Hi, I’m Linda S. Leake, MA.

I wrote Shoulder Strong! because I understand shoulder surgery from both sides of the experience — as a healthcare rehabilitation professional and as a reverse shoulder replacement patient.

For years, I worked as a speech-language pathologist within healthcare rehabilitation settings, collaborating closely with physical and occupational therapists. I was immersed in recovery planning, patient education, and the clinical side of rehabilitation — the protocols, terminology, and expectations.

Then I became the patient.

I found myself navigating pre-surgery decisions, preparing my home, managing uncertainty, and discovering what recovery actually feels like — day by day.

That shift changed everything.

Shoulder Strong! is the guide I wished I had before my own surgery — one that blends professional understanding with lived experience.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Clinical insight explained in plain language

• Practical preparation guidance

• Emotional reassurance during recovery

• The small details that most medical handouts don’t cover

My goal is simple: to help you feel informed, prepared, and empowered—not rushed, confused, or alone.

Recovery is not just a physical process. It’s emotional, logistical, and deeply personal.

You deserve more than generic information.

You deserve guidance from someone who understands both the system and the experience.

This guide is educational and supportive in nature and does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.