Tuesday, February 16, 2010

"it would take a gun to keep me out of the line-up now!" - Armstrong

Want the definitive word on Jim Armstrong's injury status? The message is the same as already described on the blog, but here it is, as requested, from Jim himself.

Hi, Eric:

Thanks for inquiring about my health again.  As we had discussed a few weeks ago, I certainly did aggravate my surgerized left shoulder.  Ironically, I strained it lifting a box, because the shoulder was actually feeling good enough, I actually forgot to be as careful as I should.  I had it medically assessed, and, given the time frame, further surgical repair, even if needed, would be impractical, and would certainly have taken me out of the Paralympics.

Fortunately, our Program now has on staff a tremendous physiotherapist, Paige Larson.  Paige has huge professional experience providing treatment for Team Canada at a number of Olympic and Paralympic Games.  I have been getting treatment regularly, every two or three days, and I am certainly improving week to week.

As you have indicated, I am struggling with everyday mobility, but it is now more of an inconvenience than a threat to my ability to play.  I know it still looks worse than it is, since my neck tends to accommodate for the shoulder tenderness, and I am now dealing with neck stiffness.

The entire team and staff are ready to rock, and it would take a gun to keep me out of the line-up now!

All the best, and keep up the good work, Eric.

When I mentioned Jim's health to national team coach Joe Rae earlier today, he said; "I'll shoot him if I catch him lifting heavy boxes again before the Paralympics."

Had the team prepared for the possibility of Jim's absence? "We have prepared for all eventualities, for the absence of any of our players. And no, I'm not going to say what those plans are."

If I were Joe, neither would I.


13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like all guns, AND JIM, are ready to roll.

Let's give them the support they need and deserve.....

Anonymous said...

Watching the start of the Olympic curling certainly puts me in the mood for the wheelchair curling.

Go Canada!

Anonymous said...

Great interview with Jim, Eric.....seems you talked to Coach Rea as well.

Keep it coming, Eric. This is our season to shine.

Anonymous said...

It seems I was misinterpreting what I saw in Jim's demeanour. My apologies if I unintentionally misled the crowd.

Anonymous said...

GO CANADA GO

Anonymous said...

If I were Joe, I would be breathing a sigh of relief!

Anonymous said...

Go, Canada.....

BUT it is a shame that Paralympics clash with Nationals...I would like to see what the latest rule on dealing with Team Canada would have been....

Anonymous said...

Sorry, Joe,

I have trouble believing you had a contingency plan in place, beyond bowing to the East and praying

Anonymous said...

What would Peckham have done if there wasn't a time clash?????

Anonymous said...

Well, it appears no contingency is necessary, so let's jsut be thankful we will be as strong as we can.

Go Armstrong, and Go Martin.....he is smacking Germany as we speak.

Anonymous said...

Paralympics at home......Team Canada as a favorite......GREAT OPPORTUNITY for our Sport!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for clearing up the issue with Jim's injuries. Man, that guy has had one tough year.....

Anonymous said...

Eric:

Can you get Jim's interview during the Olympic game last Friday?

This is coverage we never dreamt of before.