Schilling gets cortisone shot, plans to go without surgery

Curt Schilling has decided to comply with the Red Sox’ wishes and rehab his shoulder without surgery.

“After being diagnosed by the Red Sox medical staff I sought a second opinion, as anyone would, and when it became clear there was disagreement (which is not uncommon by the way), I agreed to see an independent Doctor from a list the Red Sox provided me, for the third opinion.

“At this time I have agreed to abide with the clubs wishes in hopes that will provide the results they believe it will.”

Schilling is scheduled to receive a cortisone shot today as the first step in his rehabilitation. If he responds well to the cortisone shot, then the Red Sox will probably decide to move forward with their rehabilitation program. If he is still in excruciating pain a week from now, I’d imagine that surgery will have to be reconsidered.

After hearing Dr. Morgan speak about Schilling’s shoulder, I’m less optimistic that this thing can be resolved without surgery. Schilling was resting his arm for most of the offseason, but noticed a dramatic increase in pain when he started his offseason throwing program in January.

“And by dramatic, he told me he could throw a ball five feet. By dramatic, I mean this guy’s got pain opening a door. He was not able to complete all of the positions that were requested for his MRI on Jan. 24 because he couldn’t put his arm above his head and hold it there without excruciating pain—that’s what we’re talking about here.”

He gives the Red Sox’ rehabilitation recommendations no chance to succeed, and describes the injury as degeneration of his biceps tendon. The Red Sox’ doctors also noticed “a thickening of the rotator cuff and some fraying of the labrum.”

Dr. Morgan doesn’t see how the injury can improve without surgery. “I think his chances of that [Red Sox rehab recommendations] being successful to the point where he can rehab, get stronger, and become pain-free to be able pitch effectively are near zero.”

The Red Sox believe that any surgery would keep Schilling out of baseball for the entire season, while Morgan is more optimistic. He believes that he could be back by the All-Star break.

Early reports that the Red Sox tried to void Schilling’s contract now appear to be over-stated. The club has threatened to take that action only if Schilling has surgery without permission.

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