In 2024, Nadine Rubin was suffering from severe frozen shoulder pain in the same arm she had broken nearly 30 years earlier. At 72, she was incredibly active and determined to maintain her mobility. Her weekly routine included
Pilates, aerial yoga, Zumba, and spin classes. She also scuba dives 12 weeks a year.
She tried countless therapies—dry needling, cupping, physical therapy —but nothing brought lasting relief. Eventually, the pain became so debilitating that she couldn’t reach overhead to grab items off shelves or even close her car door. During a chiropractic appointment, she and her trusted provider concluded it was time for surgery. But Nadine was dreading the idea. Everything she read about traditional shoulder surgeries described months in a sling, and extended recoveries, which were all confirmed by various orthopedic doctors. That wasn’t the path she wanted.
Nadine Scuba Diving
She researched “outpatient shoulder replacement” and was hoping someone did a similar procedure to her outpatient knee replacement. After watching several of Dr. Gobezie’s testimonials on YouTube and reading about his outcomes with total reverse shoulder replacement, she scheduled a consultation.
TeleVisits for the Win
Living in Florida, Nadine arranged a virtual visit with Dr. Gobezie, whose office is based in Cleveland, Ohio. She came thoroughly prepared—with three pages of notes and had studied a 3D clay model of the shoulder to help her
understand the complicated shoulder and the anatomy involved. (Nadine is nothing if not thorough.)
“It was easy for Dr. Gobezie to evaluate my range of motion (or lack of) during the televisit. He gave me all the time I needed to ask questions and truthfully answered, making me feel comfortable with my decision that this is where I’m going!” She flew to Cleveland the day before surgery and stayed through the weekend. “I had a wonderful time in Cleveland,” she said. “I showered the very next day, went to museums, shopping, and great restaurants.
Sure, I was wearing a sling, but the entire experience—from start to finish—was just wonderful.” Dr. Gobezie is truly passionate about what he does, which makes him an incredibly caring doctor,” Nadine shared. “His staff made the process simple and smooth.”
Surgical Recovery
At her 12-week post-op televisit, Nadine sat at her computer with a view of the blue Caribbean water behind her, where she scuba dives and does coral restoration. “I hesitantly brought it up,” she laughed. “I know you said no weight-bearing or diving for six months, but… what if I’m really cautious getting in and out of the water, and someone helps me with my scuba gear so there is no weight on my shoulder?”
After some convincing and promises to be extra careful, Dr. Gobezie gave her the go-ahead—with many conditions.
Referring All Her Friends
Nadine now tells everyone she knows: traditional shoulder surgery is not the only option. “Even if some doctors say it’s outpatient, it is not the same procedure. I have friends who were told the surgery was outpatient which meant you went home the same day with with pumps and nerve blocks that had to be removed days later. I had none of that.”
“I’ve referred all of my friends with shoulder issues to Dr. Gobezie. One has already flown up for surgery and is going back for the second shoulder,” she said. “I was out of pain on day one. From beginning to end, the staff made me feel so supported. His scheduler, the front desk team—everyone was incredibly responsive and helpful. Even the nurses at the surgery center were knowledgeable and caring. I knew I was in good hands. I wasn’t just a number.”
Four months post-surgery, Nadine is back to doing Pilates, aerial yoga, and Gyrotonics—carefully. She’s planning to be back on her motorcycle in a few more months, and fully scuba diving. “I’m still in PT for passive stretching, and I know it’ll take about a year or more to reach full range of motion. But I’ve never been this pain-free or had this much mobility in the last five years. I’m beyond grateful. I can’t recommend Dr. Gobezie enough.”
Interested in Booking a Consultation? If you would like to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with Dr. Gobezie, call our office at 844-746-8537 (844-SHOULDR).