looking for recs: Austin-area PT for shoulder injury?

Subluxed my shoulder on 12/20, still hurting 1 month after, today doc said it's probably a SLAP tear and I got a referral for a month of PT before going the route of MRIs and knives. Anyone have any experience with local therapists? 

Hey George, bummer about your shoulder!! :(   I have seen two PTs in Austin over the past couple years, happy to share their info but I don't feel any were exemplary. The issues I was having (shoulder and back- related) did resolve but I think it was more a case of doing something in a structured framework was better than nothing, if you know what I mean.  What is your shoulder's status now? 

Hey Clay, I had some appointments at a nearby clinic but it's pretty basic, nothing stellar, and definitely not worth the copay. Been doing daily work on it but it's getting frustrating, seeing diminishing returns -- I can do pull ups and hangboard but nothing with one arm and I don't think I could do a gaston or mantle without reinjuring it -- the crux right-hand shuffle on Chicken Supreme for example. I've gotten a referral for an MRI but my insurance has really been taking its time approving it... hoping I can make a more informed decision about looking for a more rigorous training program or getting surgery first after I have an MRI. 

I've also just had a run-of-the-mill PT, at Texas Physical Therapy Specialists on 38th. It was OK to get me started but felt pretty pointless quickly, as they were just "supervising" me doing the same exercises every time.

Hey, I’ve seen multiple PTs in the area and I highly recommend Jeff @ North Star Manual Therapy in Georgetown. He’s helped me out through numerous issues. If the pain seems to stay steady that MRI could help. I once had a fractured vertebrate that was not visible in an X-ray. Took years to recover and excruciating PT that only made it worsen. Discovered the fracture through an MRI 3 years later. I had a similar thing happen with a torn tendon. PT worsened the issue until it was diagnosed, immobilized for 6-8 months, then to PT and full recovery. 

Hope you get feeling better, George! Rest up and stay away from those knives if you can :) 

Rebecca Steiner is a climber and Physical Therapist. She can be contacted at New Dimension Physical Therapy.

Follow up in case anyone finds this post looking for Austin info or SLAP surgery info:

Injured on 12/20/2020

Did PT at Texas PT Specialists. Do not recommend, they're good people but don't have anyone sport-specific.

Had surgery with Dr Seade at Austin Orthopedics on 7/2/2021. Repaired two tears in labrum, two tears in biceps tendon, and one in the coracoacromial ligament. 

Had to sleep in a chair for ~2 weeks, then gradually started removing the sling for daily activity. 

3 weeks after surgery started PT at Symmetry. I can recommend this place. The therapists there are themselves climbers and understand the loads and requirements of the sport, and unlike New Dimensions they take insurance. They adapted what they did according to my progress, and were helpful in making my own recovery and training plan. Started out going 2x a week, gradually down to once in 2 weeks. By end of October I stopped going in.

3.5 months after surgery started climbing in the gym again, just juggy V0s at first but within a couple weeks started doing harder climbs and at this point am moonboarding without pain. It's now 4.5 months out from surgery, still not doing anything super reachy or dynamic with the right shoulder.

Otherwise if anything the right shoulder feels stronger than the left, BUT if I go even 2 days in a row without working out or stretching by the 2nd day it starts to feel tight and uncomfortable. Still occasionally getting some pain during hanging exercises e.g. windshield wipers, if I get tired and let my shoulder sag. No real pain with antagonists like bench press.

4 months after surgery did some easy outdoor bouldering, and feeling ready to start sport climbing again. 

Congrats on your recovery George! All in all it sounds like you are making great progress