I'm not sure if I have this thread in the right place, but here goes:

I have a painful shoulder, which my orthopedic surgeon believes is caused by impingement. If I don't chicken out, I have surgery scheduled for an arthroscopic subacromial decompression, which will open up the space and release the impingement. (Before the surgery was scheduled, I had a cortisone shot, months of physical therapy and super anti-inflammatories and my shoulder has...shall we say...plateau'd.)

I have heard that the surgery could lead to less range of motion and arthritis down the line. I really want to start lifting when I am over this. (I can do baby weights now.)

Have any of you darling Ladies Who Lift had any shoulder problems or arthroscopic work?

And...HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL!

I've had other shoulder problems that have no bearing on this...but I have one friend and one client who have the same problems you do. My friend is a bodybuilder who did have the surgery. It was becoming impossible for her to do anything without it, much less lift weights. The re-hab was long, but 6 months later she has full range of motion and is back to her previous weights.

My client has not had surgery, and just lives with the major inconvenience. She is 60 years old, and figures there is already enough achey parts that one more doesn't matter I don't know how old you are, that might be a consideration. We work around the shoulder problems. She can't do any overhead work, but upright rows seem to work just fine. Wide machine chest presses are painful, but dumbells are ok. It's a matter of lots of experimentation to see what works and what doesn't. In her case, she can work around it. My friend had no alternative because the impingement was so bad.

Good luck!

Mel

Thanks so much for your message, Mel. It is very encouraging that your friend was able to recuperate so well. (BTW, how old is your friend?)

I have other achy parts as well but my shoulder keeps me up at night. Plus, my range of motion isn't all that great now anyway due to the pain and weakness.

Thanks again, Mel. I really appreciate your taking the time to respond.

She's a very young 44.

Hi, I'm actually on medical leave after have an arthroscopic decompression on my domianant side. After 2 weeks I had better range of motion then before the surgery and way less pain. PM me if you want more info.

You are awesome, Mama D! Thank you...I will definitely PM you.

Surgery on your dominant side? Owie, owie!!!