ShoulderWise
ShoulderWise is your smart, trusted resource for shoulder pain, injury, and recovery. Hosted by Dr. Ben Szerlip, one of Central Texas’s most trusted orthopedic surgeons, the podcast delivers clear, actionable guidance for patients navigating rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulders, arthritis, and everything in between.
Whether you’re avoiding surgery or prepping for it, you’ll get expert insight, helpful stories, and real-world strategies to move better, heal smarter, and feel stronger.
ShoulderWise
Do I Really Need Shoulder Surgery? Navigating Choices, Fears, and True Recovery Paths
Welcome to ShoulderWise, the podcast where clarity, strength, and care come together for every shoulder journey. In today's episode, host Dr. Ben Szerlip cracks one of the biggest questions patients face: “Do I really need shoulder surgery?” Drawing from daily real-life conversations with patients, Dr. Szerlip blends medical expertise with human stories, guiding us through the emotional hurdles and intellectual challenges of making this life-changing decision.
Together, they unravel the process behind surgical recommendations, the common fears and myths around shoulder surgery, and the thoughtful approach Dr. Szerlip takes as a “not scalpel-first” surgeon, always prioritizing honesty, trust, and what's best for each individual. From professional athletes to parents trying to keep up with their kids, you'll hear stories of resilience, patience, and the power of agency in healthcare.
Whether you're considering surgery yourself or are simply curious about what goes into these critical choices, this episode is packed with insights for anyone wanting better movement and better understanding. So tune in as ShoulderWise dives deep into what “needing surgery” really means, and how the right decision starts with the right questions.
00:00 Empowering Patients Through Tailored Care
06:01 Fear, Surgery, and Regaining Control
09:31 "Diagnosis and Surgery Decision Factors"
10:48 Chronic Pain and Treatment Decisions
14:29 Mentorship, Integrity, Trust, and Success
19:17 Adjusting Expectations for Progress
22:31 "Prioritizing Self-Care in Decisions"
24:07 "Rule of Three Approach"
27:39 "Negative Bias in Modern Society"
33:52 "Guiding Decisions Amid Challenges"
34:35 High-Stakes Recovery and Identity
39:58 Guiding Patients Through Surgery Decisions
42:19 Decision-Making Factors Explained
44:45 "Shoulder Surgery: Is It Necessary?"
Dr. Ben Szerlip - https://drbenszerlip.com/
Show Website - https://shoulderwise.com/
Dr. Ben Szerlip's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-w-szerlip-456b6763/
Podcast Media Partner - TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/
“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”