rehabilitation
lem496 asked 3 years ago
Hey Guys,
So last night while playing league I felt a pop and a searing pain in my right arm. I have had two rotator cuff repairs on that shoulder so I knew something serious had happened, As I feared I had a confirmation this morning I have a total tear of my bicep tendon at the shoulder. I was given a few options by the surgeon 1) have the surgery and go through a rather lengthy rehab process. Normally a person of my age (65) he wouldn’t recommend surgery but with my level of activity he wouldn’t hesitate performing the surgery. Without surgery I will have fatigue and cramping of the bicep muscle. 2) learn to play a less attacking style and more defensive. Looping would definitely be limited, and 3) learn to play left handed. The surgeon who is also a sports physician has had some older tennis players with similar issues successfully learn to play left handed.
My question: Do you know of anyone who has switched from right hand to left? Would learning to play with long pips (shuddered the thought) be a possible solution? I’m weighing all possibilities before making this decision. Playing with pips would probably my last resort. Short pip players are tolerated, long pips are treated as pariahs at my club. I say that with only partial tongue in cheek. Any input would be gratefully accepted.
Tom Academy Coach answered 3 years ago
Hi Lem, sorry to hear that you have this injury it’s frustrating I know from experience of various injuries! I think personally learning to play with pips is quite a big change from what you’re used to and not ideal for sure.
In terms of learning to play with the opposite hand that’s not easy, it can be done up to a point but it’s very difficult unless done when young to reach close to the same level with your opposite hand. So unfortunately my advice would probably be to try and fully heal the shoulder/bicep whichever the best route the surgeon thinks that is. Probably not what you wanted to hear but I’d say you’d be better off trying to heal it totally and build your way slowly back into your usual playing style.
lem496Thanks for your honest response. I’m in a wait and see what happens mode. It’s frustrating to finally get back to competing after a year of lock down only to get sidelined by an injury.
Stay safe
Thanks for your honest response. I’m in a wait and see what happens mode. It’s frustrating to finally get back to competing after a year of lock down only to get sidelined by an injury.
Stay safe
No problem Lem, yeah such a frustrating situation. I’m really sorry that’s happened to you and fingers crossed you can make a quick recovery!
