It's All About Your TEAM!

6 months ago, almost to the minute as of the time I am writing this, I was about to undergo surgery on my left shoulder. It had been bothering me for several months, and although there wasn't much pain associated with it, I knew that something wasn't right.

After numerous visits, x-rays, MRI's, visits to PT's, and even chiropractic care, it wasn't getting better. Actually it was getting worse, and my range of motion became limited. So after discussing it with my wife, Physical Therapist, and new Orthopedic Surgeon, I decided to get it repaired. My shoulder had a torn labrum, a torn rotator cuff, adhesive capsulitis, and an extensively hooked acromion that was creating an impingement during movement.

Some of this was genetic, some of it wear and tear. The irony is that it really didn't hurt all that much, and you wouldn't know how much damage there was based on how I was feeling, the workouts I was able to do, and my range of motion. But I knew that something wasn't right, so I had it looked at.

The surgery was a success, and I was back at work training clients and teaching classes the next day. Once the nerve block wore off (it numbed my entire arm and made me unable to control most motion), there really wasn't any pain. I was instructed by my surgeon to keep the arm moving as much as I could tolerate, but not to lift anything. I followed the doctors orders, and was a 1 armed trainer and business owner for 7 days.

On my follow up appointment, Dr. Cox came in to the exam room and said, "Let's see what you got!" and instructed me to extend my arm overhead as high as I could. Since it was the first time I did this after the procedure, I was a bit hesitant, but I trusted Dr. Cox and complied. The arm went straight up overhead, and I displayed a full range of motion. Amazing! Dr. Cox kindly called me a "freak", and called a few members of the staff in to take a look. They were all amazed, but I knew it had nothing to do with me. It was due to Dr. Cox's skill.

I was given a prescription for physical therapy, and immediately went to see Dave at Caldwell Therapy Center. I've worked with Dave in the past, and he and the entire staff at CTC are outstanding. I followed instruction and did everything Dave told me to do. In a very short amount of time, my therapy was completed, and Dave boasted that there was really nothing left for me to do other than to start exercising again, as clinically, I was recovered in about 4 weeks or so. Dr. Cox gave me the OK to start lifting lightly again, and I followed his direction (see a pattern developing here?).

On my next follow up, I was given full clearance to resume all activities with the exception of throwing with my left arm (I am right handed-no big deal). I've been back to my normal training since.

Now, I didn't post this to brag or boost my ego (maybe a little ego boost). I am 37 years old, and this is the heaviest dead lift I have ever done. I wanted to share this for two reasons: 1) To show that you don't have to limit yourself based on your age. 2) To discuss how important it is to have the right team in place to get you back to good health when you suffer a setback or injury  

My team consists of several people:

-My Wife

-My Physical Therapist (Dave Grancagnolo)

-My Orthopedic Surgeon (Dr. Garrick Cox)

-My Chiropractor (Dr. Sean McLaughlin)

-My Clients  

They all had a role to perform, and were there when they needed to be. As a patient, I was the ultimate decision maker in terms of what I was and was not going to do. I knew the eventual outcome was going to be up to me and the work that I put in. However, I would have to be an idiot not to follow the advice of those who are experts in their field.

I did what I was instructed to do. I was patient when I needed to be, and aggressive when I was given the all clear. I provided feedback on an ongoing basis and wanted to be included in the process of healing. I got a lot of sleep in order to let my body heal. I asked for help when I needed it, but didn't play the role of a victim and not do anything. Above all else, I used common sense and realized that healing is a process, not an event.

I want to inspire you to understand that just because something is hurting or doesn't feel right, it does not mean that you have to accept it and permanently alter your activities. There are experts out there that can help you. There is no reason to live a diminished quality of life or suffer in pain when there are people out there who can help you. A lot of new clients come to me, and I refer them to a physical therapist when I need to, especially if I screen them and there is pain present. Many times, these symptoms can be improved in a short amount of time and the client can get back to exercising. Sometimes there is an underlying condition that may need further treatment. Regardless, the client is doing something that is going to positively affect the quality of their life, and isn't that what it is all about?

Mark Mogavero, CSCS, FMS, Pn1

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