I am currently in physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery at the end of February. My doctor and therapist have not yet cleared me to ride although I feel I could. For those with experience, when were you able to ride again? Did you encounter any problems when you started? Thanks for any insights.

 

I had the surgery, it took about 3 months or so before I was strong enough and the pain was controlled enough to ride..it was kind of strange..I was in a lot of pain for a long time and all of a sudden one day the pain was (almost) all gone...

 

I waited six months because doctor said if I didn't let it get totally healed there was nothing left to fix it with again they would have to get new tendons from a cadaver. I completely tore three of the four that make up the RC into.

 

I got my sling off on the 20th. I went for a ride on the 26th and felt pretty good. Still sore, but I can lift my arm half way up with no pain at all.Going on a ride this weekend. My only words of caution is take it slow. I have no problems using the clutch or turning the bike. I am more aware to not let it lean to far while stopped now also. According to the Doc you need to wait 6 months to a year, but I have a friend that went for a ride the day her sling came off. The best is when you feel comfortable to ride try a short ride like around the block. Only you will know. I have not dropped my bike yet and I don’t plan on starting just because of a shoulder surgery.

 

I rode to therapy within 30 days.

 

I tried after 3 months and had issues. My beach bars were just too wide for me. I was sore and just didn't feel in 100% control in case I had to react quickly. I just wasn't comfortable with that. I continued physical therapy 2 times a week and tried it again a month later and was better, but still not there mentally and physically. I went another month and did better. Take your time with your recovery and stick with physical therapy until you have 100% mobility back. It's just not worth it.

 

I raced shortly after RC surgery. I figure the rules were you could do whatever you wanted as long as your elbow didn't leave your side/ribs. So I fitted these stupid looking cruiser/pulback bars on my racebike at the time (a KTM duke), and raced. Raced upright, kept my elbows tight to my ribs, and didn't feel any pain. Smart? Probably not. Does the joy from winning those two regional titles that year (my last year racing 2004 at the age of 50) assuage the pain I feel now? Not really. Would I do it again, probably...

Everytime I have had orthopaedic work (and I have had a lot), I push the "rules" set out by the doctors as far as what I can and cannot do. Invariably when I go back to the doctors, I hear, "I can't believe the progress you are making".

 

Thanks to all for the information. I have full mobility, but according to my therapist and what I read, I'm only 40% healed. My impression is the biggest concern is re-injuring the shoulder if the bike goes over; I don't believe I would injure it by simply riding. I see the surgeon on May 7 and am going to hope for clearance to ride. If I get the ok, I will limit the miles at first.

 

I was young and stupid and I still followed the doc's advice to a T. I had major cuff repair then as soon as I was 3 months out, I had a labrum repair due to pitching in my early 20s. My suggestion, follow his advice to a T. Any quick, sudden movement could absolutely F you over. Another 30 days and you'll prob be good to go. Wait.....

 

Let your body be your guide once your medically cleared. Don't just consider if you can ride, consider a worst case scenario. If you're not confident you could handle it, then wait. If something goes wrong and the shoulder isn't up to the task you could easily be in serious trouble.

Be safe. The roads aren't going anywhere.