As a Collegiate and Professional football official it is important to be able to raise your arms over your head. Much to my dismay, during a game I had extreme pain occur in my shoulder and my arm felt like it was on fire.
During the next time out I went to the team area and asked for the doctor. I explained the pain to Dr. Kaplan and that it was hard to lift my right arm, he took a quick look and asked for me to see him after the game. By the end of the game I couldn’t get my hand higher than my head.
When Dr. Kaplan looked at me after the game he immediately said it could be the rotator cuff and the only way to know for sure was an MRI. He was able to get an MRI scheduled very quickly and after the MRI we revisited and not only had I tore the rotator cuff but the labrum and bicep muscle too.
He spent a lot of time explaining the options both pro and con. My options were: rehab to see if that helped with the pain and would allow me to continue the season or surgery. We decided that surgery was the best short and long term option. Surgery was on a Friday morning and the next morning he personally called to make sure everything was ok.
A major part of the recovery was rehab. However he did not just pass me off to a physical therapist, he stayed involved. Along with regular follow up visits, he reviewed the therapist’s reports and made changes to the process as needed.
After several months of rehab, I was able to raise my right arm again without pain. Dr. Kaplan is not only fantastic at diagnosing the problem; he is great at explaining all the options to remedy it. Dr. Kaplan has that air about him that lets you know he knows what he is doing without being arrogant. He makes you feel like one of his best friends and always treats you that way. If you need any kind of orthopedic procedure, your first action should be a visit to Dr. Kaplan and JOI.
Perry H
Professional and Collegiate Football Referee
Rotator Cuff Repair
As a Collegiate and Professional football official it is important to be able to raise your arms over your head. Much to my dismay, during a game I had extreme pain occur in my shoulder and my arm felt like it was on fire.During the next time out I went to the team area and asked for the doctor. I explained the pain to Dr. Kaplan and that it was hard to lift my right arm, he took a quick look and asked for me to see him after the game. By the end of the game I couldn’t get my hand higher than my head.
When Dr. Kaplan looked at me after the game he immediately said it could be the rotator cuff and the only way to know for sure was an MRI. He was able to get an MRI scheduled very quickly and after the MRI we revisited and not only had I tore the rotator cuff but the labrum and bicep muscle too.
He spent a lot of time explaining the options both pro and con. My options were: rehab to see if that helped with the pain and would allow me to continue the season or surgery. We decided that surgery was the best short and long term option. Surgery was on a Friday morning and the next morning he personally called to make sure everything was ok.
A major part of the recovery was rehab. However he did not just pass me off to a physical therapist, he stayed involved. Along with regular follow up visits, he reviewed the therapist’s reports and made changes to the process as needed.
After several months of rehab, I was able to raise my right arm again without pain. Dr. Kaplan is not only fantastic at diagnosing the problem; he is great at explaining all the options to remedy it. Dr. Kaplan has that air about him that lets you know he knows what he is doing without being arrogant. He makes you feel like one of his best friends and always treats you that way. If you need any kind of orthopedic procedure, your first action should be a visit to Dr. Kaplan and JOI.
Perry H
Professional and Collegiate Football Referee