Rotator Cuff Repair with Dr. Paul Crook
I woke up one morning in late March 2020 with pain in my right shoulder/arm. I thought I had slept on it wrong. I'm a very active person and my shoulder kept me from doing even the smallest things like taking off a shirt or putting on a jacket. I couldn't hold myself up to do plank holds or push-ups. I didn't know what I did to cause this pain and limited range of motion I was experiencing.
I started doing physical therapy exercises, going to a massage therapist, and going to a chiropractor. I have a small (30 lb.) dog that likes to get on my bed in the middle of the night, but needs help. I realized one night when I went to pick him up (while laying in my bed) that my shoulder would not allow me to do this motion without pain. I realized at that moment, this is how I injured myself.
Fast-forward to October 2020. My arm is not getting any better, in fact, it's getting worse and also very weak. I called TOA to make an appointment. I met Dr. Paul Crook. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. He ordered an MRI arthrogram of my shoulder. Turns out I have a 75% torn rotator cuff and would need surgery.
The day of surgery at Baptist Ambulatory Surgery Center, I was treated so well. The nurses, anesthesiologist, and everyone else who I encountered were so friendly and helpful and had a wonderful bedside manner. Dr. Crook did an amazing job on my surgery. I had only four small puncture incisions which have healed nicely.
The day after surgery I went to my first post-op appointment and Dr. Crook explained everything he did and showed me before and after pictures of my shoulder. I began physical therapy a few days later.
I did PT twice a week for three months. I could see improvements each week. I was so excited when I could finally put my hair up in a ponytail.
Today, after three months of physical therapy, massage therapy, and at home stretching and strength training, Dr. Crook told me I was good to go. I was able to run three miles a couple days ago without pain in my shoulder from the movement. This was my first major surgery and I am so happy with the results. I will definitely choose Dr. Crook if I am ever in need of an ortho again!