Shoulder Issues -- Therapies, Surgeries, Etc.

larry10s

Hall of Fame
Very nice, some dubs action. For only 16 weeks out you are doing great. Larry are you going to have surgery like me and Gary join the club. By the way Gary how old are you?

freddy and gary im sorry to say i cant join you 2 yet in the "club":oops:with the exercises my arm is doing fine.im 57 btw.im happy both of your recocvery is turning out well
 

GZim

Rookie
I am 48. I played 1 1/2 hours of dubs again this morning, but really couldn't serve well at all. Shoulder was stiff, and I keep netting them. Even though I was frustrated, I didn't go after them, as my strength is still not there.

Happy Fathers Day!

Gary
 

larry10s

Hall of Fame
I am 48. I played 1 1/2 hours of dubs again this morning, but really couldn't serve well at all. Shoulder was stiff, and I keep netting them. Even though I was frustrated, I didn't go after them, as my strength is still not there.

Happy Fathers Day!

Gary

gary first of all you are out there hitting balls:) just keep working on your range of motion and mechanics when serving . the stregth will come (9-12 months post surgery)my friends tell me.
 

dbernie41

New User
This is a very extensive thread and assumed the general terms I would search for in this thread would bring about tons of results so I will admit I didn't search very hard for an answer first but if someone could tell me what my shoulder issue is that would be great. I have had misc. pains in my left shoulder but could never really pin point it to any one certain movement or position but now I have found one. Whenever I put my hands on the back of my head, as if laying down and using hands as a pillow, or as if I am being arrested, the discomfort begins almost immediately in my left shoulder and I have move that arm to a new position. Does anyone have any idea? My shoulder also pops out of socket when I do a full extention bench press motion.
 

larry10s

Hall of Fame
This is a very extensive thread and assumed the general terms I would search for in this thread would bring about tons of results so I will admit I didn't search very hard for an answer first but if someone could tell me what my shoulder issue is that would be great. I have had misc. pains in my left shoulder but could never really pin point it to any one certain movement or position but now I have found one. Whenever I put my hands on the back of my head, as if laying down and using hands as a pillow, or as if I am being arrested, the discomfort begins almost immediately in my left shoulder and I have move that arm to a new position. Does anyone have any idea? My shoulder also pops out of socket when I do a full extention bench press motion.

youl get alot of opinions and then you will have to see a doctor and probably have an mri. save yourself time and go to the doctor.
 
Just kind of curious about people's recovery from arthroscopic surgery(ies), complete tear or partial tear of the supraspinatus.

Two separate partial tear, two surgeries for me. 25 years old if it makes a difference.

For the longest time, my shoulder will get sore after serving. I followed the rehab down to a T, and I still do some of those exercises, kind of like a maintenance routine if you will.

It's been two years since the surgery and now, I can serve 300-400 balls in one session and I wouldn't feel anything at all. I guess it's true what they say, you're always better off one year removed from the surgery.

So, anyone else experienced this? Had surgery, did the rehab, it'll still bother you if you stress it too much. But after a lengthy amount of time, it becomes a tank?
 

BMC9670

Hall of Fame
I've posted about my shoulder surgery here and just wanted to say that I was FINALLY (at 6 months) cleared this week to hit ground strokes. I've been playing some mini tennis and feeding balls with my son and daughter for a couple months, but have not hit full court with an adult until yesterday in a clinic.

While it was not exactly comfortable, it felt great to get back out there. I had no pain, just a bit of stiffness and "strange" feeling while hitting. I did nothing overhead (not allowed yet) and only hit balls in my strike zone - did not reach or do anything crazy. I generally took it easy but ripped a few here and there and it felt great. Can't wait until I can serve and play matches again, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!!

To all of you going through surgery, be patient. It's a long road. I can't believe I haven't hit for 6 months! Doc says 9-12 months to get fully back to 100% and I feel confident I'll be better off for not having rushed it.
 

