Shoulder Surgery
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Shoulder surgery - need a second opinion
Sept 2015
Dr. Eppley at California Sports and Orthopedic Institute has recommended shoulder surgery to my husband. We are looking for a second opinion. We heard good things about Dr. Kirk Jensen, but he is booked out for months. Can anyone make a recommendation? anonymous
I am a former corporate guy turned carpenter. My shoulder (or shoulders) get a fair amount of heavy use. So, when one was hurting I looked at the options. A couple of western medicine doctors suggested rotator cuff surgery. I also used to do a lot of yoga, and i think too many downward dogs did some damage...
I found two different solutions that cured me (in combination), neither involved surgery, though a couple of doctors thought i needed surgery. Solution A) Julie Orman, Network Chiropractic. Her office is in Oakland. Solution B) Wayne Diamond, Physical Therapist at Kaiser Oakland. Do the exercises, a lot!!
When the pain happens, ice, advil... i am not saying this is the cure for everyone... but i was a bit surprised how close i was to looking at surgery. Oren
This is slightly off track, BUT, I just wanted to stress the importance of a second opinion. About 15 years about I had a company Doc inform me I needed surgery and that my shoulder would not get better on its own, this was after 2 months of therapy. Scared the heck out of me. I began to see a Chiropractor and Acupuncturist and here I am with my shoulder today, just fine. I realize every situation is different, and I am not advocating alternative practices, I simply wanted to mention that one person does not have all the answers, which you probably know. Shoulder surgery is a biggie, if you can avoid it, please do. Really off track, I also had a dog who was diagnosed with an incurable disease. Vet said she had 3 years, at best, to live. I got a second opinion. She lived to 14 1/2. No one has all the answers. Been there
Highly recommend Dr Tim McAdams at Stanford. He's on staff at the 49ers, and according to some people I've talked to has ''written the book'' on shoulder surgery. He's done both of mine - labrum tears among other things. Excellent results - I've recommended two friends to get their shoulders worked on and they've had great results. Mark in Oakland
Rotator cuff surgeon for active senior
April 2012
My 91 year old mom, who is so active she was still skiing last year, tore her rotator cuff. Apparently it's a severe tear and needs surgery. Any recommendations for a super surgeon for this would be welcome and most appreciated. Rebecca
Robert Eppley, 510 704-7760, in Berkeley and Orinda. Absolutely the best there is around here. He rebuilt my husband's shoulder, tendons and rotator cuff at the same time, a few years ago. He got back complete range of motion, when they didn't think it possible. Doctors and nurses have all sung Eppley's praise, in general and specifically of my husband's work. I hope you can get her into his schedule. I would definitely have him operate on my mom. Linda