I am not a Dr…..but have had both shoulders fixed. The first one the supra was torn like yours. The other shoulder it was completely torn off the bone and retracted. I would guess with the tear you could continue on as long as you can manage the pain. Worst is it would completely tear and retract at which time they would need to do the surgery.

In both cases when the surgeon went in he found other things that needed repair that can’t be detected on the X-ray or mri. That included bone scraping frayed tendons and in the second shoulder reattaching the bicep tendon long head which was in bad shape.

Recovery from both was about 6 to 9 months, but I am back to full strength and swimming (if that’s what you do) is no problem.

My surgeon is the team doctor for a Major League Baseball team so I had and have full trust in him getting me back to a full recovery. I was open with him on my training and racing plans so he knew going in what I expected from the outcome. I would have that open conversation with him on your plans and get his opinion on the risks of continuing.

Good luck!

I don't know the answer, but I can direct you to an excellent shoulder surgeon and swim-specialist PT in Portland, ME if that would help.
I think this is a question for a surgeon, and a PT (I say the latter because they seem to know more about the rehab). Keep us updated - I'm interested in the answer. And, please follow up w when you have surgery and what the recovery is like.

The surgeon in Portland released a supraspinatus nerve for me - I had what is basically carpal tunnel of the shoulder (rare, but sometimes happens in swimmers and volleyball players). My procedure was very different than yours would be, but the surgeon who did it was fantastic and he is who I would see again if, god forbid, I needed something else done.

---

maybe she's born with it, maybe it's chlorine
If you're injured and need some sympathy, PM me and I'm very happy to write back.
disclaimer: PhD not MD

Thank you both. I'll check in when i talk with a surgeon. tobrien, it is a full tear and has retracted 1cm.

tigerchick, i rehabbed the other shoulder when i couldn't hold my arm out straight in front of my body. I still swam, using a further roll onto the left hip, setting up a 'snapping' action on the return to kind of 'whip' the right arm forward
with that motion. not so lucky on this one though.

---

http://www.PatGriskusTri.com USAT Certified Race Director
2024 Races: USAT State of CT Age Group Championship/State of CT HS Champs/ CT Club Championship - Sat June 15th (Oly/Du/Sprint) Hopkins Vineyard Tri at Lake Waramaug Saturday July 13th http://www.HopkinsVineyardTri.com