My Comeback Story: Robert D.

In December 2023—after years of lingering left-shoulder pain from an active lifestyle, followed by a workout “pop” and nine months of PT trying to avoid surgery—Dr. Torpey performed rotator cuff surgery, reattached my biceps, and generally “cleaned up” the shoulder. From my first consultation through the moment I heard surgery was recommended, the service, communication, and guidance I received from the entire staff were exceptional. It was, without question, the best customer service experience I’ve ever had in a medical setting. They made sure every detail was handled in preparation for surgery. 

The procedure went exactly as planned, and each follow-up visit provided a clear roadmap for rehab and recovery. The keys to my successful outcome were staying active within my limitations, doing PT consistently before and immediately after surgery, and—maybe most importantly—actually doing the at-home exercises. Each week I felt better than the week before. By month four I was doing light resistance work (pushes and pulls) on the TRX and with bands, alongside the standard rotator cuff strengthening and stretching. I stayed ahead of schedule at every checkup, felt mostly back to normal by month six, and by month eight had regained my previous strength—just with a more mindful approach. The Doc gave me a piece of advice early in rehab that stuck with me: “Rather than doing one more rep, do one less.” 

I wish the story ended there…but in December 2024, during that “one more” push-up, I heard a familiar pop and felt pain behind my right shoulder. I had a good idea what the MRI would show. So it was back to Dr. Torpey for Round 2—and the confirmation of a right-side rotator cuff tear. Because of my excellent results the first time, I didn’t waste a minute scheduling surgery for early February 2025. Once again, the surgery staff was absolutely outstanding. This injury was a bit different—no biceps work this time—but the tear was actually worse. Still, I followed the same approach with PT, stayed disciplined, and by six months I was close to normal again with steady, measurable improvement each week. 

After going through two rotator cuff surgeries and hearing plenty of horror stories over the years (which honestly kept me from getting the first one sooner), I can say without hesitation that following the advice of a friend and choosing Dr. Torpey was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Several close friends had recommended him as well, and now I know exactly why. On my first visit in Feb. 2025, the Asbury Park Press was writing a story on Professional Orthopaedics 40 year celebration and I ended up in a photo with Dr. Torpey in their full page article. No pain + a much better active quality of life = a very grateful and very happy patient. The keys to a successful recovery: A highly skilled, experienced surgeon like Dr. Torpey, an excellent physical therapist like Eric at FMS, and remaining consistent in your physical therapy and workouts.