Midland Park Coach Makes a Comeback from Rotator Cuff Surgery

Dan, our Patient of the Month, is someone many families around Midland Park, Ridgewood, and Wyckoff already know. A local coach, always on the field, giving his time to help the next generation grow.

So when a rotator cuff injury forced Dan to step back, it meant time away from softball practice, coaching his teams, and skiing with his kids.

But like everything else, he showed up. Every session, every rep, every challenge along the way.

In his DPT’s words…

“Dan always SHOWS UP in attitude, work ethic, and on schedule! He consistently works hard to achieve what he wants.”

— Dr. Marnie Wortman, DPT @ Iron PT Midland Park

In Dan’s Own Words…

Why I Stay Active At This Stage In Life

There is nothing I love more than coaching at this point. That is saying a lot because I don't know if I could have ever imagined enjoying something more than playing sports myself.

I love being able to watch kids (my own and their teammates) grow mentally and physically on a field. Both are just so damn hard, so I am lucky that the parents trust me to help that growth that I feel is so important in life.

Dealing With A Slow Down

There were a lot of things that had to slow down due to my shoulder, and the list goes on, but not being able to throw batting practice or ski were probably the biggest ones. Some of my best days with my kids have been on the ski slopes. You get to really detach from the day-to-day grind and enjoy each other’s company.

In addition, throwing batting practice all year round has been part of our life for the last 6 years so it was a real struggle not to be able to take them when they asked.

How to Stay Consistent

I think the quick easy answer is that I constantly looked at it as a means to an end. There is nothing I want more than to be back to throwing, swinging a bat, skiing, flipping burgers with my right arm, and less pain.

The real answer is that my wife and kids were there every time to pick up the slack when I spent many hours a week at PT. No one complained, they only encouraged me even though I came home from work and went right to PT all those times.

PT never felt like a chore. Everyone there is great, welcoming, supportive and knowledgeable. It was easier knowing I was in such great hands.

Helping Baseball Players Deal With Setbacks

I have had knee and shoulder injuries before, and unfortunately it often comes with playing sports frequently and to your fullest ability. I don't think my injuries were from a coach ever being careless in their approach with me. Like they did, I take great pride in my approach with every athlete that plays for me.

We want them to build mental and physical strength through competing but never at the risk of physical injury where it can be avoided. The biggest thing we watch after is arm care and not over throwing. When an injury does happen we try to encourage sticking with the team, thinking alongside the coaches, and overall staying as engaged as possible until they can be back on the field.

The kids all think they can hit the long, long ball off me now because I am not throwing as hard, they're kinda right. It's fun to be throwing again and I am really looking forward to getting back to playing old man softball in the Wyckoff men’s league.

A Message To Other Busy Parents

Find the time to get yourself right because in the long run, you will be better for it. There is always enough time in the day for everything…you just may not sleep or eat, those are just details.

If you’re ready to get back to your normal routine without pain, Iron PT can help!