AC joint arthritis - anyone undergone surgery?

Former Member
Former Member
I'm a 35 year old former collegiate swimmer who has been back at it for the past two years. About 5 months ago I started experiencing pain in my left shoulder. It has been diagnosed (exams plus MRI) as an arthritic AC joint. A cortisone shot lasted about 2 weeks before the pain returned. At this point I believe my only real option is undergoing surgery to eliminate interference between the two bones in the joint. I believe I've read about Dara Torres having this done after Beijing. Has anyone here gone through this procedure? I would like to hear about recovery time and what to expect long term. Thanks, Micah
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    I've been swimming for four months. Diagnosis is osteoarthritis with two possible tears (supraspinius and infraspinius). I'm waiting for the results of my arthroscopic MRI now. I'm swimming but backing off when the shoulder barks at me. I'm considering surgery and all that entails, but am leaning toward PT and shoulder strengthening first. It's bumming me out. I've dropped 25lbs (with at least 30 more to go) and recently posted SCY times between 110 and 120% of national qualifiers. Swimming is literally saving my life, but my shoulder isn't cooperating. If anyone has gone down this road, deferred surgery, and was able to swim with minimal pain I would be interested to hear your story. Jeff
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    I've been swimming for four months. Diagnosis is osteoarthritis with two possible tears (supraspinius and infraspinius). I'm waiting for the results of my arthroscopic MRI now. I'm swimming but backing off when the shoulder barks at me. I'm considering surgery and all that entails, but am leaning toward PT and shoulder strengthening first. It's bumming me out. I've dropped 25lbs (with at least 30 more to go) and recently posted SCY times between 110 and 120% of national qualifiers. Swimming is literally saving my life, but my shoulder isn't cooperating. If anyone has gone down this road, deferred surgery, and was able to swim with minimal pain I would be interested to hear your story. Jeff
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