How will rotator cuff surgery effect my desire to box?

Question

It looks like I've got a work related rotator cuff tear -- I'm still waiting to find out if surgery is in my future. I'm in my mid 20's and in my teens I used to box. What can I expect after a rotator cuff surgery? Is it likely that I can become good as new and not worry too much as long as I keep proper form,etc?

Answer 1

Evander Holyfield had the surgery and he was never the same since, he did not get off as much as he used too, but then again he was pushing 40 when he had the surgery so it could have just been age as well.

Vitali Klitchko also had it I believe. Chris Byrd too, but none of them did much in the sport after the surgery, so take from that what ya want. Do a search and find out which boxers had the surgery and how many of them had success afterward.

Answer 2

I tore my rotator cuff while boxing in 2005.  I was throwing a clumsy right hook and overextended my shoulder.  It was a partial tear, not all the way through.  Because it was only a partial tear, I did not need surgery, and it has healed successfully.  For several months after the tear, however, it was painful, and I couldn't really do much with my right arm.  I had to build it up back slowly and had physical therapy.  I didn't box at all that first year of recovery, but worked out with weights and machines and was careful to start with light exercises and build back up slowly and carefully.

However, now, 3 years later, it is well healed and I am able to box or do other forms of exercise.  

Each case is individual.  First of all, make sure you need the surgery.  In many cases, this is an injury that heals, but you will need to build your shoulder back up slowly and gradually--no boxing at first!  Only after you have built your strength and flexibility back up slowly and cautiously through physical therapy and a gradual exercise program, then you may very well be able to box again!