As a passionate tennis enthusiast, I have become accustomed to witnessing my fellow players suffer injuries, leading them to withdraw from tournaments for several months. This seems to be a common side-effect of reaching retirement, as most of my tennis buddies are aged 60 and above. Recently, I too reached retirement, and much to my surprise, I managed to injure my shoulder while playing tennis. The pain was so intense that I couldn’t help but gasp in agony at the moment of injury. Despite my efforts to mitigate the damage with heat packs and ample rest, my condition showed no signs of improvement.
Seeking a solution, I decided to consult a shoulder injury specialist in Melbourne, as the city boasts several reputable professionals in this field. Opting for a nearby specialist was wise, as I wished to avoid further exacerbating my shoulder during the commute. Upon arriving at the clinic, I was greeted warmly by a friendly and competent specialist. We discussed my symptoms in detail, focusing on the pain in my upper arm, the cramping of my biceps, and the difficulty I experienced while rotating my shoulder. The specialist empathised with my frustration at being unable to indulge in my favourite hobby, tennis.
After conducting several tests, the specialist explained that I had injured my biceps and most likely required a surgical procedure known as biceps tenodesis. We performed various arm movements to assess the severity of the tear, and the results indicated a significant injury. The upcoming surgery would be followed by an extensive and gradual recovery process lasting several weeks. During this period, I would need to wear a sling to support and protect my shoulder and undergo numerous rounds of physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in my arm.
As someone who is eager to return to the tennis court, the prospect of a prolonged recovery period felt somewhat disheartening. Nevertheless, I understood the importance of following the specialist’s advice to ensure a full and proper recovery. I longed for the day when I could resume my beloved sport, swinging the racket with the same enthusiasm as before. Until then, I would remain patient and committed to the healing journey, knowing that each step toward recovery would bring me closer to rejoining the exhilarating world of tennis.