When former Palm Desert High School and current LPGA golfer Nicole Castrale underwent left shoulder surgery six weeks ago, she finally had an opportunity to rid herself of the constant pain she had suffered for the better part of a year.
Her surgery lasted 90 minutes, repairing a torn labrum, repairing a tear in the rotator cuff muscle and other problems, including removing scar tissue from cleanup surgery performed in 2004.
She is currently rehabbing at the Fischer Sports physical therapy clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, under the watchful eye of physical therapist Brett Fischer.
Castrale burst onto the LPGA scene in 2002, after a successful high school career in Palm Desert, California and four-year college career at USC.
Castrale has one win to her credit on the LPGA Tour, the 2007 Ginn Tribute Hosted by Annika. Castrale has also won twice on the Futures Tour, both times in 2005.
Castrale was also a member of the US Women's team competing in 2007 and 2009 Solheim Cup, with the US European women's team on both occasions.
While 2009 was a somewhat down year for Castrale, missing the cut in ten of 24 starts, the start of the 2010 season really showcased her struggles, as Castrale cleary showed she was experiencing physical difficulties, missing the cut in five of nine events.
Finally, Castrale made the decision to go under the knife now, and take the time to fully rehab before the start of the 2011 LPGA season.
“It was hard to admit, hard to put an end to the season,” Castrale said. “But looking long-term, it was my only option.”
Fischer said that fans shouldn't be surprised at the injury, stating that the general public doesn't understand the full impact that golf has on its athletes.
“No one leaves the game of golf professionally unscathed,” Fischer said. “People don't realize the level of golf they play, day after day, the number of balls they hit. There are going to be injuries.”
Click the "subscribe" button at the top to subscribe and receive updates when new articles are published. Also, be so kind as to click the “comments” button so that your voice can be heard!
Comments
Good for her. Definitely better to get something taken care of instead of letting it continue to get worse to the point it can't be repaired.
Ouch! Hopefully Nicole Castrale will recover from her surgery and come back to the LGPA better than ever.
Nicole Castrale made a good decision and I'm sure by 2011 she will be great!
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!