may be broken down into four phases, with each phase lasting four weeks. As your rotator cuff begins to get stronger, your exercises become more difficult. Toward the end of your physical therapy program, you can begin to hit golf balls once again. Start by using your short distance irons and work your way back up to your woods as your body feels better. These four exercises represent your four phases of physical therapy.
Lie down on your stomach on a table or bed, and let your injured arm hang down. Begin swinging your shoulder back and forth, and repeat the exercise until your shoulder begins to get tired.
Lie down on your side with your uninjured arm underneath you. Keep your surgically repaired arm at your side and bend your elbow 90-degrees. Let your forearm rest against your chest with your palm down. Raise your left forearm until it is level with your shoulder, letting the arm down slowly. Repeat this exercise until your arm begins to get tired.
Lie down on your side with your injured arm underneath your body. Bend your elbow at 90-degrees and keep your right arm resting on the table. Hold a can of food or light dumbbell in your hand. Roll your shoulder in and raise your right hand toward your chest. Lower the arm and repeat the exercise for 3 sets and 10 repetitions.
While in a standing position, hold two dumbbells in each arm at your sides. Keeping your arms straight, raise the weights until they reach over your head. Lower the dumbbells back and down and repeat this exercise for 3 sets and 15 to 20 repetitions.
Prevention
To prevent further damage to your rotator cuff after surgery, it is important to stretch before beginning your round of golf. Perform each of these stretches with both sides of your body, and hold each one for 15 to 30 seconds. Before beginning any stretch, warm up your rotator cuff by performing at least 20 slow arm circles with each arm.
To perform a back cuff stretch, place your left hand on your right shoulder and your right hand on your left elbow. Gently push your arm toward your back and repeat on the other side.
An underside cuff stretch is when you place your left hand behind your head and right hand on left elbow. Push your elbow down, and reach your hand down the middle of your back. Repeat this stretching exercise with the other arm.
When performing a front cuff stretch, hold both hands behind your back, and slowly raise your arms. Don't lean your body forward and be sure to stand tall.
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