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Back and shoulder surgery is often worse than useless

127 points · 144 comments · burntcaramel

  1. jader201 · · focus · HN ↗
    As someone who's going to the doctor next week to discuss potential shoulder surgery, this is timely.

    I really need to figure out whether it's going to make things better or worse, but unfortunately, that feels like something a doctor can't guarantee one way or the other.

    Any anecdotes or other experiences/thoughts are appreciated.

    1. thin_carapace · · focus · HN ↗
      exercises that place the arm above the head become difficult if not impossible after some shoulder surgeries. these exercises position the shoulder in a comfortable locked in position. training in this position (eg. pull-ups) serves to strengthen muscles like the lats, which in turn support the shoulder in its resting position. i cant say avoiding surgery is fool proof - there is a markedly higher risk of dislocating, and many exercises (eg. bench press) become impossible with a loose shoulder joint. but personally i dont care, my destroyed shoulder becomes fixed after consistent pull-up training, do not see a need to lose half a year in recovery atm.
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