Tim Martin’s BodyBlog

Went into New York today to see and orthopedist from the Hospital for Special Surgery.  After reviewing my MRI and evaluating my shoulder, he recommended NO surgery, just rehab!  It felt like I won the lottery, as I had been dreading taking so much time off for surgery and recovery, especially since I believe I’m making some really good gains after adding calories back after such a long diet.

In the back of my mind I was holding out hope that the initial radiology report wasn’t accurate, so I maintained my diet, cardio, and training.  Now it feels like I can maintain my momentum, which I plan on carrying all the way into next summer.  Also, I posted on the Team Universe thread over on GetBig, and found out that Kyoshi Moody and Jeff Rodriguez will be returning next year at the TU.  That will provide some great motivation for me during the next few months.

On the way home from the hospital, I got a call from Applied Nutriceuticals saying they will besponsoring me, and I look forward to using their products and giving feedback about the results.

All in all a pretty good day!

Just when my motivation couldn’t be higher and when gains are coming fast and furious, things come screaching to a halt.  Throughout preparations for the 2007 contests I had significand left shoulder pain, but I modified my exercises and was able to train with enough intensity to get the job done.  Little things were becoming more difficult to do, like putting a shirt on or reaching for things.  On Thursday I decided to get an MRI on the shoulder, hoping it would be just inflammation of the tendon or bursa.  Unfortunately my worst fear came true, and it showed a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus, the main muscle of the rotator cuff.  This means surgery followed by wearing a sling for four to six weeks.  I think the hardest thing to immagine is not exercising for that period, as anyone who bodybuilds knows its basically an obsession!

Living in New Jersey I’m planning on going into New York for the surgery, as the best orthopedic doctors work out of The Hospital for Special Surgery.  I’m hoping to go under the knife as soon as possible to get this behind me and continue my progression for next season.  Wish me luck