Hi, asking for a fellow swimmer who has been struggling with a shoulder injury and was diagnosed as having a frozen shoulder this fall. Her first consult suggested a complete replacement, while the second opinion suggested cortisone shots and put off surgery for a while. She has not been swimming since summer, and believes a fall let to a tear which got worse as she stopped using it due to pain. She knows her stroke needs work, when I last swam with her a few years ago I noticed her stroke crosses her center too much, which will put too much stress on the joint and cause impingement. She could have had both going on, impingement and an injury. Does anyone have experience or articles you have read you could share to help her make a decision on what to do? She wants to get back in the water when all is well, but does not know what her future will look like after a total shoulder re-due? Any advice is welcome. Thank you
The only shoulder injury I've had was a torn rotator cuff (result of throwing and NOT swimming)...which I had surgically repaired and came back 100%...if not better (swimming-wise) than I was prior to the injury. So the only thing that I have to add is that it's my understanding that cortisone shots will only be effective for so long. That is...the length of time each shot provides relief will get shorter and shorter until they essentially don't work anymore. So, depending on your friend's age...I'd opt for the shoulder replacement.
Dan
The only shoulder injury I've had was a torn rotator cuff (result of throwing and NOT swimming)...which I had surgically repaired and came back 100%...if not better (swimming-wise) than I was prior to the injury. So the only thing that I have to add is that it's my understanding that cortisone shots will only be effective for so long. That is...the length of time each shot provides relief will get shorter and shorter until they essentially don't work anymore. So, depending on your friend's age...I'd opt for the shoulder replacement.
Dan
