PADDLER 48
Words: Molly Smith – @ mols _ adventures Photos: Molly Smith
PADDLER 48
SHOULDER
RECOVERY
Whilst I knew shoulder surgery was going to suck, never did I think it would suck this much.
Words: Molly Smith – @ mols _ adventures Photos: Molly Smith
In December 2024, I underwent a rotator cuff repair surgery after countless dislocations and a general instability of my shoulder- I’ m sure paddling had much to do with it. Before my surgery, paddling would cause pain in my shoulder, and high bracing wasn’ t even an option. Even if I did, the shoulder was so unstable that the chance of dislocation was too high. Although I knew it wasn’ t going to be an easy road to recovery, never did I think it would be so tough. Not just physically, but it also took a toll on my mental health.
For the first two weeks after surgery, I knew I wouldn’ t be able to move much. But I still felt so disheartened. A rotation of ice and painkillers dominated my brain; even the smallest of movements caused so much pain in my shoulder. Even breathing begins to hurt. Icepacks provided the most relief, as they were changed every few hours to bring some relief. Painkillers helped too, but the side effects of drowsiness meant I was sleeping most of the time or waiting for the next time I could take more.
Those first few days were by far the worst; the frustration of the nerve block not quite being finished meant I had very little use of my hand. Even when that was over, using my hand still caused pain in my shoulder. The frustration of not being able to do even the simplest of tasks: getting dressed, making drinks, looking after myself. My head started to spin. I felt as if I had lost all my freedom and independence. Without my amazing friends and family, I am sure it would have been far worse. I have them to thank for their support and kindness during this time.
After two weeks of recovery, progress was finally visible. Although it was little, it did lift me slightly. At this stage, I could only move my arm to shoulder height, and that was with my other arm as a guide.
After six weeks of recovery, a wooden curtain rail became a glimpse of hope. The pole allowed me to practise the movement of paddling, however stiff it felt. Just that small glimpse of paddling, felt like a path was