GZim

Rookie
BMC that is great to hear. This weekend I will be 4 Months post op, and looking forward to some more doubles. Tonite I am going to the clinic I always used to do.

Gary
 
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BMC9670

Hall of Fame
BMC that is great to hear. This weekend I will be 4 weeks post op, and looking forward to some more doubles. Tonite I am going to the clinic I always used to do.

Gary

Please tell me you meant 4 months! At 4 weeks I was still in a sling, sleeping in a recliner, and thinking I made the biggest mistake of my life!

Even at 4 months, you're doing great! Good to hear.
 

GZim

Rookie
Oops, yea... I mean 4 months. At 4 weeks I too was sleeping in a recliner, with lots of vicodan, my sling etc. I developed frozen shoulder, so I had a pretty tuff time. When I first started PT (5 days post op) they could only get my arm up to 70 degrees and it was excruciating pain. 3 days a week with very slow improvement.... it was a very long hall for me to get back the ROM.
I still have soreness, tenderness, stiffness etc.. you name it. Its difficult figuring out how often I can play. I am only playing dubs and hitting 2nd serves, and my serve feels like there is no strength.
Enjoy playing this weekend, and have a great 4th!
Gary
 
To all of you going through surgery, be patient. It's a long road. I can't believe I haven't hit for 6 months! Doc says 9-12 months to get fully back to 100% and I feel confident I'll be better off for not having rushed it.

I don't think you'll hit "100%" until a year after the 6-12months recovery/rehab. There's a lot of motions in tennis that you just can't rehab for.
 

BMC9670

Hall of Fame
I don't think you'll hit "100%" until a year after the 6-12months recovery/rehab. There's a lot of motions in tennis that you just can't rehab for.

Yeah, I'm prepared for the long haul, and hopefully I will be like you and the arm will be a tank. Thankfully, I've heard just as many positive outcomes like yours as those who never made it back to 100%, if not more. So far so good.
 
Yeah, I'm prepared for the long haul, and hopefully I will be like you and the arm will be a tank. Thankfully, I've heard just as many positive outcomes like yours as those who never made it back to 100%, if not more. So far so good.

Yeah I was very frustrated during the first year after I was cleared. Couldn't serve as well as I wanted to. Couldn't serve as long as I wanted to. Just one set of serving will leave me sore and aching for a whole week.

But I just kept at it. I kept doing the "maintenance" exercises my PT taught me. Kept increasing the # of balls I serve in one session little by little. Started with 50 balls in one session, then slowly worked my way up to 400-500 balls in one session and it wouldn't be sore/achy afterward.
 

OldButGame

Hall of Fame
I think those 'maintenance rehab excercises are critically important if You have shoulder issues. Ive had surgery, and told i have terrible arthritus in both shoulders. But if i stay with the 'shoulder health' exercises and antiinflammatories before and after a workout or tennis,....i find im all good....no problems whatsoever.:)
 

T-Bone

New User
I think those 'maintenance rehab excercises are critically important if You have shoulder issues. Ive had surgery, and told i have terrible arthritus in both shoulders. But if i stay with the 'shoulder health' exercises and antiinflammatories before and after a workout or tennis,....i find im all good....no problems whatsoever.:)

I also have terrible arthritis in my playing shoulder. Which anti-inflammatory medications do you take, what dosage and do they upset your stomach.
 

OldButGame

Hall of Fame
I like to avoid ibuprofen because if i hurt something, i want to know it, and not have it 'masked' by medication. I actually use more natural things,...herbs and such (ala GNC,Walmart,Target, any drugstore...all over)....that have reputations and lots of documentation re: antiinflammatory properties.
Before playing i will take,...MSM,...Turmeric (or its extract circumin), Ginger, Boswellia, fish oil and Quercetin(with bromeline,...a combination capsule i get from GNC).
If i have any yenderness or soreness after a match,..(which is seldom)...i will take another dose of evrything,....(and maybe ice the shoulder if bad enough). This approach works like a miracle for me. Arthritus is an 'inflammatory' condition' ...whereby...if You can keep ther inflammation at bay, You keep the arthritus at bay. I would recommend to anyone however,...never to take ANY supplement based on hering something like this. But i WOULD suggest reasearching it on the internet. If what You read is supported,...then pursue it. i never take things easily without researching it to death.
 

