I apologize for posting this non Masters topic here but I honestly could not think of a better place to post.
My just turned 13 rear old daughter was diagnosed with bursitis/impingement in her right shoulder in early August. She was experiencing popping/pain during all strokes at various phases. Seems she is paying the price for years of swimming Freestyle with an internally rotated right arm during recovery and catch. Her orthopedist prescribed 6 weeks of PT and no swimming for 6 weeks.
Unfortunately, we chose a PT based pretty much on logistics. The initial visit consisted of a brief conversation about Ellen's swimming but nothing really specific. Then a quick range of motion exam followed by a two minute massage.
The PT left for a few minutes and returned with a red Theraband and a generic rotator cuff rehab printout. We then proceeded to go through the exercises on the sheet. Twice a week for the next six weeks the visits involved a quick massage followed by Ellen going through the exercises that she had been doing religiously at home in front of the PT aid. I should also mention that there was very little emphasis put on stretching and no re-evaluation by a PT at any point in the process.
After six weeks we returned to her Orthopedist. He was quickly able to recreate the dull thud that can be heard in Ellen's shoulder when she lifts her elbow from her side then brings it forward passing above her shoulder.
He quickly prescribed six more weeks of PT which Ellen did at home. He also said she could begin swimming Breaststroke provided there was no pain.
So here we are twelve weeks later. Ellen started swimming Freestyle last week. Three pain free practices, the fourth brought back the popping/pain.
I am hoping there is somebody in the Westchester/Putnam area in New York who can recommend a good PT who works with swimmers.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Parents
Former Member
I would contact The NY hospital for Special Surgery in the city...and specifically ask for Dr. Jo Hannafin. She's a sports orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulders and knees in athletes...and has had tons of experience with swimmers. She did both of my shoulder surgeries 4 years ago. I understand you might not want to see another doctor, although she really is fantastic...and would send you home with specific rotator cuff exercises as well, but she also might be able to reccommend local PTs in the area. I'm from Orange County, NY and she recommmended my post surgery therapists.
I would contact The NY hospital for Special Surgery in the city...and specifically ask for Dr. Jo Hannafin. She's a sports orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulders and knees in athletes...and has had tons of experience with swimmers. She did both of my shoulder surgeries 4 years ago. I understand you might not want to see another doctor, although she really is fantastic...and would send you home with specific rotator cuff exercises as well, but she also might be able to reccommend local PTs in the area. I'm from Orange County, NY and she recommmended my post surgery therapists.