Texas Health Sports Medicine Patient Story – Jay Meadows

Texas Health Sports Medicine Patient Story – Jay Meadows

Roper Gets Back in the Saddle after Shoulder Injury

For rancher and rodeo athlete Jay Meadows, every day is physical. The 58-year-old regularly tends to cattle on his Aledo property, and he’s been known to spend five days a week working on honing his team roping skills. To do what he loves, Jay depends on his body — a lot.

Being able to get up on a horse, throw a rope, bale hay and just manage daily responsibilities around the ranch require Jay to move. And as an active individual, he is no stranger to injuries.

College baseball took out his knees and caused cartilage damage requiring six surgeries in all. The sport resulted in two shoulder surgeries as well.

After baseball came karate. Jay was fortunate to compete and even win a karate title in 2002 at the age of 40, with no real injuries to speak of. A broken humerus in his arm from roping had Jay back in surgery and rehabilitation mode in 2008, but it’s Jay’s most recent incident that has been the greatest challenge.   

While out working cattle one day, a cow came after him aggressively and knocked him to the ground. The animal then stepped on the ball of his left shoulder as he laid there, crushing the joint into four pieces. “It was a mess,” he recalls. “I think today I have 22 screws and two plates in my shoulder.”

At Texas Health Sports Medicine in Fort Worth, Jay began the process of rehabilitating his shoulder with the help of licensed physical therapists. The physical therapists on staff at Texas Health Sports Medicine coordinated his care with therapy specific to his injury and need for improved function. Having relied on Texas Health for previous rehab efforts, Jay knew he was in good hands.

“You need doctors who are used to dealing with athletes; you need more than the average guy,” he notes. “They knew I needed range of motion for everything I do. I got the knowledge I needed at Texas Health.”

This time, Jay’s personalized care plan included stretching activities for his arm and shoulder, and exercises to help him build strength and regain the ability to lift his arm. Something necessary for his roping, riding and even simple everyday tasks.

“The knowledge that they have about how far to push you without doing further damage was critical in that process,” Jay says. “Because it was a long process. I was doing it five days a week.”

“They made sure that I was getting my balance back, my range of motion back. They’re really knowledgeable. They really listen to you, but they can kind of give you some tough love to get over some humps.”

Jay credits the rehab efforts as being the key to his continued competitive abilities as a roper. “Texas Health Sports Medicine is the reason why I’m still here today. It means a ton that I can continue to live what I consider to be a life that’s valued,” he adds.

To find a sports or active-lifestyle medicine specialist, visit TexasHealth.org/SportsMedicine.