SHOULDER
In the summer of 2023, Bob worried that worsening joint pain might prevent him from doing what he loved: cycling.
Bob rode his bicycle “in the drops,” meaning he leaned forward on the curved lower section of the handlebars, and the weight this put on his shoulder was becoming unbearable. He had a history of osteoarthritis, and his right shoulder had been surgically repaired back in 2011.
To make matters worse, Bob was also struggling with stiffness and pain in his right knee, which affected his stability. Looking for answers, he registered for a free educational seminar held in Westerly, RI by Ortho Rhode Island and South County Health.
By the time the date of the seminar arrived, his pain was so severe it had begun limiting his mobility and activity level. “I couldn’t walk a mile. Just standing was uncomfortable,” Bob said. “I couldn’t travel. Sitting for three hours in an airplane wasn’t an option.”
Dr. Nathan Howlett, sports medicine and shoulder surgeon at Ortho Rhode Island, was a member of the seminar’s expert panel, and Bob was impressed with what he heard from him. “I was looking for an experienced surgeon who was enthusiastic about his practice,” he explained. “Nathan Howlett fit the bill.”
Bob scheduled an appointment with Dr. Howlett, and his visit only reinforced his favorable first impression. “Dr. Howlett is intense, which I respect, while always having a great bedside manner,” Bob said.
After evaluating Bob and reviewing his imaging, Dr. Howlett diagnosed him with severe knee osteoarthritis and a torn rotator cuff, and laid out treatment options. Bob tried a corticosteroid injection in his shoulder, but it didn’t provide lasting relief, so he decided to move forward with total joint replacement for both his knee and his shoulder.
Dr. Howlett performed Bob’s shoulder replacement in February of 2024, and his knee replacement that September. Following both surgeries, Bob worked with Kit Lott, a physical therapist at Ortho Rhode Island, on his rehabilitation. Kit’s knowledge and guidance met the high standard already set by Dr. Howlett and his team. “The level of expertise across Ortho Rhode Island is excellent,” he said.
Bob’s diligent approach to physical therapy was critical to his success after surgery, and he credits the collaborative care he experienced at Ortho Rhode Island with helping him thrive. “It takes all three people – the surgeon, the physical therapist, and the patient, to make a great recovery,” he said.
Now, Bob is back on his bicycle, and completing three-hour rides. When friends facing mobility challenges ask him about his experience, he encourages them to take action. “What are you waiting for? I waited a long time for my first shoulder surgery. I didn’t wait this time.”
“Now, instead of life getting smaller due to limited activity, it’s getting larger,” Bob said. “It’s back to what it used to be.”
Learn more about shoulder and knee care with Dr. Howlett.
