A First Pitch to Remember

How reverse shoulder arthroplasty helped one patient in Taiwan return to movement, confidence and an unforgettable first pitch

For years, Ms. Cheng lived with worsening shoulder pain that slowly took away the simple movements many people never think twice about. What began as mild discomfort became something far more limiting. She struggled to lift her arm, found it difficult to sleep, and eventually daily activities become harder and harder to manage.

Then, in her 70s, she found herself standing on the field at Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium in Taiwan, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the Fubon Guardians vs. Uni-Lions game. This celebratory moment was also something more powerful: a visible reminder that recovery is possible, and that shoulder pain does not have to be accepted as a normal part of aging.

When Everyday Work Became Everyday Pain

Before retirement, Ms. Cheng worked in a hospital’s laundry and sewing department, where repeated lifting and overhead arm movements were part of daily life. Over time, that physically demanding work contributed to severe shoulder damage. At first, the pain seemed manageable. But eventually, it progressed to night pain, loss of function, and the inability to raise her arm normally.

Like many patients, she tried to push through it. Conservative care did not bring relief, and her symptoms continued to worsen. Further evaluation ultimately revealed severe shoulder joint damage and a large rotator cuff tear that was difficult to repair.

A Turning Point Toward Treatment

Ms. Cheng’s experience reflects a broader awareness gap around shoulder disease. In Taiwan, many patients endure pain for years or assume their symptoms are simply “frozen shoulder,” delaying evaluation and treatment.

With guidance from her care team, Ms. Cheng underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty followed by rehabilitation. Her recovery required commitment — including a period of protection and guided therapy — but the results changed what she believed was possible for her future.

“After shoulder joint replacement surgery, my world that had once been gray turned back to color,” said Ms. Cheng.

A Recovery Measured in More Than Motion

As her strength returned, so did her confidence. Ms. Cheng became more active again, joining a community table tennis class, and staying active until she was selected to throw the ceremonial first pitch before a Fubon Guardians vs. Uni-Lions game. To prepare for the event, she focused on rehabilitation, hiking, and throwing practice with her granddaughter.

What made the moment on the pitcher’s mound so meaningful was not simply that she completed the throw, but what it represented: renewed independence, restored confidence, and the ability to do something that had once seemed out of reach.

More Than a First Pitch

For Ms. Cheng, the throw marked a personal comeback after pain, limitation, and uncertainty. For others living with shoulder problems, her experience is a reminder that persistent pain should not simply be accepted as part of aging, and that with appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, meaningful recovery may be possible..

On the mound that day, the significance was not just the pitch itself, but everything it took to get there.

This material is intended for news purposes only. The information contained herein should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or treatment and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. As each patient’s condition varies, if you have any health concerns, please visit a hospital and consult a health care professional to receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.