Back on the Field: How Dr. Bryan L. Reuss Helped Daniel Cusimano Recover from a Torn Shoulder Labral Tear
Daniel Cusimano never expected one recreational soccer game to leave him with an injury that would impact nearly every aspect of his daily life.
After taking a hard fall on the field, Daniel initially assumed the pain would improve with rest.
Instead, his shoulder became increasingly painful and difficult to use. Simple movements grew uncomfortable, and as the weeks passed, it became clear this wasn’t an injury that would heal on its own.
Finding an Orthopaedic Surgeon for a Shoulder Injury
Daniel already knew where to turn. He had previously been treated by Bryan L. Reuss, M.D., at Orlando Orthopaedic Center for a hip injury.
“I got to know Dr. Reuss because I saw him for my hip. I Googled a little bit, found his name, and he came highly recommended. I said, ‘Let’s go see this guy.’”
Diagnosing a Torn Labrum
Shoulder injuries can be difficult to diagnose because many conditions produce similar symptoms. One common sports injury is a labral tear, which damages the ring of cartilage that surrounds and stabilizes the shoulder joint. A torn labrum can cause pain, weakness, clicking or catching sensations, and a feeling of instability in the shoulder.
During Daniel’s evaluation, Dr. Reuss performed a comprehensive physical examination of his shoulder. Based on his clinical findings, he suspected a labral tear before imaging was completed — a suspicion later confirmed by an MRI. That level of clinical experience helped Daniel move quickly toward the right treatment without needless uncertainty.
“He’s really knowledgeable. He diagnosed the issue before even getting an MRI done.”
A Smooth Surgical Experience
After reviewing his options, Daniel chose arthroscopic shoulder surgery to repair the torn labrum — a minimally invasive procedure in which small incisions and a camera allow the surgeon to repair the damaged cartilage without opening the joint.
Although the thought of surgery can feel intimidating, Daniel found reassurance in Dr. Reuss’s tranquil manner and in Dr. Reuss’s clear discussion about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. The operation went smoothly, and Daniel worked through several weeks of physical therapy afterward to rebuild strength and range of motion, progressing through recovery without major setbacks.
“Dr. Reuss is my favorite doctor. I wish I could see him more — but if I have to see him, you know, it’s not the greatest situation. I got in, surgery went smoothly, and afterward I didn’t really have too many issues or complications.”
Today, Daniel is back playing the sport that led him to Dr. Reuss’s office in the first place.
Don’t Wait Out Persistent Shoulder Pain
Daniel’s instinct to rest and wait out the pain is a common one — and it’s exactly what allowed his injury to persist longer than it needed to. Not every shoulder injury requires surgery, but persistent pain, weakness, or instability shouldn’t be ignored. Early evaluation can often identify the underlying problem before it worsens and help patients explore the most effective treatment options.
Whether your injury happened during sports, at work, or through everyday activities, the specialists at Orlando Orthopaedic Center are committed to helping you return to the activities you enjoy with less pain and greater confidence.
If shoulder pain is interfering with your life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bryan L. Reuss or one of the experienced orthopaedic specialists at Orlando Orthopaedic Center. The sooner you receive an accurate diagnosis, the sooner you can begin your recovery and get back to doing what you love.
