I am about 5 years out from the gym. I shattered my elbow 5 years ago, had a 2 year+ recovery waiting for insurance to approve and get the time to fix it. Fast forward to 2 years ago, getting back in shape and having two knuckleheads push my weight sideways mid-squat tearing my left shoulder labrum.
I am 40 days out of surgery and have been cleared to hit the gym. I was out of my brace after 8 days and in about 5 weeks of PT now which I have been told I can stop. My mobility is much better than prior to surgery and 100%. I get some pain here and there, but nothing major.
I have also started on HRT for low test (320 peak level), I am 41 years old. My therapy is 200mg Test Cyp/100mg Deca 1x week, HCG 10000 IU at .5ml 1x week with 1mg of Arimitrex, and another 10000 IU at.5ml HCG 1x week.
I was told I should stay in a 12-15 rep range and definitely not ramp up weight too fast staying on any new weight addition for at least 2 weeks or about 3 workouts on that part to be safe.
I am looking for advice. My gym is a bike ride away and pretty well equipped with free weights (DB’s to 160lb), Cybex, Body Masters, and some other machines.
I am currently 5’10", 230lbs (should be ~180lbs-190lbs in shape).
Thanks
Obviously take your time re acclimating your body to the movements, especially with added resistance. I’ve recently torn my labrum as well, but am going to be away for the next few weeks, so the MRI and surgery talks have to wait (My brother is a DPT, so we know what we’re dealing with already though). I imagine that working with dumbells would probably allow you to relearn movement patterns better than barbell work would. Of course you don’t want to rush with added weight, as you realize how fragile the inner workings of the shoulder joint are when compared to the larger, compound muscles.
Pretty cool that you were cleared to hit the gym after 40 days. I’ve been hearing 6 months, which in my head conjures up all sorts of scenarios concerning the end of my competitive career.
Best of luck!
S
[quote]The Mighty Stu wrote:
Pretty cool that you were cleared to hit the gym after 40 days. I’ve been hearing 6 months, which in my head conjures up all sorts of scenarios concerning the end of my competitive career.
[/quote]
I can’t believe it myself. I am was never really ever good to compete, but in my late teens to late 20’s I was looked at by quite a bit of folks that thought I could.
Even at discharge I was feeling ok. Only took two of the pain pills they gave me because they told me to do it. 4am that night after the surgery, I woke up for my next pill and decided I really didn’t need it.
8 days later I was out of my sling…probably could have done it sooner.
did only 18 days of physical therapy with the first day my therapist telling me if she didn’t see my scars she’d never believe I had surgery.
I was truly worried too about how many need 6 - 12 months to just get functional and how some ended up worse than they started.
My plan is to get big again. I am at 225 now ‘skinny fat’ and in my prime I was 190lbs ripped snd vascular. I want to be a solid 200lbs with just the main veins showing 
I look better a bit padded than full out freaky.
I am really excited to get back, but fear another injury. I am not used to getting hurt where it goes so long term.