With my career and quality of life in his hands, Dr. Provencher returned me to the full function and performance demanded by my life as a Navy SEAL. In the time since, he has become a trusted advisor, mentor, and close friend. Words are inadequate to explain my gratitude for his impact on my life.
Shortly after completing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training and at the then-peak of my physical performance, I suffered a 270 degree labral tear, torn bicep tendon, broken coracoid process, and multiple glenoid fractures to my right shoulder. On the recommendation from many who had previously been treated, and with the function of my arm and future Navy career in jeopardy, I turned to Dr. Provencher. To this day, I credit him with saving my career as a Navy SEAL and returning my performance and quality of life to the highest level.
Dr. Provencher’s reputation preceded him in our first meeting. His bedside manner immediately put me at ease and gave me confidence that I would return to full health under his care. He took time to educate me on my injuries and helped make sense of the multiple perspectives and evaluations I’d previously received from other physicians. He demystified potential treatment options, and even more, he internalized the lofty ambition I’d set to complete six more months of advanced Navy SEAL training as quickly as possible. He understood fully the rigorous physical activity that my training and future career required, and developed a plan with me to get there, never once waivering in his conviction that we would achieve it.
After surgery and through the next few months of follow ups and rehabilitation, the professionalism and personalization that characterized our consultations showed through in all the details of Dr. Provencher’s care. He managed a world-class recovery program and was always willing to answer my post-op questions. Ultimately, the numbers speak for themselves: while several doctors had suggested nine months of recovery to return to just 80%, Dr. Provencher had me back in SEAL training, performing at 100% only five months later. Through harsh training scenarios, multiple combat deployments, and an active sports life since, my shoulder has remained solid as a rock and I’ve achieved levels of performance that eclipsed my pre-injury state.
More recently, while competing in a rugby match, I suffered a 180 degree labral tear to my left shoulder. Despite my proximity to reputable healthcare professionals on the east coast, Dr. Provencher was unquestionably my first and only call. Two time zones away, he coordinated around both of our busy work schedules to review my MRI results over the phone and counseled me as we developed a plan that fit with all other aspects of my life. Recently, I saw Dr. Provencher at The Steadman Clinic, where he performed a surgical repair to my left shoulder that restored me to the high quality of life that I enjoyed prior to the injury.
Working with Dr. Provencher and his team at The Steadman Clinic could not have been easier. Despite time zone differences and my constantly-changing schedule, they facilitated multiple pre-op consultations and post-op follow ups remotely (e.g., by phone, FaceTime) to ensure I stayed on track with my recovery. Their practice is a finely-tuned program with seamless logistics for patients coming from out of town for surgery. They provided everything from recommendations on where to stay while in town, to a team of Physical Therapists dedicated to Dr. Provencher’s patients – all extremely consistent with the professionalism and personalization that I remembered from many years ago, and for which Dr. Provencher is known and revered in the SEAL Teams.
While clinical studies support the effectiveness of these procedures, individual results may vary. There are no guarantees of outcome. All surgeries involve the risk of major complications. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation. Â Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits. Only your doctor can determine the appropriate treatment for your situation. The clinical information and opinions, including any inaccuracies expressed in this material by patients or doctor are not necessarily those of Matthew Provencher, MD and should not be considered as substitute for medical advice provided by your doctor.