Recovering from Shoulder Impingement & Looking forward to Drano@80

Bellingham Paddler Dan Mayhew:

I am obsessed with surfskiing. There is no better feeling than getting into my sleek kayak and jumping from wave to wave. I love paddling so much that about two years ago I ignored the pain in my shoulder until I couldn’t raise my arm.

Kerry quickly diagnosed it as a shoulder impingement and ruled out potential structural damage by reviewing the X-rays she had requested. She promised I could be better than I was before if I did the work. I was all in.

I saw her at least once a month. In the beginning it felt like I was making no improvement. Then gains came in millimeters. After many months I had enough mobility to start strength training. Like the initial mobility work, the exercises seemed almost pointless. Despite the urge to do more, I did exactly as prescribed. Eight months from my first appointment I was back in my surfski.

In order to never have to go through that rehab again, I took the following post-rehab actions as prescribed by Kerry: I always activate my shoulders before paddling; I do mobility exercises every day; and I strength train with Jerrod at Prime. I also take surfski lessons to improve the bad technique that contributed to my injury (the same lessons are available from Ana at Prime). As promised, my shoulders are stronger than before my injury.

I have many surfski adventures planned. The most meaningful event is in 2037: the Drano at 80. To be eligible you must be 80 years old and paddle down a contentious section of the Columbia River. My goal is to be fit and have a joyful paddle on that day 12 years from now. Kerry and the Prime team greatly improved the odds that I get my name on the Drano at 80 trophy.