Nathaniel is an active, 55-year-old, retired police chief from Hillsboro, NC. A few years ago, however, his ability to enjoy life changed. He began to experience severe pain in his right shoulder — pain that kept him up at night. The pain and immobility was so severe he also had to give up many of the activities he loved... playing tennis and basketball, lifting weights, going bowling with his son.

"The pain was getting so bad, I couldn't even use my shoulder," he said. "The pain was 90% of the time... sitting still, moving, or attempting to reach something in the back seat of my vehicle. I mean, I didn't have to be doing anything for it to hurt." It felt like bone grinding on bone, he added.

"Sometimes, when I had something in my hand, [the pain will] let me know I didn't have the strength to even pick it up."

"It got to the point it was so severe, it was complicating my life," Nathaniel said. "So I decided to seek some professional help. A friend of mine recommended I to go to Duke Sports Medicine."

At the Duke Sports Medicine Center in Durham, NC, Nathaniel was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff. His surgeon discussed his condition and treatment in detail, answering Nathaniel's questions about the procedure, its possible benefits and risks, and the rehab to follow. Surgery for Nathaniel's shoulder was scheduled.

Nathaniel admits he did have some fear about the surgery. He even changed his mind several times about going through with the procedure. But the pain got so bad he finally told himself: "This is it, I'm going through with it."

Nathaniel was pleased to learn he was a candidate for arthroscopic surgery, the minimally invasive surgery. "It's not going to create a lot of ... scar tissue ...and you can get back to work in a timely fashion," he said. His surgeon also told him recovery could be faster with this type of surgery.

He said he knows he will need time to recuperate after the surgery and return to his daily activities. "I know for 6 weeks I'm going to be in a sling," he said, admitting this would be difficult for him. Rehab also will be an important part of his recovery after the surgery, he learned — essential to returning function and mobility to his shoulder.

Nathanial is expecting positive changes after his surgery. "First of all, I hope it will eliminate all this pain I am having. Then I'll be able to get back to doing things that I like to do and not have to worry about any limitations."

"Since I'm retired now, I'll focus on painting houses. When my son says 'Let's go bowling,' I will be able to go. I will do a little traveling and enjoy myself... and not have to worry about having medications with me everywhere I go because I'm hurting all the time."

Being proactive about shoulder pain and immobility can help make this happen. And that means life can be good again, he believes.