Shoulder Issues -- Therapies, Surgeries, Etc. - Page 2

Kaptain Karl · 02-05-2008, 03:31 PM

Take it slow with this decision. After playing and serving too much without any strength training, I just quit playing tennis for six years. After moving to Colorado, I ended up in the Ortho for the Denver Nuggets (1983) who told me I needed immediate surgery. I chose to continue my break from tennis instead.

I couldn't brush my teeth with my R hand ... couldn't shake hands R-handed ... couldn't turn a door knob ... etc.

After about three years of rest (and being bored) I started lifting lightly and properly ... and continuing my training and competing in karate which I'd started (partly) because I couldn't play tennis.

Back about 1988 I asked my Chiropractor about my shoulder problems. He examined me and determined my scapula needed adjustment (??!!!). One adjustment and I noticed a reduction in discomfort. Another, about two months later, and I found I could do everything R-handed again. (I've had one more adjustment, maybe two years after the 2nd. I haven't needed another since about 1990.

I've been playing tennis competitively for seven years now. I just wish I'd looked into what DCs can do earlier. I might have done some damage in the Open and 35s Divisions before the years caught up to me.... ::Sigh::

Now ... I'd always check to see if a DC could fix me non-surgically before I chose the knife.

- KK

Japanese Maple · 02-05-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronco_mba

It might be worth giving this guy a call:

Dr. Xavier A. Duralde
Peachtree Orthopedic Clinic
Orthopedic Surgeon to the Atlanta Braves since 1998
Specializes in shoulders

Credentials are impressive (Harvard A.B., Columbia M.D.)

Offices in Atlanta and Peachtree

http://www.pocatlanta.com/content.cfm?page=duralde

This is excellent advice-go with a specialist who treats professional athletes! Thats what my friend did back a few years ago when he had rotator cuff surgery. He was very happy with the results. This doctor saw something on the MRI that other docs did not and his surgery was a success. Shoulders can be complicated compared do other joints so go with an expert who treats athletes!

bronco_mba · 02-05-2008, 05:33 PM

I'll be sure to update my progress on post-SAD/DCE for interested parties. I don't want to bore anyone or fill up the boards with unnecessary (or unintelligible) posts!

I would agree that ALL conservative treatments should be considered/explored before electing surgery. We've added a new one (chiropractic) to the list to go along with ART, traditional physical therapy, corisone injection, stretching, exercise regime, rest, etc.

I'm not advocating surgery. However, given my experience thus far, I don't think the surgical option (arthroscopic) is as bad as one might think. The duration of the improvement (life long) and the results (no pain) certainly speak for themselves.

Good luck to the OP. I hope you're able to find a surgeon you are comfortable with, if that is the direction you decide. Please check back with the boards and let us know how things are going.

Spittle · 02-05-2008, 08:04 PM

Aye, will do! I'm going to get copies of the arthrogram xray and MRI tomorrow and also make an appointment with the doctor you Googled. Turns out he's in my insurance network, so it will be covered. I shall return!

bronco_mba · 02-19-2008, 09:19 AM

Posting an update on my recovery now two plus weeks removed from arthroscopic SAD/DCR surgery for those interested.

I regained full range of motion in the shoulder about one week after surgery. I had minimal pain on most planes of motion; the only one that really generated discomfort was reaching across the chest to touch the left shoulder with the right hand. I'm told this moves the head of the humerus in close proximity with the part of the acromion shaved during surgery. This gets less painful with each passing day, presumably as the bone heals.

Physical therapy has progressed well to date. I have been going three times per week thus far. The first two sessions were relatively easy, simple passive stretching and range of motion exercises. I have now progressed to a light weight training routine (about 3 lb dumbbell) moving the shoulder in every way imaginable. The PT also manually resists in planes of motion not amenable to weights or pulleys. PT has suggested I start practicing slow-motion serving.

I've been swinging the racquet lightly over the past few days. I have a little discomfort at the end of the backswing on forehands and a little on the follow through; 2HBH is not generating any discomfort. I'd say I'm 4 or 5 days from being back out on the court for volleying and very light rallying. I'm probably a few weeks away from resuming light serving. The PT would probably say I'm rushing, but I find he's overly conservative in his estimates of recovery time. He didn't expect me to regain full range of motion so quickly.

I report steady progress towards recovery thus far.

TheShaun · 02-19-2008, 02:19 PM

good to hear you're doing well bronco! i have an appointment with my PT this weekend where she will finally make the recommendation to my GP that i get on the wait list for an MRI as i haven't made any progress since our last visit.

Kaptain Karl · 02-19-2008, 02:52 PM

TheShaun - I have a friend in Alberta who was delayed so long for the MRI ... what should have been an easy outpatient surgery on her back became a very serious and only partially successful event. She is in pain and has many restrictions because "the system" is so slow.

Do you have to "know somebody" to get closer to the front of the MRI line? (And hopefully you do, if so....)

Good luck!