T-Bone

New User
Excuse my ignorance, but there is a GNC in my neighborhood. Is there one supplement I should ask for, or are you taking multiple supplements for the arthritis?

I'ved tried glucosomine sulfate, but it didn't do anything for the pain.
 

OldButGame

Hall of Fame
When You tried Glucosimine did You give it several weeks,?....it takes awhile for it to 'do its work' on the lining of the joint capsule. How ever,..if it didnt help at all,...and You pain is 'bad'...You might have something more than just arthritus. In my case,...my surgery was prompted by impingement, but i was told i had severe arthritus as well. impingement can be a very painful condition too.
But to answer Your question, i do take all of those things before i play,.....HOWEVER,...i would not ingest anything without doing some of my own research first!!...I strongly encourage that........i am not a doctor and have limited formal training in sports medicine and narural medicine. Go slow before deciding to take any supplement,...and research it at length first.:)
 

FastFreddy

Semi-Pro
Quick update 8 weeks out still no pain, will start my strength traing in 4 weeks. Just doing some active PT right now. No icing in the last 5 weeks. I will not sart playing until 7 months out which is Oct-Nov.
 
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OldButGame

Hall of Fame
Stay with that PT Fred,...i cant emphasize how important that is....how it speeds up the whole process,...I have become a really BIG believer in physical therapy,...(out of necessity...)
 

FastFreddy

Semi-Pro
Shoulder PT

Stay with that PT Fred,...i cant emphasize how important that is....how it speeds up the whole process,...I have become a really BIG believer in physical therapy,...(out of necessity...)

Doing my own PT since I have 120hrs of PT under my belt from the first 2 times going under the knife. Plus it saved me 450.00 worth of copayments.
 

FastFreddy

Semi-Pro
Ice

Why no icing in the past 5weeks?

To tell you the truth I did not even really need any ice on this scope job. I did ice it for 3 weeks 3-4 times a day. I had no pain after the surgery or stiffness I just iced it out of habit since this is my third surgery, first two were open style I needed the ice for those two.
 
Ice isn't only for pain, it's to slow down inflammation. Which happens from surgery, and anything that scrapped the joint. Inflammation also build up from use. That's why people ice down regardless they're hurt or not.
 

FastFreddy

Semi-Pro
That's the only reason I did ice for 3 weeks just for inflammation since I had no pain. My Doctor just said ice as needed whatever that means? I sure I had a little inflammation not sure how I would measure that but just iced it anyway just to be safe and start the healing process. The first two were open style surgery I iced for the whole time 15 weeks in PT.
 
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GZim

Rookie
I am now 4 months post op, and playing more regularly. I played Friday and Saturday, took Sunday off, and played today (Monday) and I was surprised how it is starting to move better. I was moving my serve around the box much better, still not going after it at all, but its like its naturally picking up a little pace. After playing on Friday and Saturday, I was swimming with my kids and started to swim some laps... I think it really helped. I did it again today after playing.
I am very happy with my results, after dealing with post op adhesive capsulitiis just 2 months ago, this is grreat!

I hope you all had a fun 4th of July!

Gary
 

larry10s

Hall of Fame
I am now 4 months post op, and playing more regularly. I played Friday and Saturday, took Sunday off, and played today (Monday) and I was surprised how it is starting to move better. I was moving my serve around the box much better, still not going after it at all, but its like its naturally picking up a little pace. After playing on Friday and Saturday, I was swimming with my kids and started to swim some laps... I think it really helped. I did it again today after playing.
I am very happy with my results, after dealing with post op adhesive capsulitiis just 2 months ago, this is grreat!

I hope you all had a fun 4th of July!

