Every case is different, but I'm kind of surprised that a PT would be the one to tell the patient that it's OK to play fall ball. My son had TJ and every advancement was up to Dr. Andrews alone.
Originally posted by itsrosy: Every case is different, but I'm kind of surprised that a PT would be the one to tell the patient that it's OK to play fall ball. My son had TJ and every advancement was up to Dr. Andrews alone.
Good point. My understanding is that the PT's only job is to do rehab which might include, upon doctors orders a throwing program. The final ok to play in actual games is by doctor only based upon examination and PT's notes on rehab.
Posts: 10774 | Location: South Florida | Registered: July 28, 2003
Once you feel you have "maxed out" on the distance get your son to throw to you out of a bucket of balls. You just catch... I am another old guy with no arm anymore.
Why didn't I think of that.
I'm getting it back to him at 120 with an occasional bounce or two. We're probably going to try a few at 150 tonight.
To answer those who were questioning the PT giving the okay for fall ball, I am certain that he has discussed this with my son's doctor. The PT sees him 3 times a week, the doc sees him every 6 weeks. The PT is also the top in the area specializing in baseball players. After we discussed it with the PT we did also get clearance from the doctor. We just didn't see him prior to needing to get the registration in for him to play. At any rate, son is still doing very well. He is on a throwing protocol and hitting off a tee. He will start throwing from a mound in 4-6 weeks(not pitching, just throwing) and can start working with his pitching coach again at that time. We are anxious to see how he progresses. His strength before was his arm strength and we have no idea yet if he will have that back.
Posts: 25 | Location: Omaha, NE | Registered: December 21, 2007
Update - It turns out that my sons pain was being caused by tightness in his elbow. After all those months of limited arm movement, the PT says his joints all tightened up and need to be stretched out. After a couple of sessions it's already much better.
Mine had his labrum repaired May 29th. They had team physicals yesterday by my son's surgeon. Doc said his shoulder is fine and he can practice immediately. He starts throwing today. I hope it goes well.
Son had labrum surgery 7/29/08. Sling came off today. Surgeon likes his chances for full recovery. Was impressed with range of motion today, 1 month post op.
Will update progress.
Background...Two days before college opener, freshman sons shoulder get sore and "pops" on pitches. Scratched from opening day starter slot. Comes back 1 month later after diagnosis of tendonitis. Shoulder still hurts but tries to pitch through it in relief. Faces 5 batters doesn't record an out, is dropping arm slot to try and relieve pain.
MRI with dye one week later shows swollen burser sac, no labrum tear. Cortisone shrinks burser, begins pitching as closer again 2 weeks later. Throws 16 scoreless innings, starts out overpowering and dominant, but every outing velocity drops slightly, accuracy starts slipping. By seasons end, shoulder sore again, gives up 3 runs in an inning and looks poor doing it.
After a months rest and no relief from pain, next MRI shows tear. Surgery reveals 2 tears, both small. One repaired with only a stud, the other with 1 stud and 1 stitch.
Skill has its limitations, but luck can take you anywhere!
Posts: 1596 | Location: northern burbs, IL | Registered: November 15, 2006
CPLZ - Hope your son's recovery is coming along and progressing on schedule.
My son received the Army baseball media guide in the mail this past week....enjoyed reading your son's bio. Sounds like he has great velocity, I hope that he is good as new post recovery.
P.S. sounds like a decent bowler too.
Posts: 44 | Location: everywhere | Registered: January 18, 2008
Correction and update. Doc released him to resume batting practice, but he is still recieving pt. He threw two days last week. First day from 45 feet and second day at 60 feet. He said first three throws went straight into the ground. Arm lost all muscle memory. He has to work his way up to 120 feet and one more visit with the Doc. So far no pain. Swing feels good.
My son had his operation 04/07 and was cleared to throw and hit 08-07. His arm is 100% and has no problems (his was non throwing arm).
My only suggestion is to err on the cautious side. Take extra time if needed. A few additional weeks of therapy is better than another surgery and 4 months rehab.
Junior had his third post surgery evaluation this morning and doctors are extremely pleased (understatement) with the stability in his shoulder and his range of movement.
Just ended 4 weeks into throwing program. Arm feels great, moving from 60 to 90 feet tomorrow. 270 degrees range of motion and slowly increasing. All signs are still thumbs up.
Skill has its limitations, but luck can take you anywhere!
Posts: 1596 | Location: northern burbs, IL | Registered: November 15, 2006
cplz, great news about your son's recovery. I checked out your link to ASMI and one of the books written by Kevin Wilk. As you know, Kevin is the #1 PT up in Doc Andrews rehab facility. When Drew Brees had his shoulder rebuilt by Andrews, I heard that he did basically his entire rehab in Birmingham, and worked out daily with Kevin Wilk. KW deserves as much credit as JA in this case. Heard that this was the worst looking shoulder injury Doc Andrews had seen.
Mine ended his fall practice a couple of weeks ago. He is up to 165 feet on a line, two sets of 25. Still doing rehab with the trainer, but Doc is very pleased. No pain and a little rest before spring season starts.
