Sports Doc Talk Podcast - Grant Kashner

Sports Doc Talk Podcast sits down with Grant Kashner, Chief Commercial Officer for Nice Recovery Systems.

From show hosts Dr. Grant Garcia and William Sanchez: "Welcome to the latest episode of Sports Doc Talk with Dr. Grant Garcia and William Sanchez. In this episode, we are excited to interview Grant Kashner, Chief Commercial Officer of Nice Recovery Systems. We dive into the innovative technology behind the NICE machine, which offers advanced cold compression therapy that significantly improves recovery outcomes.

No items found.

PRE-SURGERY

What to expect night before

01
Follow the checklist procedure (protocol) given to you by the doctor.
02
DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight.
03
Decide if you want a nerve block, in addition to anesthesia prior to the start of surgery

Upon arrival

01
Get Checked in (paperwork).
02
Change into Hospital Outfit.
03
Get IV (intravenous).
04
Get Nerve Block (optional).
05
Ask for a Blanket if you’re cold.
06
Head into Surgery.

*Once you are wheeled into the operating room, you are put under anesthesia right away!

day of surgery

What to expect

01
Review: What To Expect (Upon Arrival) The nurse will insert the IV and hopefully talk the whole time to distract you. It’s not painful so don’t worry.
02
On the day of surgery the nursing staff will ask “100 times” whichshoulder, right or left, that they'll be doing surgery on!
03
The procedure to repair a torn labrum lasts about 1 hour and you 
will be under anesthesia with the option of a nerve block.
04
Wake up! Enjoy a popsicle, sports drink, and/or crackers (to helpreduce nausea). Staff will make sure you're good to go with writteninstructions before they let you leave.
05
You may experience motion sickness on the car ride home. A fruit smoothie is nice when you get home.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia is a drug or agent that produces a complete or partial loss  of feeling or consciousness. It is administered through the patient's IV line. It causes their body to go to sleep. The Anesthesiologist may insert a breathing tube which also helps administer other medicine. This makes the patient remain absolutely still so the surgeon can operate on their shoulder.

biggest side effect: nausea

  1. Lasts 6 to 8 hours
  2. Motion Sickness in the car
  3. Best thing you can do is go to bed!
PRO TIP
An option to relieve nausea is a patch behind the ear (lasts about 3 days).

nerve block

A nerve block numbs the nerves to the shoulder. Ultrasound shows the anesthesiologist where to inject the medicine without hurting other structures. It lasts 6 to 12 hours. The nerve block helps to keep the area numb during and after surgery.


post-surgery

The recovery process

01
Wear a sling for 4-6 weeks (Some patients feel good after 4 weeks and try to do a bit too much too soon).
02
Teen athletes are overall healthier and should recover more quickly.
03
With patience and dedication you’ll be back to your sport in a few months!
04
Rehabilitation is an individual process.
05
Lean on family and friends. “Can you help me with this?”

Physical challenges

You may experience irritation when you move your arm. You may need help with your daily activities. Sleep and overall comfort may be challenging but will gradually improve. Don’t get hooked on pain meds. Only take if absolutely necessary to limit your pain. Listen to your body and take the recovery seriously!

No items found.

mental challenges

Try to stay positive and rest. You may become frustrated because you cannot resume normal daily activities. Lower your expectations about how quickly you will resume playing your sport. Don’t stress about ‘not working out. Feel encouraged because you have taken this important step to get well. You will make it through!

PRO TIP
Consider talking to a therapist or counselor about your situation. This helps to lessen feelings of loneliness, “I’m the only one,” and isolation. Also, your goals may have changed. A professional can help you sort through your thoughts and feelings.

Rehabilitation

01
You'll start Physical Therapy sometime between 2 days and 2 weeks.
02
Expect a slow recovery process that requires patience and time, but it will be worth the return to your sport.
03
Follow the physical therapist’s guidance. Do your exercises at home, not just at the clinic.
04
A physical therapist will often make your exercises more relevant for your sport or goals. This will keep you motivated.
05
Remember everyone's experience is different.
PRO TIP
Don't get discouraged if you're not progressing quickly. An arm has to relearn how to do things so be patient.
Teen TIP
Consider talking to a therapist or counselor about your situation. This helps to lessen feelings of loneliness, “I’m the only one,” and isolation. Also, your goals may have changed. A professional can help you sort through your thoughts and feelings.

COLD THERAPY

Nice1 Shoulder Wrap
An ice-less machine that boosts recovery by providing cool comfort and mild pressure to the affected shoulder. You can eat, be on the computer, work out and even sleep with the wrap in place.
View Product
Download a PDF Guide
Click the link below to download the original guide Claire created, with the help of teen athletes and medical professionals who shared their expertise.
Download
Previous Article
Next Article

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Claire Castellon has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten.She graduated from high school and has begun studying to become a nurse.

In addition to this booklet to help teen athletes navigate the challenges of surgery, she is an advocate for healthy relationships through the One Love Foundation. Claire and her teen colleagues facilitated a workshop, ‘Seeing the Signs of Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships’ at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) in New York City in March 2024.

Claire had successful surgery to repair a labral tear followed by rehabilitative physical therapy in 2023. She is reachable at TeenShoulderSurgery@gmail.com