Shoulder Update: One year Later…

March 26th, 2010 | Posted in News


Before…


March 19th, 2008


four months after surgery…


Did you think I was kidding???

It has officially been one year and a handful of days since I got my left rotator cuff repaired via arthroscopic surgery. So, here is the latest update..

I am pleased to say I am back in the gym and near 100% again. I still have a lack of strength and stability when my shoulder is in certain positions, but steady rehab and a slow progression into real weightlifting has me doing most exercises pain free as long as I don’t overdo the weight. I am gradually building strength and size again, and hope by the end of May to be back to my usual bulk and power. Slow and steady wins the race…

The good news is that any soreness and lack of stability is just a function of getting back in shape and not a failure of the repair. Indeed, my RIGHT shoulder, which had a partial tear in it as well, is giving me more problems in some ways than the surgically repaired left one. Being careful and listening to my body will be all I need to ease back into my bodybuilding routines. I have already gained back a great deal of my lost size and the strength will follow quickly. A 300 plus lb bench press only a month or two away!

Comments

  1. This may be a silly question, but what does the weightlifting do to your clavicle and carpal tunnel? Have you had any trouble with them?

    I’m glad your shoulder’s almost better!

  2. Steve Hearn says:

    Good to hear your almost back to 100% Tom! Check out my blog on Monday, the post is about you and your arm! Have a great weekend!

  3. David Paccia says:

    That’s great news Tom. It isn’t easy getting a shoulder back to 100%. I shattered my shoulder playing hockey 3 years ago and it still isn’t back to normal. Flyes are still impossible for me to do. Your determination is an inspiration. Do you know Lyman Dally? He’s another cartoonist into bodybuilding. Good luck getting up to benching 300.

  4. Ed Meisinger says:

    Glad to hear your shoulder is doing well! Tom – does weightlifting have any effect on your ability to draw? I am an amateur artist and I try to stay away from weightlifting (I stick to swimming) because it tends to make my hands a little shaky for drawing.

  5. That’s dramatic
    a picture is worth a thousand words

  6. Mark Tatulli says:

    I always thought you were half a pussy, Tom

    • Tom says:

      Well, last year at the Reubens I was a little embarrassed that for the first time in several years I was not able to say I could bench press the entire slate of nominees for the big Reuben award. This year it would not be a problem benching Pastis, Pirarro and Thompson…. Pirarro would be the bar.

      • Mark Tatulli says:

        Actually…Thompson, Amend, Coverly and Piraro all look exactly the same in silhouette. That is, if Piraro isn’t wearing his R Crumb hat.

  7. Mugshotz says:

    Good for you Tom! Now I feel guilty I haven’t hit the gym this week. I’m gonna pack my gym bag after this.

  8. Angie says:

    OUCH! I never knew and did not notice the one arm bigger than other. Glad to hear you are back and pumping the iron!

  9. julio cesar naranjo says:

    Hi Tom its a good news your back on the gym and pushing your limits, im kinda same situation with my injury back that i told you before, its been 5 months now and im not totally recovered but i keep doing therapy exercises. Take care your arm.

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