I had rotator cuff surgery on my left (lead) shoulder for a full tear. The surgeon also made more room for the tendon to move by scraping down the bones on either side. This is a common procedure in RC surgery. (There's a specific name for that procedure, but I don't remember what it is off the top of my head.)

I had the surgery at the end of the season, November 30, so I would have plenty of time to heal through winter. I did my PT religiously and finally started easy chipping in late Feb. Began easy swings with wedges and short irons in late March, but only a few each session. Did not play my first round, which was really just a test round of 9 holes, until around mid-May, almost 6 months since the surgery. Shoulder never got back to 100%, but did eventually heal to where it did not affect my game much. Probably about 85-90% mobility now. Took a year. I still have issues with it from time to time, but mostly from overuse. I play well-over 100 rounds a season and practice nearly everyday, so it gets lots of use. But I do have to be aware of it and not just pound balls on the range for hours on end. I have to pace myself. I practice full swings on the range with a very specific goal each time. Rarely do I hit more than 50-75 full swing shots in one session on the range. On the other hand, my short game has become my strength and my handicap is down about 3 or 4 pts since the surgery. 8.1 last update. I'm over 60 now. If you are much younger, you may heal faster. But, shoulders are tricky. It can take a lot of time no matter what your age. If it's any consolation, the year after the surgery, even starting my season in mid-May, I was still able to play 100 rounds and did not have too much pain along the way.

Good luck with the surgery. The recovery is long and can be difficult. Once you go through physical therapy and get the therapist's blessing to start chipping, make working on your short game a big focus going forward. You may be surprised to see how much your scores go down.

Doug,

Thanks for the info. I kind of suspected a long road. I'm 68 and only play 45-50 rounds per year. I hit balls maybe once a week but that is always off of a mat so I limit my self to the 50 ball bucket and half of those are with my wedges so as to go easy on the body. The thing that bums me out is that living in South Carolina I can play all year and sitting will be tough. Thanks again. Fairways and greens.

Mark F

Mark, I had rotator cuff surgery in 2014 @ age 63. Surgery went well and I was back playing in 5 months. I seem to heal very well for some reason. I have full range of motion and play 4-6 times a week. Shoulder never felt better. Did physical therapy religiously and also had a great therapist. Just recently had total knee replacement surgery and was back plaing golf in 5 weeks. Again was religious in doing the therapy both at the therapist office as well as at home. Still playing 4 -6 times a week at 65. Good luck with your surgery and therapy.

Terry

Terry,

Thanks. You have given me hope that next year won't be completely lost.

Fairways and greens.

MarkF

Mark F, I have as the folks above mentioned the PT is critical. I have had both shoulders done. You have to do what is required and then even more. For me, the right shoulder was first. I went above and beyond the PT I was asked to do. Reasoning was simple, I wanted to golf again. The second shoulder, I was not as good at doing my PT. Long story short, I can swing with no problems at all. My right shoulder is good, left one can have some issues once in a while. Good Luck!

I had rotator cuff surgery about twenty years ago. It was a long recovery process and PT was crucial for getting back onto the course. One of the best things I did was request that my therapist specialized in sports medicine. These therapists are very knowledgeable about the movements required for the game. My recovery was almost a year but I had a complete tear.

Today, as long as my right elbow stays below my shoulder joint in my swing, I have no problems playing golf. In fact, my Dr. tells me that golf is now my best therapy to keep my shoulder healthy. I'm sure you will be back on the course soon.

Thanks to all for your responses. The surgery is set for Nov. 28th. The surgeon has done a fellowship in CA at the Jobe clinic (think Dr. Jobe of "Tommy John" procedure fame), so I'm feeling good about him. However, he said that this must have happened a while ago and the ends of the muscles have moved apart so he won't know if he sew them together until he gets inside to look. Anyway, I again want to thank all who responded as you have given me hope that with the proper effort on my part I will be able to get back out there fairly soon. Fairways and greens to all.

Mark F