Meet Alex Norton, a determined student-athlete from Russell County High School. As a key player for the school's football team, Alex's sophomore season came with impressive performances—but also hidden pain. After suffering a right shoulder injury during Spring Football in 2024, Alex made the difficult decision that many athletes face: push through or sit out.
"After suffering a shoulder injury in the Spring of 2024 during Spring Football, I put off getting this checked out as long as I could," Alex shared.
Despite dealing with constant numbness in his arm and shoulder, Alex continued to suit up and give his all throughout the 2024 season—showing up for his teammates day in and day out. Like many dedicated athletes, he hoped to avoid surgery and, with the support of his Athletic Trainer, pursued conservative treatment for as long as possible. But as the season wrapped up and the pain persisted, it became clear that rest and rehab alone weren't enough. With his sights set on a strong return for the 2025 season, Alex knew it was time to take the next step—not just to feel better, but to be fully ready to return to the sport he loves alongside his teammates.
In January 2025, Alex and his family turned to Ryan P. Donegan, MD, MS, Shoulder & Elbow Specialist at Bluegrass Orthopaedics, along with his expert team of Physician Assistants, Cheslee Bloyd, PA-C, and Michael Blackburn, PA-C.
"As an athlete my first goal was to avoid surgery. However, after quick assessment and imaging…I learned surgery was a very real possibility," Alex recalled.
A thorough evaluation and imaging confirmed what Alex had hoped to avoid: a right shoulder labral tear. Ultimately, surgery was necessary to repair his right shoulder.
"Dr. Donegan was amazing and walked me through the whole process, assuring me I would be back for football season better than ever," Alex shared.
At the end of January 2025, Alex underwent arthroscopic labral repair surgery at the Bluegrass Specialty Surgery Center, performed by Dr. Ryan Donegan. Dr. Donegan's goal extended beyond simply getting Alex back on the field—he was committed to ensuring a full recovery that would support Alex's long-term health and athletic future.
"I wanted to make sure that Alex had the right treatment plan to not only get him back to playing competitive sports, but that would set him up for success as a student-athlete for years to come," Dr. Donegan shared.
Following surgery, Alex wore a sling for six weeks and began physical therapy shortly thereafter. He committed fully to his rehab—following every recommendation to a tee—and worked closely with Cheslee Bloyd, PA-C and Michael Blackburn, PA-C for his follow-ups. Each session confirmed what Alex was hoping for: real progress.
Now, just in time for the start of a new football season, Alex has returned to the field—and this time, pain-free, with no numbness in his shoulder or arm for the first time in over a year.
"I have returned to football pain free without numbness in my shoulder and arm for the first time in over a year," Alex shared proudly.
Today, Alex is focused on the future: a strong, healthy football season and the opportunity to play the sport he loves without limitation. He credits Dr. Donegan, Cheslee Bloyd, PA-C, Michael Blackburn, PA-C, and the entire BGO team for helping him get back not just on the field—but better than ever.
The entire #BGOFamily is rooting for Alex during his junior football season at Russell County High School! We can't wait to see what he continues to achieve as a student-athlete.
To learn more about shoulder specialist Ryan Donegan, MD, click here!