- KK

TheShaun · 02-19-2008, 03:43 PM

KK, yes you need to know someone from what i've heard. and i do know someone but not sure if it can help in the MRI department. Unfortunately my GP of 20+ years has recently retired and i'm sure he would have been able to help. but now my file has been handed to another GP who may or may not know the difference between his ***** and his elbow.

bronco_mba · 02-20-2008, 09:48 AM

thanks for the well-wishes. i appreciate all the support and interest in my recovery. as i transition from recovery to getting back to playing, my focus will turn on developing shoulder and core strength, of which there are many useful threads. i'd appreciate input in that department.

i'm sorry to hear of your difficulties in simply getting an MRI ordered. i take for granted how efficiently i was able to move through the system after conservative options failed. please keep the boards updated on your progress, and i'll be sure to do the same.

bronco_mba · 02-21-2008, 01:13 PM

Cleared for light rallying at 19 days post-op. Can't wait to get back on the court!

TheShaun · 02-21-2008, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronco_mba

Cleared for light rallying at 19 days post-op. Can't wait to get back on the court!

TAKE NO PRISONERS! GIVE 'EM HELL BRONCO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now we'll find out if they put in that bionic shoulder you asked for

Best of luck. Let us know how it goes.

TechnoJock · 02-26-2008, 04:12 PM

I have torn rotator cuff muscles, torn labrium, fluid on the socket, etc.

I used extreme rehab/weight lifting to strengthen the muscles around and it's been holding out for a couple of years so far.

A friend of mine when in for the removal of the impingement and they found torn muscles galore - which didn't show very well on the MRI.

His shoulder has no pain anymore - and that is even without much rehab as his only weight training is declining 12 oz curls.

Good luck with your shoulder!

Ocean Drive · 02-26-2008, 06:58 PM

Well I always have an injury, right now got a left shoulder with muscular problem and the right shoulder the bicep tendon was out of place and it affected muscles round it, had this problem for about 9 months. Went to a physiotherapist and they have made it a lot better, currently rehabilitating, or trying to, it is a pain, and you seem to be in a bit of a hole, much sympathy for you, it is really bad for us sportsman to have such bad injuries isn't it...

I really couldn't tell you about the racket thing, demo a few perhaps and see which is more forgiving on your body...

Marius_Hancu · 02-29-2008, 01:48 PM

FWIW
check my posting here:

Best arm friendly racquets?
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=58089

Marius_Hancu · 02-29-2008, 01:50 PM

Take a break (up to 6 months) and reinforce your shoulder with surgical tubing:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=152331&

If you have pain with it when doing 3x15 series simulating/shadowing FH, BH and Serve, don't come back yet to tennis. DO NOT.

Wait until you're strong enough.

f1 tech · 03-04-2008, 06:48 PM

I just found out that I have a small posterior labrum tear today, as well as a small cyst on my shoulder. Doctor said I should do PT for 6 weeks. He said surgery will take about 4 months to up to normal again. Yikes.

dtd82 · 03-05-2008, 05:20 AM

Spittle, Bronco, etc....glad to hear surgery's not (for some) cruel and unusual punishment.

I've played/quit/treated/pilled/ignored/whined a bad shoulder since the '80s, (hit an overhead off the tip of the racket, behind me, jumping...cold night etc...) back when at the time surgery was basically "cut it all apart and good luck" - so I didn't do it. I'm sure some people's goes away, but mines like an old friend.....as a result of torn tendons last year in my ankle (had surgery last Fri), got a new MRI done on the shoulder...reads "torn Labrum, superior and anterior, not including bicep tendon....fluid in the sack (bursitis), tendentious (infraspinatus tendon).....once I get past the ankle surgery, I'm sure I'll be in for the shoulder. Sometimes, they don't just go away.

Bronco, keep us posted - your experience is music to my ears....(or sundry other parts). And Spittle, beware as previously said, of the racket...during this whole mess, I'd gotten a cortisone shot in the shoulder - played great for a week with my hot-shot sophomore, using a K6.1 95 Team...love the racket, went light to help the shoulder....for my efforts, got a bad elbow, first time in 40 years......lesson there, beware playing our hard game with a light racket - the arm need some heft to the frame, or it's like throwing a tennis ball hard, versus a baseball....and trust me, the worst of my aches and pains is the elbow.

bronco_mba · 03-05-2008, 08:33 AM

dtd,

I hope recovery from ankle surgery goes well.

Please keep the boards apprised of your shoulder situation; I think there is a fair amount of interest in individual experiences with shoulder surgery on the boards. It sounds like from the MRI report you are looking at a more extensive shoulder surgery than I had.

For those tracking my progress, I'm now nearly six weeks post arthroscopic SAD/DCR. I've been out to hit 6 or 7 times now; two more sessions planned this week. It has been absolutely wonderful to get back to the comeraderie and competition inherent in the wonderful game of tennis.

I am no longer having discomfort on forehands or volleys. I have been doing slow serving motions without the ball; I anticipate light serving in another week to two weeks. I was discharged from physical therapy earlier this week (9 total sessions) with instructions to add motion (serves/overheads) as my shoulder allows. At this point, the shoulder is strong, I'm simply waiting for the bone to heal. I can already tell I'm going to be able to go all out on serves, overheads and forehands without any fear of pain once I'm completely healed.