Gary

great to hear you are well on the road of recovery:)
 

FastFreddy

Semi-Pro
Dea

Your choice. Successful people are targets for lawsuits. Good luck with the Sharp doc.

Being from NYC I could tell this guy was slick and dirty. I met him on a Tuesday to see about him doing my shoulder surgery. He was like you want to come in this Friday for surgery? I have had two already and it takes two to three months to get an appointment.

DEA: Chargers' MD wrote 108 prescriptions to self
Padres' drug orders also face scrutiny
By Brent Schrotenboer, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 10:25 p.m.

Federal drug enforcement agents searched the offices of Chargers team doctor David Chao two weeks ago because they learned he apparently had written at least 108 drug prescriptions to himself since June 10, 2008, which would violate controlled-substance regulations, according to recently unsealed search warrant affidavits.

Drug Enforcement Administration spokeswoman Amy Roderick said that “based on what we have reviewed, we have no reason to believe that he was using the medication himself.”

The DEA also searched the offices of Padres doctors because of similar prescription-writing irregularities. Documents were seized at pharmacies where Chao and another Chargers doctor, Calvin Wong, had the prescriptions filled, and at the La Jolla office of Padres doctor Gaston Molina.

The DEA declined to say which drugs were prescribed.

“The data and the information retrieved during the warrants are being processed and reviewed,” Roderick said. “The investigation is considered ongoing.”

Chao’s attorney, Jim Godes, said he doesn’t think criminal action is likely against his client. A spokesman for the Padres doctors said they “are cooperating fully with the DEA in this investigation and have prescribed all medications for appropriate medical reasons.”

The Chargers and Padres declined to comment Wednesday.

The DEA searched the offices of the two teams’ doctors June 29 after serving 10 administrative inspection warrants. The DEA asked a magistrate judge to grant the warrants after finding irregularities in how some team doctors issued prescriptions.

Padres team doctor Harry Albers apparently wrote six prescriptions to himself, according to an affidavit. Molina wrote six prescriptions for fellow Padres doctor Robert Kakehashi, which made the prescriptions “suspicious,” an affidavit said.

Doctors who write prescriptions to themselves sometimes do it to fill office supplies, even though it is illegal, said Glen Crick, a Chicago attorney who has represented medical practitioners.

“It happens, but it is a violation,” said Crick, who is not involved in the case. “If they were not self-medicating, it would be unusual if there would be any criminal charges. If somebody did it 108 times, I’m surprised the DEA didn’t realize it before. Generally, a local pharmacist will see the prescriptions and say this is wrong.”

If the DEA finds violations, Crick said an outcome of the case could be that the doctors will have to make a case to the government about why they should be allowed to continue dispensing prescription drugs.

“A DEA registration (to dispense controlled substances) is not a right,” Crick said. “It’s a privilege granted by the federal government.”

The case’s origins can be traced to the May arrest of former Chargers safety Kevin Ellison, who had been charged with illegally possessing 100 Vicodin painkiller pills when he was stopped for speeding in Redondo Beach. The Chargers have said the Vicodin was not provided by the team or its doctors.

“Based on this arrest and other recent media coverage of another NFL team (the New Orleans Saints) dealing with suspected controlled substance violations,” the DEA’s San Diego office conducted a review of prescription drug records through its automated records system and the state controlled-substance monitoring program, according to an affidavit by DEA investigator Brenda Catano.

The idea was “to identify controlled substances purchases and prescription activity by physicians associated with San Diego’s professional sports teams,” the affidavit said.

The review found that from June 10, 2008, to June 10, 2010, one of Chao’s registration numbers had 65 controlled-substance prescriptions issued in the patient name “David J. Chao M.D.” Another registration number issued to Chao had 43 in the same patient name.

Catano said in one affidavit, “Because Dr. Chao is not a patient, my training and experience lead me to suspect that David J. Chao, M.D., has possibly self-prescribed or possibly used prescriptions to obtain controlled substances for office dispensing to patients, violating at least one of these regulations which, as a registrant, he is required to obey.”

