The Teen Athlete’s Guide to Shoulder Surgery

AUTHOR:

Claire Castellon

Published:

September 29, 2024

why this guide?

For many teen athletes, shoulder surgery is the first time that they are being operated on; it is a big unknown.

This Guide is intended to provide insights by teen athletes for teen athletes on different aspects of shoulder (labral tear) surgery including the pre, during, and post-surgery processes. This Guide also includes surprises from the experiences of teen patients as well as answers from medical professionals on how to prepare better and/or avoid these surprises.

Teen Experience 1

“I tore my labrum while pitching for my softball team.”

Teen Experience 2

“Oh, that's too bad! I got tackled too hard as a running back on my football team!”

Teen Experience 3

“Yeah, I decided to go ahead and get the surgery because physical therapy was not helping me manage my pain.”

Teen Experience 4

“I know what you mean! The vibrations from the school bus ride were so unbearable I had to get something done about my shoulder.”

PRE-SURGERY

What to expect night before

Follow the checklist procedure (protocol) given to you by the doctor.

DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight.

Decide if you want a nerve block, in addition to anesthesia prior to the start of surgery

Upon arrival

Get Checked in (paperwork).

Change into Hospital Outfit.

Get IV (intravenous).

Get Nerve Block (optional).

Ask for a Blanket if you’re cold.

Head into Surgery.

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

PHYSICAL PREPARATION

Eat healthy, get adequate sleep and exercise well before surgery day.
Make a recovery plan that suits your lifestyle at home!
Consider investing in an ice-less therapy machine for best recovery outcome (Cold Therapy).

MENTAL PREPARATION

Educate yourself about your surgery and the recovery process.
Be aware that your arm will likely be confined to a sling for the next 4-6 weeks.
Think positively!

“I am nervous to go into surgery and trust people with my body. What if the injury is worse than we thought?”

Pro Tip:

Surgeons prepare fully for your operation and rely on the most up-to-date MRI results, so surprises are rare. Remember, they are professionals!

day of surgery

What to expect

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.

On the day of surgery the nursing staff will ask “100 times” whichshoulder, right or left, that they'll be doing surgery on!

The procedure to repair a torn labrum lasts about 1 hour and you  will be under anesthesia with the option of a nerve block.

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.

You may experience motion sickness on the car ride home. A fruit smoothie is nice when you get home.

PHYSICAL PREPARATION

Decide on whether to get the nerve block.
Listen to your body and its needs (try to poop beforehand).
Anesthesia may make you feel nauseous so eat lightly and not too fast.

MENTAL PREPARATION

Trust your medical professionals; ask any questions that you have.
You may have to wait if there is a delay in another person’s surgery.
Most teens have positive experiences.

“The best part of the day is the post-surgery attention from medical staff; the nurses were
super comforting and helpful!”

‍

Pro Tip:

It can be intimidating
but remember that the
risks are minimal!

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

Lasts 6 to 8 hours
Motion Sickness in the car
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. 

“I didn't choose the nerve
block during my surgery
to repair damage from an
ice hockey injury. My pain
went through the roof
afterwards – an 8 out of
10.”

‍

We 100% recommend the
nerve block.

post-surgery

The recovery process

Wear a sling for 4-6 weeks (Some patients feel good after 4 weeks and try to do a bit too much too soon).

Teen athletes are overall healthier and should recover more quickly.

With patience and dedication you’ll be back to your sport in a few months!

Rehabilitation is an individual process.

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!

Teen Experience 5

“Sleeping in a recliner for a few days was not fun.”

Teen Experience 6

“On day 5 after the surgery, constipation was its own painful problem!”

Teen Experience 7

“I followed the schedule to take pain meds, even waking up during the night.”

Teen Experience 8

“I’m a side sleeper- it was hard to not be able to sleep on my side.”

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

You'll start Physical Therapy sometime between 2 days and 2 weeks.

Expect a slow recovery process that requires patience and time, but it will be worth the return to your sport.

Follow the physical therapist’s guidance. Do your exercises at home, not just at the clinic.

A physical therapist will often make your exercises more relevant for your sport or goals. This will keep you motivated.

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

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

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