I'm targeting to get back to my mixed doubles team for a match on 3/30. I will continue to keep interested posters apprised of my progress on this thread.

Kaptain Karl · 03-05-2008, 08:42 AM

Woo-hoo!!!

Great report bronco. Keep us posted.

- KK

dtd82 · 03-06-2008, 10:48 AM

Thanks Bronco, I'll post a bit more after I see the Doc next week - surgery pains gone, now just a nuisance, crutches and all that fun. I'm hoping my shoulder might fall nearer to yours then it sounds.....at least at the moment, your results sound enticing...

02-05-2008, 03:31 PM	#21
Kaptain Karl Hall Of Fame Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: The High Country of Colorado Posts: 5,245	Take it slow with this decision. After playing and serving too much without any strength training, I just quit playing tennis for six years. After moving to Colorado, I ended up in the Ortho for the Denver Nuggets (1983) who told me I needed immediate surgery. I chose to continue my break from tennis instead. I couldn't brush my teeth with my R hand ... couldn't shake hands R-handed ... couldn't turn a door knob ... etc. After about three years of rest (and being bored) I started lifting lightly and properly ... and continuing my training and competing in karate which I'd started (partly) because I couldn't play tennis. Back about 1988 I asked my Chiropractor about my shoulder problems. He examined me and determined my scapula needed adjustment (??!!!). One adjustment and I noticed a reduction in discomfort. Another, about two months later, and I found I could do everything R-handed again. (I've had one more adjustment, maybe two years after the 2nd. I haven't needed another since about 1990. I've been playing tennis competitively for seven years now. I just wish I'd looked into what DCs can do earlier. I might have done some damage in the Open and 35s Divisions before the years caught up to me.... ::Sigh:: Now ... I'd always check to see if a DC could fix me non-surgically before I chose the knife. - KK __________________ Join PUT-OFF: Players Unwilling To Overlook Foot Faults .. .. .. .. .. The MAN -- Monster At Net .. .. .. .. ..

02-05-2008, 05:33 PM	#23
bronco_mba Rookie Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 358	I'll be sure to update my progress on post-SAD/DCE for interested parties. I don't want to bore anyone or fill up the boards with unnecessary (or unintelligible) posts! I would agree that ALL conservative treatments should be considered/explored before electing surgery. We've added a new one (chiropractic) to the list to go along with ART, traditional physical therapy, corisone injection, stretching, exercise regime, rest, etc. I'm not advocating surgery. However, given my experience thus far, I don't think the surgical option (arthroscopic) is as bad as one might think. The duration of the improvement (life long) and the results (no pain) certainly speak for themselves. Good luck to the OP. I hope you're able to find a surgeon you are comfortable with, if that is the direction you decide. Please check back with the boards and let us know how things are going. __________________ 3x Yonex RDS001 MP Alpha Revo 4000

02-19-2008, 09:19 AM	#25
bronco_mba Rookie Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 358	Posting an update on my recovery now two plus weeks removed from arthroscopic SAD/DCR surgery for those interested. I regained full range of motion in the shoulder about one week after surgery. I had minimal pain on most planes of motion; the only one that really generated discomfort was reaching across the chest to touch the left shoulder with the right hand. I'm told this moves the head of the humerus in close proximity with the part of the acromion shaved during surgery. This gets less painful with each passing day, presumably as the bone heals. Physical therapy has progressed well to date. I have been going three times per week thus far. The first two sessions were relatively easy, simple passive stretching and range of motion exercises. I have now progressed to a light weight training routine (about 3 lb dumbbell) moving the shoulder in every way imaginable. The PT also manually resists in planes of motion not amenable to weights or pulleys. PT has suggested I start practicing slow-motion serving. I've been swinging the racquet lightly over the past few days. I have a little discomfort at the end of the backswing on forehands and a little on the follow through; 2HBH is not generating any discomfort. I'd say I'm 4 or 5 days from being back out on the court for volleying and very light rallying. I'm probably a few weeks away from resuming light serving. The PT would probably say I'm rushing, but I find he's overly conservative in his estimates of recovery time. He didn't expect me to regain full range of motion so quickly. I report steady progress towards recovery thus far. __________________ 3x Yonex RDS001 MP Alpha Revo 4000

02-19-2008, 02:19 PM	#26
TheShaun Hall Of Fame Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: [K]ANADA Posts: 2,107	good to hear you're doing well bronco! i have an appointment with my PT this weekend where she will finally make the recommendation to my GP that i get on the wait list for an MRI as i haven't made any progress since our last visit. __________________ You have finished reading my post, and are now reading my signature.

02-19-2008, 02:52 PM	#27
Kaptain Karl Hall Of Fame Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: The High Country of Colorado Posts: 5,245	TheShaun - I have a friend in Alberta who was delayed so long for the MRI ... what should have been an easy outpatient surgery on her back became a very serious and only partially successful event. She is in pain and has many restrictions because "the system" is so slow. Do you have to "know somebody" to get closer to the front of the MRI line? (And hopefully you do, if so....) Good luck! - KK __________________ Join PUT-OFF: Players Unwilling To Overlook Foot Faults .. .. .. .. .. The MAN -- Monster At Net .. .. .. .. ..