From Pain to Possibility: Debbie's Journey to a Pain-Free Life After Shoulder Surgery

Debbie Minda, an avid boxer and fitness enthusiast, constantly dealt with severe shoulder pain that wouldn't go away. Eager to return to boxing and live her life without discomfort, Debbie visited the orthopedic specialists at OrthoCarolina for expert analysis of her shoulder pain.

At OrthoCarolina Fort Mill, Dr. Matthew Wendt saw firsthand how Debbie struggled with basic movements such as raising her hand above her head or putting her hair in a ponytail.

"She was having a lot of pain, specifically inside the shoulder joint and she was getting a lot of limitations on her range of motion."- Dr. Matthew Wendt, OrthoCarolina General Orthopedic Surgeon

After further examination, Dr. Wendt determined that her condition had deteriorated to bone-on-bone contact due to initial tears followed by shoulder arthritis.

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints.

Arthritis is caused by a combination of factors that may include:

• Age: The risk of developing arthritis increases with age.
• Genetics: Some types of arthritis are linked to genes.
• Joint Injuries: Past injuries can lead to arthritis in the affected joints.
• Overuse: Repetitive stress on a joint can cause arthritis over time.

Arthritis can make it tough to do everyday activities due to pain and stiffness.

At this point, Debbie's arthritis had worsened, making an anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty her best option to regain her full quality of life. Dr. Wendt prioritizes reassuring his patients that they can typically resume their favorite activities within six months after surgery.

Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Restoring Shoulder Function and Reducing Pain

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is a surgical procedure designed to replace the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. This type of surgery is typically recommended for individuals who have severe arthritis or have sustained significant damage to the shoulder joint that affects their daily activities and causes pain.

In this use, "anatomic" means the replacement mimics the natural anatomy of the shoulder, aka the procedure bringing the current joint back to an anatomic state. The surgeon replaces the rounded top of the upper arm bone (humerus) with a metal ball and resurfaces the socket part of the shoulder blade (scapula) with a smooth plastic lining. This creates a new, smooth joint surface.

The goal of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is to restore function, reduce pain, and improve the range of motion in the shoulder. It's a common and effective treatment option when less invasive treatments, like medication or physical therapy, haven't provided relief.

Life After Surgery: A Remarkable Recovery

Immediately after her surgery and to aid her recovery, Debbie began physical therapy at OrthoCarolina Fort Mill Physical Therapy. Just five and a half months after her operation, and staying committed to her rehab, Debbie was back to boxing without any pain! She could easily tie her hair back into a ponytail again and rejoin the activities she enjoyed. Her recovery was not just a relief but a testament to the success of her shoulder replacement and a fantastic care team.

If you've had shoulder pain and difficulty reaching behind your head or back for over 6 to 8 weeks, your condition may have advanced to the point where a shoulder replacement might be necessary. Consult with an OrthoCarolina specialist for persistent shoulder issues and discuss your treatment options.

Learn More About Exercising with ArthritisFor those living with arthritis, starting an exercise routine can be a game-changer. It's not just about managing pain; it's about improving your overall health and mobility. To dive deeper into how you can safely incorporate exercise into your life, check out these resources provided by our partner, the Arthritis Foundation:

• How to Start an Exercise Program
• Weight Training 101
• Dynamic Stretching
• Working Out Through Pain
• Avoiding Common Workout Mistakes
• How Much Exercise is Enough?
• Lower Body Exercises Dos and Don’ts
• Upper Body Exercises Dos and Don’ts
• High-Intensity Exercise and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Remember, it's crucial to tailor your exercise plan to fit your individual needs and always consult with your doctor or physical therapist before beginning any new workout regimen.