<p>My S needs to have arthroscopic surgery for a labral tear in his shoulder (basically a rotator cuff injury). Do any of you have any knowledge/experience about recovery time in regards to getting back into instrument (bassoon) practice? His surgeon says in a week or two he would be able to do a little playing if he holds his instrument in a totally vertical position, perpendicular to the ground. (A good surgeon, but obviously not a bassoon player.) After a month he would be able to do more with the bassoon in a regular playing position. It will take about four months for full recovery, so we are looking at doing it this spring, in order to have most of the recovery, physical therapy, etc. done before he leaves for college. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks for all of the great advice and sharing that helped us get through auditions this year even though we got a late start on the whole college selection/audition preparation thing. What learned here really helped a lot!</p>
<p>If you live near a major metropolitan area it might be wise to seek out PT's that are familiar with musicians and injuries. Your AFM local, private instructor, or your own surgeon might be able to put you in touch with a few recommendations. It is becoming a specific discipline, like sports therapy.</p>
<p>You might want to ask a similar question on an internet woodwind forum.</p>
<p>There are also a number of books and articles addressing playing healthy, recovering from injuries, etc. Try a Google search.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Hi bassoonmom,
I had the exact surgery, except mine turned out to be frayed and not torn so they did some cleanup and removal of some bone and that was it. The shoulder was definitely improved very quickly so a couple of weeks to start using the shoulder sounds right. But I was sick from the anaesthetic for weeks, and couldn't resume drumming for about three months-- six before I could play with my band again. Hopefully your S won't have that problem, but I just wanted to mention that allowing for some wiggle room in case of unforeseen situations may be helpful. Violadad's advice is, as always, very helpful.</p>
<p>Well, now that auditions are over, as soon as concert obligations are passed, you might want to get it done ASAP. I know that several medical centers have physical therapists and physiatrists (MD in physical therapy) who specialize in this as well. They would oversee a surgical recovery in a much more understanding fashion. </p>
<p>As for time to recover, my D had her impacted wisdom teeth out the day after her last HS concert and 3 weeks before her summer festival began. They told her to lay off for at least a week...she was playing, bleeding 4 days later at HS graduation. Couldn't keep her away. It is amazing once they do get back though, how quickly they can play well again. They play through the pain, although I think that hurt me as much as her. Does he have summer commitments? It would be a good time for making lots of reeds!</p>
<p>I feel for your son, the first few days after surgery can be pretty painful. </p>
<p>I had surgery for a bad labrum tear that took a longer to recover from. A year for full healing. About two or three months to get back most of my range of motion. But I was over 40 and required a couple of screws to repair my labrum. I also had a torn bicep tendon. Perhaps your son will heal faster due to his age and specific injury. </p>
<p>I would agree that it may be wise to have the surgery as soon as possible to assist him in getting back into shape before college begins. I would also take some care in selecting a physical therapist. A caring and competent PT may help your son keep his forearm and fingers in better shape, even while the shoulder is immobile, for example.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the good advice and well wishes. We are looking into the choices of physical therapists in our area who may have experience with musicians.</p>