Elderly woman with shoulder injury goes from difficulty raising arm to pitching mound; doctors advocate diverse treatments to regain mobility
Mrs. Cheng, over 70, overcame severe shoulder joint damage through artificial shoulder joint replacement surgery and rehabilitation, recovering sufficiently to throw the first pitch at a baseball game. Doctors emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and diverse treatments for shoulder issues in the elderly, also mentioning the health insurance coverage for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty since 2021.
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- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 18:24
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 18:31 (7 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 01:35 (7h 3m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Chen Chieh-ling, Taipei, 21st) This year, Mrs. Cheng, over 70 years old, recently stood on the pitcher's mound at Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium, serving as a guest pitcher for the opening ceremony. Few would know that in the past, she suffered from severe shoulder joint damage, making even basic arm-lifting movements difficult. Through diverse treatment advocated by doctors, she has regained her mobility.
Mrs. Cheng used to work in the hospital's sewing department. Due to long working hours every day, coupled with the need to repeatedly lift her arms and move fabrics, her shoulder joints were severely overused. During that period, the thought of work filled her with dread, and she even struggled to sleep. She recalled that initially, it was just mild discomfort, but later, she experienced nocturnal pain and difficulty raising her arm.
Despite trying conservative treatments such as tuina massage, acupuncture, and rehabilitation for half a year, her symptoms did not improve and even continued to worsen. It was only after further examination that she discovered she had severe shoulder joint damage. Mrs. Cheng's work type was typical of labor-intensive work involving high use of the shoulder joint. The tear in her shoulder muscles had existed for a long time and was difficult to repair. Ultimately, she underwent artificial shoulder joint replacement surgery, which resulted in excellent recovery.
Mrs. Cheng recently shared through a press release that after the surgery, she actively rehabilitated according to her doctor's instructions, even enrolling in a community table tennis class, gradually rediscovering her interest in exercise, and finally starting a wonderful post-retirement life. She was even invited to throw the first pitch for a Fubon Guardians and Uni-Lions game, practicing pitching with her granddaughter, hoping to show her vitality to the public and encourage those suffering from shoulder pain but worried about surgery to seek medical attention early.
Research indicates that approximately 60% of individuals aged over 70 experience shoulder joint degeneration or damage. Dr. Su Wei-jen, Chairman of the Taiwan Shoulder and Elbow Society, stated that the shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the human body, responsible for most upper limb movements. From dressing and eating to daily activities, it is closely related to everything. Long-term labor and repetitive arm lifting can be critical factors in shoulder joint damage.
Dr. Chiu Chih-hao, Director of Sports Medicine Orthopedics at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's Orthopedics Department, pointed out that Mrs. Cheng's work type was typical of labor-intensive work involving high use of the shoulder joint. Currently, there are diverse treatment options for shoulder joints. Clinically, conservative treatments such as muscle strength rehabilitation, oral medication, or injection therapy are often adopted first. However, when tendon tears or severe degeneration are irreparable, artificial shoulder joint replacement can be further considered.
Dr. Su Wei-jen said that clinically, many elderly people still tend to endure pain or mistake shoulder pain for the common "frozen shoulder," thereby delaying seeking medical attention. He urged people not to underestimate shoulder joint discomfort. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, patients still have the opportunity to improve pain, regain mobility, and reclaim their quality of life and autonomy in movement.
Dr. Su Wei-jen mentioned that reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was previously a self-funded item, but it has been included in health insurance coverage since 2021. It can be used after a doctor's evaluation and approval, significantly reducing the financial burden. He advises patients with shoulder joint problems to consult with a specialized orthopedic surgeon to find a suitable treatment plan. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150421
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(Central News Agency reporter Chen Chieh-ling, Taipei, 21st) This year, Mrs. Cheng, over 70 years old, recently stood on the pitcher's mound at Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium, serving as a guest pitcher for the opening ceremony. Few would know that in the past, she suffered from severe shoulder joint damage, making even basic arm-lifting movements difficult. Through diverse treatment advocated by doctors, she has regained her mobility.
Mrs. Cheng used to work in the hospital's sewing department. Due to long working hours every day, coupled with the need to repeatedly lift her arms and move fabrics, her shoulder joints were severely overused. During that period, the thought of work filled her with dread, and she even struggled to sleep. She recalled that initially, it was just mild discomfort, but later, she experienced nocturnal pain and difficulty raising her arm.
Despite trying conservative treatments such as tuina massage, acupuncture, and rehabilitation for half a year, her symptoms did not improve and even continued to worsen. It was only after further examination that she discovered she had severe shoulder joint damage. Mrs. Cheng's work type was typical of labor-intensive work involving high use of the shoulder joint. The tear in her shoulder muscles had existed for a long time and was difficult to repair. Ultimately, she underwent artificial shoulder joint replacement surgery, which resulted in excellent recovery.
Mrs. Cheng recently shared through a press release that after the surgery, she actively rehabilitated according to her doctor's instructions, even enrolling in a community table tennis class, gradually rediscovering her interest in exercise, and finally starting a wonderful post-retirement life. She was even invited to throw the first pitch for a Fubon Guardians and Uni-Lions game, practicing pitching with her granddaughter, hoping to show her vitality to the public and encourage those suffering from shoulder pain but worried about surgery to seek medical attention early.
Research indicates that approximately 60% of individuals aged over 70 experience shoulder joint degeneration or damage. Dr. Su Wei-jen, Chairman of the Taiwan Shoulder and Elbow Society, stated that the shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the human body, responsible for most upper limb movements. From dressing and eating to daily activities, it is closely related to everything. Long-term labor and repetitive arm lifting can be critical factors in shoulder joint damage.
Dr. Chiu Chih-hao, Director of Sports Medicine Orthopedics at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital's Orthopedics Department, pointed out that Mrs. Cheng's work type was typical of labor-intensive work involving high use of the shoulder joint. Currently, there are diverse treatment options for shoulder joints. Clinically, conservative treatments such as muscle strength rehabilitation, oral medication, or injection therapy are often adopted first. However, when tendon tears or severe degeneration are irreparable, artificial shoulder joint replacement can be further considered.
Dr. Su Wei-jen said that clinically, many elderly people still tend to endure pain or mistake shoulder pain for the common "frozen shoulder," thereby delaying seeking medical attention. He urged people not to underestimate shoulder joint discomfort. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, patients still have the opportunity to improve pain, regain mobility, and reclaim their quality of life and autonomy in movement.
Dr. Su Wei-jen mentioned that reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was previously a self-funded item, but it has been included in health insurance coverage since 2021. It can be used after a doctor's evaluation and approval, significantly reducing the financial burden. He advises patients with shoulder joint problems to consult with a specialized orthopedic surgeon to find a suitable treatment plan. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150421
Choose and stand with facts. Every sponsorship from you is the power to protect freedom of the press.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" app to stay updated instantly.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.
Keywords: