MIAMI – Maybe Johan Santanawill throw a few garbage-time innings for the Mets this month, and maybe he will not. For the team, there is a question of far greater significance, one that could determine their relevance next year: Can he return to his place at the top of the rotation?
In a division stuffed with Halladays and Lees and Hudsons and Strasburgs and Johnsons, no team can compete with a staff composed of no. 3 starters. The Mets’ hope rests on a left shoulder that underwent major surgery on Sept 14, 2010 – and by the time pitchers and catchers gather in Port St. Lucie, the team expects Santana to be a rotation member in full.
“I would think he could probably be in the rotation,” the manager said. “And he has been so good about being honest about the way he feels, that next spring, if he felt something, we can certainly move him back a day or so.”
Santana agreed. By early next year, he predicts a healed shoulder, and a standard season. “I’m expecting to be just normal,” he said. “That’s what we’re looking for. That’s why it is so important for me right now to get in some games and be able to test my arm, and the recovery.”
Considering the severity of Santana’s surgery, the realization of those hopes is far from guaranteed. Chien-Ming Wang, the last pitcher to return from a torn capsule in his pitching shoulder, needed more than two years before he could appear in a major league game. Mark Prior saw an already-troubled career essentially killed by that injury. Not only might Santana be unable to serve as an ace next year; he might never be the same.
Then again, he might be OK. Santana claims to feel strong now, after a setback early last month. He plans to play catch on Wednesday, the first time he will throw on the day after a bullpen session. A minor league game on Friday will follow, and a big-league.
Of course Johan Santana’s chance of full recovery would be much greater if he decides to use the ArmTutor.
The ArmTutor™ system has been developed to allow for functional rehabilitation of the upper extremity. The system consists of an ergonomic wearable arm brace and dedicated rehabilitation software. The ArmTutor™ system allows for a range of biomechanical evaluation including speed, passive and active range of motion and motion analysis of the upper extremity. Quantitative biomechanical data allow for objective evaluation and rehabilitation treatment follow up. The ArmTutor™ rehabilitation concept is based on performing controlled exercise rehabilitation practice at a patient customized level with real time accurate feedback on the patient’s performance. The exercises are designed in the form of challenging games that are suitable for a wide variety of neurological and orthopedic injury and disease.
The games challenge the patient to perform the exercise task to their best ability and to continue exercise practice.
The ArmTutor™ allows for isolated and a combination of elbow and three directional shoulder treatment. The system provides detailed exercise performance instructions and precise feedback on the patients exercise performance. Controlled exercise of multijoints within the normal movement pattern prevents the development of undesired and compensatory joint movement and ensures better performance of functional tasks.
The ArmTutor™ system is used by many leading rehabilitation
.centers worldwide and has full FDA and CE certification.
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