Rotator Cuff Surgery Gives a Former Powerlifting Grandpa His Life Back

Shoulder pain can bring anyone to a stop, no matter how strong they are. Ted L., a former powerlifter and elite athlete, found this out the hard way. Years of intense lifting and an unexpected biking accident left him with debilitating shoulder pain that only rotator cuff surgery could resolve.

Determined to reclaim his active lifestyle, Ted turned to Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center’s Dr. Robert M. Baltera for help with his shoulder problems.

This is his story.

Ted L.’s Patient Story

Hometown: Carmel, IN
Age: 61

Braking Bad: The Fall That Changed Everything

I like to think that I’ve always been a strong guy, physically and mentally. Back in my powerlifting days, I could bench over 500 pounds, and for 37 years, I ran up and down high school sports fields as a referee.

I’ve been involved in the community my whole life, and I’m passionate about staying active. But more than anything, I love spending time with my family, especially my nine grandkids.

On a sunny summer day in 2023, I was biking with my grandchildren, and one of them took a spill. Without thinking, I knew I had to stop to check that they were okay, but I grabbed the wrong brake too hard, causing my bike to flip.

I flew over my handlebars, and as I fell to the ground, I instinctively put my arms out to brace for impact. I heard two loud, unnatural popping sounds come from my shoulder. 

At first, I was optimistic that it wasn’t anything serious. I hoped that maybe I’d just pulled a muscle. I’ve had my fair share of bumps and bruises over the years, so I wasn’t too worried. But as the days went on, the pain didn’t go away. It just got worse and worse.

The Relentless Pain Sets In

My rotator cuff pain was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. It was constant, throbbing, and unrelenting. Sleeping became a nightmare. I’d toss and turn, moaning in my sleep without realizing it, and any slight movement sent sharp pains shooting through my shoulder. My wife noticed how restless I’d become. The pain was unlike anything I’d ever experienced, and it was affecting every aspect of my life.

I remember thinking that my shoulders were never going to be better again. It made me irritable, affected my work, and strained my relationships. Even playing with my grandkids was off the table.

I went to my family doctor, who recommended I see pain management specialists. They didn’t realize the extent of my injury and started giving me steroid injections, assuring me it would get better. But the relief never came. After two sets of injections with no improvement, they finally ordered MRIs.

When the results came back, I got the bad news: Both of my shoulders had complete rotator cuff tears, my left being the most severely damaged. They told me I would need to have rotator cuff surgery for shoulder pain relief.

Meeting the G-O-A-T

Around that time, I reconnected with a former schoolmate who told me about Dr. Baltera and how he was a great shoulder surgeon. I trusted her, so that was all the recommendation I needed to make an appointment.

When I met Dr. Baltera, I knew I was in good hands from the first instant. He looked me straight in the eye and listened—really listened—to everything I had to say. He didn’t just hear my words. I could tell that he understood the pain and frustration I was going through and told me he’d get me into surgery as soon as possible.

I remember him telling me he’d focus on arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery to repair my left shoulder first. Then, he said he’d assess how I did with that before considering whether or not to recommend rotator cuff surgery repair for the right one. I appreciated his honesty and straightforwardness. 

Dr. Baltera just gets it. He always seemed to share answers to anything I might have had a question about before I could ask it. 

Rotator Cuff Surgery Changed Everything

Given my painful back surgery experience in 2018—after a collision during a game led to a piece of vertebrae breaking off into my spinal column—I was bracing myself for a challenging recovery process with this new shoulder surgery. 

My back surgery was pure hell, and after, I had so much nerve pain. Thinking about that experience made me incredibly apprehensive. But, having surgery with Dr. Baltera was completely different and better.

He repaired my left shoulder on March 14, 2024, and—I tell you what—I literally had zero pain after surgery. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I couldn’t believe it.

They gave me a bilateral nerve block before my rotator cuff surgery operation that was supposed to last for no more than five days, but it lasted two weeks for me (and, even after it wore off, I felt fine). I was blown away.

When I went to my six-week appointment, I told Dr. Baltera, “You’re a badass. You’re the G-O-A-T—greatest of all time in orthopedics!” That made him laugh. I’m guessing he’s probably not used to hearing that from a patient, but I meant every word.

Rebuilding Strength, Flexibility & Function

Though I didn’t have pain, my real challenge after rotator cuff surgery was not being able to move exactly how I wanted right away. However, with the help of the therapists at IHTSC, I started gentle exercises after six weeks, gradually increasing as my tendons healed.

Dr. Baltera motivated me every step of the way. He tested my progress each time I visited, which pushed me to work harder. He gave me the right exercises and helped me accomplish my goals. By the time three months had passed, I had full mobility—a lot better than most people at that stage, according to him. Knowing I had his support, along with my strong desire to get my life back, made it easy to be diligent with my therapy.

Life Restored

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been six months since my rotator cuff surgery with Dr. Baltera. Today, I’m already back to doing the things I love. I’m so grateful. I can sleep on both shoulders, ride my bike, and play basketball again—all without pain. 

I recently passed another post-operation milestone when I swung a golf club using my repaired shoulder for the first time. I took a half swing, and it felt great. Best of all, I can have fun with my grandkids again.

Surprisingly, my right shoulder, which had a minor rotator cuff tear, no longer bothers me. I don’t know what happened, but it’s okay now. Dr. Baltera was right to suggest waiting to see with it.

I can’t express how grateful I am to Dr. Baltera. He fixed my shoulder, and, in doing so, he gave me my life back. He’s a great surgeon and a good, trustworthy man. 

Spreading the Word

I tell everyone who will listen about my experience and that they shouldn’t put off rotator cuff surgery if they’re in pain. Living like that isn’t really living. With the pain I was in before, I was going out of my mind. But thanks to Dr. Baltera and the entire Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center team, I’m back to being me.

In fact, Dr. Baltera impressed me so much that I carry a stack of his cards around wherever I go. I hand them out whenever someone mentions they’re dealing with shoulder pain because people need to know there’s no one better to see for care.

Honestly, if you’re considering shoulder surgery, you’ve got to see Dr. Baltera. He’s to orthopedic surgery what Michael Jordan was to basketball. There’s no one greater, and he treats his patients with dignity and respect, giving you the answers you need to feel confident before rotator cuff surgery, not to mention the motivation it takes to help you achieve your recovery goals. 

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Find Relief From Debilitating Shoulder Pain

Not everyone needs surgery for shoulder pain, but when you’re dealing with severe rotator cuff tears like Ted, specialized care can make all the difference. 
At Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center, our experts are committed to helping you regain function and improve your quality of life.

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Rotator Cuff Repair Pros

Since 1972, patients across Indiana and throughout the U.S. have trusted Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center’s world-class shoulder surgeons. We treat every shoulder injury and disorder, even the most complex conditions like complete and partial rotator cuff tears.

“Dr. Baltera is a king among men. Having rotator cuff surgery with him changed my life. I am so thankful.”—Ted L., Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center patient

How Do I See a Shoulder Specialist at IHTSC?

Get the care you need from world-renowned upper extremity physicians, advanced practice providers, and prominent therapists at Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center.
Request an appointment today, and take the first step toward a pain-free life. Prefer to schedule by phone? Call us at (317) 751-5904.

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