Surfski Knowledge Base

Shoulder doctor recs?
Chance

May 5, 2025 #37401

Dear fellow shoulder over-users,

Can anyone recommend a doctor in the Bellingham area that is particularly good with shoulder impingement issues? I'm trying to drag my brother into the local paddle scene, but he is struggling with a shoulder injury.

Thanks,
–
C. Chance Campbell
(360) 865-0742

David Scherrer
May 5 #37402

I recommend Prime Sports.

Paul Reavley
May 5 #37403

Chance - here's a somewhat dated short discussion of shoulder specialists on Whatcom Paddlers: https://surfski.wiki/rotator_cuffs_1_19_2017

Maybe we can get some new suggestions now for this?

More general local rehab recommendations: https://surfski.wiki/bellingham#injury_and_recovery

And it won't hurt to start increasing understanding of injury: https://surfski.wiki/shoulders

Dan Mayhew
May 5 #37404

Hey Chance,

A few years ago I had a shoulder impingement. I went to Prime and fixed it. It took 8 months of no paddling and diligently following their instructions.

Once it was better I continued to work with them to strengthen my shoulders. My shoulders are stronger and healthier than before the impingement.

I am with David. I highly recommend Prime as a solution. Definitely a smart first stop before a surgeon.

Tyler Irwin
May 6 #37412

Lindsay Kizinkewich is probably the best around. She owns Precision PT and works out of the same building that Prime is in.

jordan
May 6 #37413

I had an x-ray on my hip last week which shows mild femoral-acetabulum (hip joint) impingement. Possible causes - bad technique, not enough stretching before and after paddling, prior injury combined with overuse. Waiting for an MRI referral, going to a sports medicine clinic at the end of the month. I've not been paddling for 2 weeks now. NSAIDs (oral and topical) help, but obviously a very short term solution. That's great Dan to hear that you were able to heal your shoulder! On the plus side of things, I was able to ride an e-bike up to Olympic Hot springs on Sunday and soak in a forest pool.

MelissaandSandy
May 6 #37414

I second that recommendation! Lindsay is extremely talented.

Carter Kiesau
8:11am #37418

We do have excellent therapists in town. If anyone does need to see a physician, we actually do have excellent shoulder doctors in this area (contrary to a recommendation made in the 2017 topic). I am a Bellingham Foot and Ankle surgeon, and below are the local/regional shoulder surgeons who I would trust for my own care. Hope this helps!

Matt Oswin
Dave Rust
Paul Haeder
Chris VanHofwegen
Chris Sheu (Skagit)