An affidavit also said Chao had written several other prescriptions to patients named “Healthsouth Ctr,” “Medical Cent OASIS” — Chao works at the Oasis Surgery Center in San Diego — and other business names. Because these are not patients, the prescriptions are “suspicious and unlawful,” an affidavit said.

In the case of Padres doctor Molina, the affidavit said significant quantities were filled in Kakehashi’s name March 9 in Encinitas and March 11 in San Antonio. The March 9 prescription would provide a 15- to 30-day supply; the March 11 order would provide 67 to 135 days.

Based on this information, a magistrate judge signed the warrants.

It’s not the first time Chao has been scrutinized for his handling of prescription drugs.

In 2002, Chao was issued a $1,000 citation by the state medical board for failure to maintain adequate and accurate medical records. The charge stemmed from allegations Chao had unlawfully written narcotics prescriptions for former Chargers doctor Gary Losse, whose alleged addiction to such narcotics led to his being dropped by the Chargers in 1998, according to court records.

Chao, an orthopedic surgeon, has operated on many pro athletes, including cyclist Floyd Landis and wrestler Rey Mysterio. As Chargers doctor, he cares for injured players.

Last year, the state medical board also filed a complaint against Chao, accusing him of abusing alcohol and unprofessional conduct stemming from two alcohol-related incidents in 2006 and 1995.
 
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drak

Hall of Fame
This amazing thread lives on! Now 19 months post surgery and everything is normal, no limitations, no pain. Was a good thing for me to do, hopefully at 54 I'll have another good 20 years or more from the shoulder, and hopefully I live that long! Daughter won a state high school dubs title this last May and I was so glad of the 3 days minimum per week I was able work her out over the previous 9-12 months! With the bad shoulder that would noit likely have been possible.
 

FastFreddy

Semi-Pro
Quick Update

3 months out hit the pool last week for a few swims and pt movements. Shoulder feels great, started to my strength pt program. Tendon still needs another 3-4 months to fully heal then I will start ripping balls.
 

FastFreddy

Semi-Pro
Playing

great to hear .next we'll hear you won the club or usta championship:)

Maybe after my first surgery I won 3 touraments 8 months after sugery that summer. Second surgery I won a 5.5 league 8 months out.Today 11 years since my last surgery I just want to hit and play some sets with my div-1 friends twice a week that's it. One day I will show up in NYC with no warning and call up Jolly for a marathon drill, hit and best of 5 sets until he taps out.
 

tigerhoo

New User
Great thread and one that has been helpful to me of late. I apprecate all those who participated.

I am post decrompression/partial labral tear surgery day 9. I had surgery done in Richmond(Midlothian) and would appreciate the name of a good PT. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 

tigerhoo

New User
PT

Thanks for the suggeston OBG, but methinks that would be a tough commute from Richmond.:) I am glad it was a positvie experience for you.

I hope I have the same luck.
 

JMcQ

Rookie
On September 22nd, I'm having surgery to fix a SLAP tear and possibly some clean up on the bursa (bursectomy?). I've been reading this thread with interest and appreciate everyone who shared their stories here.

I have a racquet-related question. When you first started hitting after surgery, did your strokes feel strange and alien or was it more akin to riding a bike (i.e., it took some time to get your rhythm but it didn't feel unnatural). The reason I ask is I am considering switching frames (to lessen the load on the shoulder) and wonder if I should demo frames before surgery or wait until after. I am considering demoing before surgery because I can see how a frame feels when my groundies and volleys are at 100%. (No serves, however). If I wait until after surgery, I'm concerned I'll let the strength of my shoulder, or lack thereof, dictate racquet choices.

Thoughts?

(And if anyone cares, I currently play with a PSL GT.)
 

OldButGame

Hall of Fame
When i started back playing again, after surgery,..'bout 3 mos later,...after phys therapy and all,.....it was really not a problem,.......Just felt a little tender,....sometimes a little sore afterwards for the first 2-4 weeks after a started,...then that went away too,....that was 2 years ago,....today....i play probably excessively if there was such a thing,.....(approx 1.5 hrs daily) and i have no problems whatsoever,...no pain,...no tenderness,....like a new shoulder..:)-
 

BMC9670

Hall of Fame
On September 22nd, I'm having surgery to fix a SLAP tear and possibly some clean up on the bursa (bursectomy?). I've been reading this thread with interest and appreciate everyone who shared their stories here.

I have a racquet-related question. When you first started hitting after surgery, did your strokes feel strange and alien or was it more akin to riding a bike (i.e., it took some time to get your rhythm but it didn't feel unnatural). The reason I ask is I am considering switching frames (to lessen the load on the shoulder) and wonder if I should demo frames before surgery or wait until after. I am considering demoing before surgery because I can see how a frame feels when my groundies and volleys are at 100%. (No serves, however). If I wait until after surgery, I'm concerned I'll let the strength of my shoulder, or lack thereof, dictate racquet choices.

Thoughts?

(And if anyone cares, I currently play with a PSL GT.)

I would demo before surgery. I had a SLAP repair last December and for me, it did feel strange when I started hitting again. It would take a while to loosen up and it was more a feeling of not trusting the arm. I was able to play (no overheads/serves) before surgery, so I demoed and switched to the PK5G and had some time to get used to it before surgery. I play with it now and it looks like it will be my stick from here on out.

Good luck with your surgery. Stay positive, follow PT diligently, and don't rush your return.
 

JMcQ

Rookie
I would demo before surgery. I had a SLAP repair last December and for me, it did feel strange when I started hitting again. It would take a while to loosen up and it was more a feeling of not trusting the arm. I was able to play (no overheads/serves) before surgery, so I demoed and switched to the PK5G and had some time to get used to it before surgery. I play with it now and it looks like it will be my stick from here on out.

Good luck with your surgery. Stay positive, follow PT diligently, and don't rush your return.

Thanks for the advice and well-wishes. How long before you were hitting groundies and then how long until serves?
 

BMC9670

Hall of Fame
Everyone will be different and I had a lot of work done - SLAP repair, 2 anchors, partial RC tear, and acromioplasty. I was in a sling for 6 weeks and very stiff for the first 3 months.

I was hitting very lightly and playing mini tennis with my kids at 4 months, full groundies at 6 months, and just now starting to serve (lightly) at 9 months. My doc said 9-12 month recovery as soon as I came out of surgery, and so far I'm on track.
 

FastFreddy

Semi-Pro
Update

Four months out from surgery today, shoulder feels good rom is normal. Four more months for the tendon to fully heal. Slowly working on my strength right now I hit over the weekend no two handers yet or righty serves. I will wait four more months before I hit righty serves or two handers and righty over heads. For now lefty forehand, backhand slice, one hand backhand topspin and lefty serves.
 

OldButGame

Hall of Fame
(Just a reminder....Stay disciplined with the phys.therapy stuff !!!!!!...It IS key !!!!!!:)
icon14.gif
....and glad to hear its going well!!!!)
 

FastFreddy

Semi-Pro
Shoulder

(Just a reminder....Stay disciplined with the phys.therapy stuff !!!!!!...It IS key !!!!!!:)
icon14.gif
....and glad to hear its going well!!!!)

I know all to well since this is my 3rd shoulder surgery 1996 right, 1999 left, 2010 right. I have about 120hrs of PT under my belt plus 20 years experince as a strength coach, Master Level Personal Trainer. Tommy Haas just had his fourth shoulder surgery on his right side since he is one handed.
 

OldButGame

Hall of Fame
I know all to well since this is my 3rd shoulder surgery 1996 right, 1999 left, 2010 right. I have about 120hrs of PT under my belt plus 20 years experince as a strength coach, Master Level Personal Trainer. Tommy Haas just had his fourth shoulder surgery on his right side since he is one handed.
(im askin YOU for tips next time i have issues !!!!!:))
 
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