I was wondering if any of you have ever had bicept tendonitis to the point where shoulder surgery or cortizone were your options.
The doc said the injury was probably caused from too much butterfly (seeing how I'm a distance flyer). The PT didn't really help all that much. I've had a history of shoulder tendonitis and impingement syndrome in the shoulder but haven't had any problems until last year. I'm down to about 450 yards of freestyle before I know I need to stop swimming.
I've been a competitive swimmer for most of my life and am looking for alternatives to going under the knife or taking the long needle. Any advice?:confused:
Parents
Former Member
If the orthopedist is considering surgery, I assume you've had an MRI. Is your orthopedist a specialist in sports medicine (many are not)? You mentioned PT--how long were you involved with it and have you been following a home exercise program (elastic bands, etc.)? Are you taking an antiinflammatory agent? Did you stop using paddles?
I think it all depends on the diagnosis. My understanding is that surgery can be avoided in many (most?) cases of tendinitis/swimmer's shoulder. The most frequent cause is a muscle imbalance causing instability in the joint and impingement of one of the tendons by the head of the humerus. Stroke mechanics can contribute. I would opt for the steroid injection before an operation. A rotator cuff tear is a different story.
If the orthopedist is considering surgery, I assume you've had an MRI. Is your orthopedist a specialist in sports medicine (many are not)? You mentioned PT--how long were you involved with it and have you been following a home exercise program (elastic bands, etc.)? Are you taking an antiinflammatory agent? Did you stop using paddles?
I think it all depends on the diagnosis. My understanding is that surgery can be avoided in many (most?) cases of tendinitis/swimmer's shoulder. The most frequent cause is a muscle imbalance causing instability in the joint and impingement of one of the tendons by the head of the humerus. Stroke mechanics can contribute. I would opt for the steroid injection before an operation. A rotator cuff tear is a different story.
