.jpg)
Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard, top talks with injured teammate Jameer Nelson
before Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals against the
Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday, May 30, 2009, in Orlando. (AP Photo/Phalen M. Ebenhack)
It was called season-ending surgery in practically every publication and website.
When 27-year-old Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder last February and underwent surgery two weeks later, the word was "he's out for the season."
His three-and-a-half month recovery is absolutely on the short end of what anyone would expect, predict, or even have voiced. As recent as the morning of Nelson's appearance in game 1 of the NBA Finals, the news was on-again-off-again.
The Johns Hopkins website has a detailed explanation of what a labrum is (cartilage found in the shoulder joint); what a labrum tear is (there are several types); how the diagnosis is made (MRI or CT-arthrogram which are about 80-85% accurate, or arthroscopy of the shoulder which is a type of operation).
Some type of tears require only rehab, typically six to eight weeks. Others require surgery. According to the site, "It is believed that it takes at least four to six weeks for the labrum to re-attach itself to the rim of the bone, and probably another four to six weeks to get strong."
What is the rehab workout?
According to sports-injury-info.com, rehabilitation begins shortly after the surgery, usually within 2-3 days to begin range of motion exercises.
The range of motion exercises must be limited and gentle, in order to allow the labrum to heal and protect the repair.
The arm is kept in a sling, typically for two - four weeks, to keep the shoulder safe and prevent extra stress on the repair. The surgeon and physical therapist will work with the patient to progress properly for range of motion exercises, and then to move back into strenthening exercises.
"A full recovery," according to this site, "after labral repair usually takes 3-5 months to return to full activities. For overhead throwers, this time frame may be longer."
Other factors
As the case with tennis player Maria Sharapova (who had an entirely different type of shoulder injury), the rehab process for athletes is a different an intense process than for most people.
- Nelson (and Sharapova) are in excellent athlete conditioning before the injury
- they follow expert advice early so the injury does not get compounded
- they understand the need to follow an expert's advice in returning to normal
- they treat their bodies well during recovery with proper nutrition and rest
OTHER TOP READ ARTICLES ABOUT NBA FINALS AND FITNESS:
- Work out like the rich & famous (slide show of Rashard Lewis)
- NBA Finals fit tip 1: treat your body well (Kobe Bryant slide show)
- NBA Finals fit tip 2: eat to win (slide show of Andrew Bynum)
- Nutrition is key to Dwight Howard
- Larry Green with 3 ways to power up your basketball game
- Kobe Bryant's workout
Comments
I had that labrum surgery almost three months ago and let me tell you, it was painful; not the surgery, the rehab. I had physical therapy a day after my surgery. The first two weeks of rehab they just stretched it out, no excercises. Week 3-7 of rehab was PAINFUL, the most pain i've ever felt. It was very intense. During that time frame when my physical therapist was stretching it, oh my gosh... i was clenching my teeth together, fighting back the tears, and squeezing the table with my other hand so hard. my face said it all. the surgery is definately worth having, have a high tolerance of pain. haha, i think they were tougher on me is because i'm an athlete and i need to get back to my sport. my phsical therapist said i'm recovering very fast and i haven't even hit 3 months yet. so i'm pretty pumped for next season, my shoulder feels soo much stronger cause in rehab they have me doing a ton of arm workouts/weights stuff.
Hey NC - thanks for comments! Good luck with your recovery - I'm curious if the MD/therapist has you avoiding any specific activities and if you are under any special nutrition and/or rest instructions. If you have any advice for students or weekend warriors who face labrum surgery, share it.
I can't swim, throw, or do any overhead movements. I guess I can now, they had me going through the motions and throwing slow today. It was pretty tender but not too bad. My advice: listen to what the physical therapist and your orthopedist says, don't push it. Eat healthy too.
I had an arthoscopic surgery on my torn labrum a year ago and I thought I was fine and I stopped wearing my sling 1 week after surgery and started lifting heavy weights 3 months after and as a result I recently tore my labrum again same shoulder, and now I have to get surgery again! Best advice listen to your PT and Doctor not your ego!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!