Restoring the Game: Sam’s Shoulder Surgery Brings Back Baseball Career
At Orlando Orthopaedic Center, we are dedicated to helping athletes like Sam Downey recover from injuries and pursue their dreams. Sam, a young baseball player, faced a potentially career-ending shoulder injury. However, thanks to the expertise of Randy S. Schwartzberg, M.D., a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Sam underwent a successful right shoulder arthroscopy with anterior labral repair and SLAP repair.
After the surgery, Sam’s determination and commitment to his recovery allowed him to secure a spot playing Division I baseball at Stetson University. He credits Dr. Schwartzberg and the team at Orlando Orthopaedic Center for not only repairing his shoulder but guiding him through the recovery process.
“They followed me along through the journey. They made sure I could play baseball,” Sam shares in a video testimonial. “The way the ball comes out of my hand now is completely different; it spins with backspin.”
Sam’s experience is a testament to the comprehensive care provided by Orlando Orthopaedic Center. He encourages other players experiencing pain to seek the help of Dr. Schwartzberg and his team.
If you are an athlete facing a similar injury, watch Sam’s video testimonial to learn more about his inspiring journey from injury to recovery under the guidance of Dr. Schwartzberg and the dedicated professionals at Orlando Orthopaedic Center.
Shoulder surgery can help individuals suffering from shoulder issues, and it’s a common procedure for athletes like baseball players. These players often rely heavily on the health and functionality of their shoulders to throw and pitch the ball a certain way.
Here is a detailed look at the different types of shoulder surgeries, their common causes, and their specific benefits for baseball players, especially pitchers like Sam.
Types of Shoulder Surgeries
If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, you likely aren’t able to move your shoulder or body as you normally would. While surgery isn’t always the first answer, it’s the next step when conservative methods don’t lead to pain relief and normal movement. In cases where it impedes lifting your arm or throwing a baseball correctly, you’ll want to talk to an orthopaedic surgeon about options to repair the damage and bring back ease of movement.
These shoulder surgeries are commonly performed to repair injuries and damage, depending on the pain and location of the problem:
- Tommy John Surgery: This procedure replaces a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow with a tendon graft. Essential for baseball pitchers, it restores elbow stability and functionality after significant UCL injuries. Recovery involves a 12-18-month rehabilitation period focusing on strength and flexibility.
- Rotator Cuff Repair: This surgery repairs tears in the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that secure the top of the upper arm bone within the shoulder socket and facilitate shoulder movement.
- Shoulder Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery that uses a tiny camera called an arthroscope to examine or repair the tissues inside or around the shoulder joint.
- Shoulder Replacement: Damaged parts of the shoulder are replaced with artificial components. Types include total shoulder replacement and partial (hemiarthroplasty).
- SLAP Repair: This procedure addresses tears in the Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) of the shoulder joint.
- Capsular Release: This surgery is often performed to relieve severe shoulder stiffness (frozen shoulder).
Causes for Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder surgeries are typically necessitated by:
- Chronic Tendinitis or Bursitis: Long-term inflammation can lead to damage requiring surgical intervention.
- Impingement Syndrome occurs when shoulder muscles swell and cramp the space between the arm and shoulder bones, often requiring arthroscopic surgery to increase the space.
- Rotator Cuff Tears: Common in athletes, these can be acute from injuries or degenerative from overuse.
- Instability/Dislocations: Repeated dislocations make surgery necessary to prevent future occurrences and strengthen the shoulder.
- Arthritis: Severe shoulder pain and stiffness from arthritis might lead to shoulder replacement surgery.
Benefits of Shoulder Surgery for Baseball Players
Sam underwent shoulder surgery after he suffered an injury that would have prevented him from continuing to play baseball.
For baseball players, particularly pitchers, shoulder health is always monitored due to the intense and repetitive nature of pitching, which heavily stresses the shoulder joint. The benefits of undergoing shoulder surgery include:
- Restored Functionality: Surgery can restore the shoulder’s range of motion and strength, which is critical for pitching effectively.
- Pain Relief: Chronic shoulder pain can significantly hinder performance; surgery often provides long-lasting relief.
- Prevent Further Damage: Early surgical intervention can prevent more serious injuries that might end a pitching career prematurely.
- Enhanced Performance: Recovery from shoulder surgery can bring a player back to their previous performance level and sometimes improve it.
- Increased Longevity in the Sport: Properly addressed shoulder issues through surgery can extend a player’s career by reducing the risk of recurrent injuries.
Why Surgery is Often Necessary for Pitchers
Pitchers are particularly susceptible to shoulder injuries due to the mechanics and the velocity of throwing, which place immense strain on the shoulder. Injuries like SLAP tears, rotator cuff tears, and impingement can be career-threatening if not addressed surgically. Surgery is often the best option to repair significant structural damage and ensure a pitcher can return to peak performance.
Recovery After Shoulder Surgery
Recovering from shoulder surgery typically takes six weeks or longer, depending on the type of surgery and severity of the injury. In this phase, proper care and rehabilitation lead to optimal outcomes and a quicker return to daily activities.
Here are some key points to consider during the recovery period:
- Follow Post-Op Instructions: Adhere strictly to your surgeon’s recovery guidelines to minimize complications and improve healing.
- Physical Therapy: Engage in physical therapy sessions as recommended to restore mobility and strengthen the shoulder muscles.
- Pain Management: Use medications and ice therapy as prescribed to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Rest and Protection: Allow your shoulder to heal by avoiding strenuous activities and, if advised, using a sling.
- Gradual Increase in Activity: Slowly increase your shoulder activities based on your therapist’s advice to prevent re-injury.
- Regular Follow-ups: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to guarantee proper healing and promptly address concerns.
Talk to an Orthopaedic Surgeon Specializing in Shoulder Surgery
Sam’s testimonial shows the impact of medical expertise on shoulder injuries and recovery.
“Now I’m D1, committing to Stetson University, and that wouldn’t have happened without the surgery,” Sam said. “Previous to surgery, you could almost say I didn’t have a very good throwing motion. The way the ball comes out of my hand is completely different now. It spins with backspin; it’s way more accurate.”
Sam’s success story is a testament to the shoulder surgeries performed by Dr. Schwartzberg, who focuses on healing the injury and improving the athlete’s performance post-recovery.
When talking about Dr. Schwartzberg and his team, Sam continues, “He’s just very reliable. I mean, he makes sure that everything will be okay, and he’s easy. would recommend him to everybody,” Sam adds, expressing his gratitude, “Thank you, Dr. Schwartzberg, I couldn’t have done it without you, I’m very thankful for you and your practice. Me and my family are very grateful.”
Next Steps for Shoulder Injuries
Shoulder surgery can aid athletes like baseball players, with shoulder issues affecting pitchers significantly due to the demands of their role. Timely surgical intervention can be the difference between a lengthy career and early retirement. If you’re experiencing a shoulder injury, schedule a consultation and talk to an orthopaedic surgeon who can help.
