Rotator Cuff Repair & Shoulder Arthroscopy
David Wysong
Treasurer
RiderDown Foundation
Dr. Mark Sanders is my kind of Doctor:
I just got back from my first visit and fully expected to be schedule for surgery for a torn rotator cuff,
but to my surprise Dr. Sanders said surgery may not be required. He explained that there were other
options which could repair the shoulder and get me back on the bike sooner. The option he had in mind
for me was a cortisone shot with a 3 inch needle. He then explained how some Doctor's give the shot in the
front of the shoulder which means the medicine is more towards the back, but he likes to give the shot in
the back of the shoulder which puts the medicine in the front where it's needed, plus there are less nerve
ending so it hurts less. Which was very true, it didn't hurt at all and I have had cortisone shots before
and they hurt big time. Within minutes my shoulder was feeling better. He set me up another appointment in
two weeks, but said if the shoulder is feeling good just cancel it.
While I was in his office I thanked Dr. Sanders for his support of the RiderDown Foundation and gave him some
RiderDown.org wristbands and some
swing arm stickers for his motorcycle. By the time I left his office I noticed he and his entire staff were
wearing their wristbands. We at the RiderDown Foundation appreciate their support in helping injured riders
and their families.
I almost forgot, as with any Doctor you are able to read magazines while you wait, but I was getting to read the
December 2005 issue of Transworld Motocross. Is that cool or what?
Take care and ride safe, but if you do go down I can refer you to a great Doctor.
Shaun Kelley, 44
Physical Fitness Trainer/Consultant
And owner of Shaun Kelley Weight Loss Clinic
(former motocross professional)
I've had 40 fractures over the course of my life because of all the activities I've been involved in.
And this was by far the smoothest recovery I've ever had. Dr. Sanders is the best in the world at what he
does. He understands more about what pro athletes go through, because he's done what you've done.
"I've known Dr. Sanders for some time from the gym, but only recently became a patient when a lingering
rotator cuff injury needed to be addressed.
He did a great job. He's the best in the world at what he does - leaps and bounds above the others. I
think the fact that he's in tune with nutrition and physical fitness is what sets him apart from most doctors.
Most doctors get in and deal with the injury - and then push you off on the physical therapist. Dr. Sanders
starts preparing you before the procedure and stays on you until your completely back. He's smart and thorough.
He's very aggressive with rehabilitation, and I think that's a big part of the fast recovery. That's where most doctors fail.
Dr. Sanders understands more about what a pro athlete goes through, because he's done what you've done. He knows what his
patients are capable of and he pushes them to do it.
I've had 40 fractures over the course of my life because of all the activities I've been involved in - but won the
world championship in motocross four times. And this was by far the smoothest recovery I've ever had. He's a pro."
Dudley Wilson, 45
Fort St. John, British Columbia - Canada
Rancher and owner of a pipeline company
Repair of ACL and Cartilage damage
Repair of Rotator Cuff damage
I've always been athletic and, therefore, prone to injury. I hobbled around for years after one knee injury - until
I came across the Sanders Clinic website. It wasn't until I read about Dr. Sanders' philosophy on recovery and successful
techniques did I feel ready to finally do something about it.
I injured my knees some time ago and knew I needed to do something about it. But, it took me a year to even get a
scope here - and no one would tell me what was wrong and what needed to be done.
I hobbled around for years, until I came across the Sanders Clinic website on the Internet. It wasn't until I read
about Dr. Sanders' philosophy on recovery and successful techniques did I feel ready to finally do something about
my injuries.
I contacted him and he responded right away, which was something I just wasn’t used to. He really seemed to care.
He addressed all of my questions and concerns and we scheduled the surgery.
When I got there, I was welcomed and felt totally comfortable. He immediately took X-rays and did an MRI. I felt so
comfortable with him that I decided to not only have my knees repaired but my shoulder as well! Now, that's confidence
in a doctor.
Dr. Sanders phoned everyday during the four days I was there, and he just called recently to check in on me. It's
clear that it's more than a job to him.
I was really pleased how everything went and completely feel it was worth the trip to Houston. After instruction both
before and immediately following surgery, I began exercising with the Step Box and doing leg-raises. I was walking
the day after surgery - and without crutches, as so many doctors want to put you on. Dr. Sanders doesn't believe in
that stuff.
I achieved a 140-degree bend and was riding the bike by the fourth day. I knew if I didn't keep bending it, they would
do it for me! I think this makes a big difference in how quickly you recover. You have to be fairly aggressive, or the
limb stiffens up and makes recovery longer. And he didn't repair it to have it go stiff.
I came home and went straight back to work. I get up at 5:30 A.M. and am on my feet until 7 at night. Then I come
home and ride my bike. I don't quite. That's why I picked him. He never wants you to quite.
I asked him when he called recently how long I should continue the Step Box and other leg exercises he gave me and
he said to do it until he dies! And he's in good health!
People here can't believe the results. I've told lots of people already about Dr. Sanders and have a brother that plans
to go see him in the fall.
Michael Cothern, 57
Supervisor Sterling Chemical
Texas City, Texas
Shoulder Arthroscopy and Rotator Cuff Repair
The sooner you start mobilizing yourself the quicker it will heal. Immediately following surgery on my
shoulder, I began his program - to start strengthening and to not be afraid to use it. It worked great.
I went down at high speed during a water skiing accident in 1990 and hit my right arm hard, dislocating my
shoulder. I went to a number of orthopaedic surgeons at first but just didn't feel comfortable about the idea
of surgery.
After trying anti-inflammatory medication for a while, I began to look around for someone I thought could
help alleviate the pain. I had heard about a sports medicine doctor, Dr. Sanders, and went to see him. He
was very thorough - recording every aspect of our conversation and the pain I was experiencing. Test revealed
I had a torn rotator cuff that required surgery. I finally felt comfortable enough to do it.
I started his exercise program the next day. They developed a plan for me and told me to come by any time I
wanted just to do a little exercising. It was important for me to get better fast. At that time I was an
ironworker and climbing ladders all the time. I also played racquetball and was a big hunter.
I'm still a big hunter and do quite a bit of gardening. I never have any problem with my shoulder. I've
talked to different people and hear about different approaches - most won't allow you to move it for a while.
But the sooner you start mobilizing yourself, the quicker it will heal. His approach to me was well taken.
I don't like to be sick and injured and I want to stay healthy. Not every injury needs surgery, but in my
case it was a must. I had complete confidence in Dr. Sanders.
