Dooley Noted: 10/19/2014
A few days ago, a new patient recounted his lengthy history of shoulder pain and subsequent surgeries.
After reviewing a formidable history, he stated something poignant.
He said, “It’s years later, and I still have shoulder pain. I’ve started to think I may have never needed those surgeries in the first place.”
Here’s the truth.
I would never state to a patient that he didn’t need a surgery.
We truly have no idea how the outcome may have been different.
All I know are the facts.
He had shoulder surgeries. And he’s still in pain.
We discussed how he needed midback extension, core stability, and neck stability, three components often missing long before shoulder problems arise.
Surgery rarely can give you what you never had in the first place.
With orthopedic conditions, it’s the patient’s call of whether or not to have surgery.
The pressure from a fancy surgeon can be very influential towards having the surgery.
After all, surgeons tend to do surgery.
Whether or not you schedule the surgery, get closer to having what you lack.
While you await the surgical date, work towards earning the stability and proper movement you are missing.
Even if you do have the surgery, you’ll be earning what you needed in the first place.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley