Creak, crack, and pop. Your arthritic joints aren’t just painful and stiff — they’re keeping you from the things you love. Until now. Take a closer look at our most popular arthritis treatments and how they can help you live a pain-free life.
posted May 8, 2015
When Dr. Khabie is not performing orthopedic surgery, he is a Ring Side Physician for the New York State Athletic Commission where he cares for professional boxers and has been present at ringside for numerous world championship bouts.
Dr. Khabie says, “It will be very difficult to box at a high level with a rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is critical in generating the punching power that boxers require to fight effectively. I believe that his injury significantly influenced the outcome of the recent high-profile fight against Floyd Mayweather.”
He adds, “The good news is that rotator cuff surgery is generally a very successful operation but can take one year to fully heal. A rematch in one year may be of interest to fight fans as Pacquiao would be at full force and would probably make a more competitive opponent. Mayweather will want to prove that he can beat Pacquiao when Pacquiao is back at full force and injury free.”
A lot of people, not just professional athletes, tear the rotator cuff in their shoulders. Dr. Khabie shares his thoughts on the signs of an injury, and what to expect when having rotator cuff surgery.
“If an individual has pain in their shoulder for more than seven days, experiences pain in their shoulder while he or she is trying to sleep at night, or has trouble lifting their arm above their head, it is time to see an orthopedic surgeon to see what is going on.”
Dr. Khabie adds that, “If someone sustains an injury while engaging physical activity, or a heavy object falls on the shoulder, he or she should have it looked at by an orthopedic surgeon to get to the bottom of the injury sustained.”
Can this surgery be avoided?
“Sometimes,” says Dr. Khabie. “If there isn’t in fact a tear, physical therapy can often help along with exercises at home using an exercise band.”
Why would someone have the surgery?
“When a rotator cuff tears, it is no longer connected to the bone in the shoulder, called the humerus. It can only be reattached with surgery,” says Dr. Khabie.
How long is the hospital stay?
“Rotator cuff surgery patients go home the same day as the procedure. We operate on our patients arthroscopically, meaning we use only tiny incisions, which is much less invasive and speeds up the recovery time,” says Dr. Khabie.
What is the recovery like?
“Patients spend about four to six weeks with their arm in a sling. It takes several months to recover. After six months, most people are cleared to begin normal physical activity and exercise, or in the case of a professional athlete, they can begin training,” says Dr. Khabie. “After nine months, most patients feel back to normal.”
Editor’s Note:
Dr. Victor Khabie, MD, FAAOS, FACS is a member of the Somers Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Group. Dr. Khabie received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his fellowship in sports medicine at the world-renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, California, where he served as assistant team physician to professional sports teams including the LA Lakers, Dodgers, Kings, Mighty Ducks, LA Sparks, and the USC Trojan football team.
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Creak, crack, and pop. Your arthritic joints aren’t just painful and stiff — they’re keeping you from the things you love. Until now. Take a closer look at our most popular arthritis treatments and how they can help you live a pain-free life.
In case you missed it, Dr. Buchalter and Dr. Khabie participated in a webinar about shoulder, knee, and hip pain with Northern Westchester Hospital. Check it out!
“Why does my shoulder hurt?” is one of the most common questions that I get asked in our office. People experience problems with all sorts of regular daily activities due to shoulder pain, from putting on a seatbelt, to taking a plate off the top shelf.
Welcome to the Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Group blog! We’ll be bringing you state-of-the-art information about your joints, bones, muscles, tendons, and more. You’ll learn self-care tips and know when it’s time to make an appointment.
Good News, Bad News on Concussions in High School Sports Oct. 15, 2019, at 12:00 p.m.
Parents: Save Your Daughter from Injury Down the Line with a Joint-Friendly Fitness Plan. Q & A with Victor Khabie, MD, FAAOS, FACS Q. Are female athletes more likely to be injured during training and competition than their male counterparts?