In the Operating Room One Day, Back at the Gym the Next
August 18, 2025
Ed Gaelick has always been an athlete. And thanks to minimally invasive arthroscopic CAM procedures on his shoulders, he hasn’t slowed down one bit.
In high school, he was the captain of his wrestling team and went on to practice martial arts and play competitive softball for decades. At 66, he’s passionate about intense CrossFit training and looks forward to The Murph Challenge every year on Memorial Day. It’s a physical and mental challenge to honor Michael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL officer who gave his life in service to our country.
The timed-challenge spans a one mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 pushups, 300 air squats, and a second one-mile run at the end. Full range of motion is required–no halfsies.
Missing “The Murph” in 2024 was not an option for Ed, but ongoing shoulder pain on his left side posed its own challenges.
Ed previously had a minimally invasive arthroscopic CAM procedure on his right side at Hackensack Meridian Health in 2016, and it stood the test of time. Ed returned to see if time would be on his side to address his left shoulder before “The Murph.”
This isn’t unusual in the experience of Stephen Silver, M.D., chief of the Department of Sports Medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center.
“Most of the time,” Dr. Silver says, “patients come in a year later, or five years later, because they like the shoulder we fixed and want the same pain relief for the other side. That’s what happened with Ed.”
The Innovation That Kept Ed Active
Dr. Silver performed Ed’s first CAM procedure on his right shoulder in 2016. Ed came to him for a second opinion after a total shoulder replacement was recommended by another provider.
Dr. Silver gave Ed options, and together they decided on an arthroscopic CAM procedure instead.
“I get great job satisfaction from the fact that patients appreciate that we spend time with them and listen to them,” Dr. Silver says.
Total shoulder replacement requires a large incision and months of recovery. The arthroscopic CAM procedure requires only tiny incisions, about the size of a pen tip, called portals. The minimally invasive approach also typically means a faster recovery time.
In some instances, an arthroscopic CAM procedure can also address multiple shoulder problems at once, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Loose cartilage
- Inflammation
- Bicep tears
- Bone spurs
- Axillary nerve compression
Right Back in Action
Of Ed’s second arthroscopic CAM procedure in January, 2024, he says, “I was at the gym the next day.”
Just five months later, he completed The Murph Challenge and achieved his goal time of 47 minutes.
Ed’s advice for others who are considering shoulder surgery, including the arthroscopic CAM procedure, is to do your research, find the right doctor and get treated.
“If it’s an issue of pain,” Ed says, “go to Hackensack. Get it done.”
For Ed, the experience was exceptional, and he’s referred many people to Dr. Silver. “Dr. Silver’s team was great. Shout-out to the entire organization.”
That’s the Power of Personalized Care
Dr. Silver is a shining example of Hackensack’s commitment to personalized care. By getting to know Ed, Dr. Silver was able to help him meet even more of his goals, not only his goal of experiencing less pain, but also his goal of staying fit and giving back through The Murph Challenge.
“I love working at Hackensack,” Dr. Silver says. “It really is our mantra to treat patients like our family. It’s quite rewarding when you know the patients feel they’ve been heard; they’re part of the decision process. Because there isn’t only one correct choice.”
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our source: Stephen Silver, M.D., chief of the Department of Sports Medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center.
- To make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Learn more about orthopedics and sports medicine at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
