I have a doctor's appointment on Monday July 30. We'll see what he says. I'm playing racquetball left-handed tomorrow morning. I'm hoping to get at least 20 years out of the left shoulder now

 

have you try any rotator cuff strengthening exercises?

 

Nope...waiting to see what the doc says first. The last thing I want to do is try to strengthen it and tear it completely instead.

 

Yeah, I would wait and see what the doctor recommends before you start self-prescribing therapy. I work for an orthopedic practice, but I do the IT so I'm not qualified to give any real helpful advice. Hopefully you'll get a good surgeon that will be able to explain all of this to your satisfaction and find a good solution whether it's surgical or not. I know of a few really good shoulder specialists, but I think we're a little too far away. Good luck!!!

 

Met with an orthopedic today. After looking at my MRI, he came to the conclusion that I definitely have 1 small tear, not 3. The tear is not complete. I have some fluid around the outside part and he isn't sure what could be causing the muscle atrophy. He did a barrage of movement tests all of which had no pain. He said my range of motion was good.

His diagnosis was to go back playing, but not competitvely. I honestly don't know what that means. Whether I am playing in a league, a tournament, or just practicing, I practice kill shots which typically are over 100 mph. I'm thinking he means just easy swinging. He told me he would contact me in 4-6 weeks to see how it feels. I honestly think the best way for him to diagnose me completely is to go out and play continuously like I used to and then let him do all the same tests again while I have all the pain.

 

There are a number of very simple exercises that can be done to strengthen and avoid these RC injuries. As an avid climber this is one of the most commonly seen injuries.

RC exercise burns like no other kind of lifting. It's like pure fire put into your shoulder, but this is a good sign that you are targeting the proper muscules. Just don't over do it.

 

Both of these sites suggest good exercises that I have seen people have success with. Just don't use too much weight resistance bands work very well.

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/ho...juries/265.html

http://www.bodyresults.com/E2RotatorCuff.asp

 

With what you said, strengthening your rotator cuff may help you avoid surgery.

 

I play old guy competitive baseball. The baseball xertube has really helped strengthen my shoulder. There are some other options here too.

http://www.simplefitnesssolutions.co...s/baseball.htm

 

Just don't over do it.

That is the critical part, otherwise you will end up with tendinitis, +/- calcification, subacromial bursitis/fibrosis and then will NEED the surgery as well. You should consult an exercise expert. If you are in Aus, I would recommend physiotherapist but I don't know how it work in ur country. I would not recommend hitting the gym by urself or use a normal gym instructor (in Aus).

Your case is borderline for surgery so unless u really want to most surgeon would not cut u up for money. Get a physiotherapist who specialise in shoulder joint movement to train ur rotator cuff. It will help ur shoulder stability during sport and prevent future injury.