“I cannot give enough praise for the total package service this whole team gave me throughout my appointments, surgery, follow-ups and physical therapy. The communication and service were 5 stars. I truly appreciate this whole professional team. UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is the bar all businesses should try and replicate.”
William M. Wind, Jr., MD, FAAOS
A 56-year-old, self-employed, active tree climber, Gregory Sojka runs a tree service company that specializes in removing large trees. When right shoulder pain and weakness started limiting his abilities over the course of three years, he was anxious to get the issue resolved and get back to work without pain.
In January 2024, Sojka sought care from William M. Wind, Jr., MD, FAAOS. Recently reflecting on his healing journey, he shares his experience, talks about the care he received from Dr. Wind and offers advice for people dealing with similar injuries:
How did your condition/injury occur and in what year?
Wear and tear over my active lifestyle.
What was the diagnosis and recommended treatment?
I had several major tears in my rotator cuff, the long head bicep tendon and subscapularis tendon. Dr. Wind listened to my concerns, recommended surgery to repair the tears and explained what I should expect post-op.
Can you tell us about the trust you built with your physician and the care you received?
I cannot give enough praise for the total package service this whole team gave me throughout my appointments, surgery, follow-ups and physical therapy. The communication and service were 5 stars. I truly appreciate this whole professional team. UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine is the bar all businesses should try and replicate.
What was the best part of your experience with UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine?
They listen, explain the options and follow through. Olympic gold medals for the whole team.
Can you describe your rehabilitation process?
I had my surgery in January 2024, and spent eight weeks in a sling with no movement. After that, I started physical therapy and followed my surgeon’s directions to the letter. Six months later, I am back to work pain free.
What are you doing now to actively prevent a recurring injury?
Staying with exercising three days each week.
What does feeling better mean to you and your life?
I lived with pain and weakness for three years. Now I have no pain, a full range of motion and am working on regaining strength.
What advice do you have for those dealing with a similar injury?
It is normal to have concerns. I have experienced many injuries and surgeries. This was a very difficult mental battle for six months. I wondered if the surgery would take, and if I would heal, be able to move normally and if I would still have pain. I Googled a lot because I had nothing else to do. The stories I read were high or low. No middle ground. I am blessed because my story was a success, thanks to Dr. Wind and UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.