#WhyFrye – James Singletary
July 30, 2026
A New Lease on Life: James Singletary Returns to Rock Climbing After Shoulder Replacement
For James Singletary, staying active has always been part of life. At 57, he has spent nearly four decades rock climbing and weightlifting. While those pursuits brought adventure, they also contributed to osteoarthritis in both shoulders. After having his left shoulder replaced several years ago while living in another state, James knew it was time to address his right shoulder.
After relocating to the Hickory area, James’ primary care provider referred him to Reid Russell, DO, an orthopedic surgeon with FryeCare Orthopedics & Neurosurgery. From his first appointment through surgery and rehabilitation, James said the care felt organized, efficient and connected.
“Every group I worked with seemed to seamlessly transition me to the next step,” James said. “Scheduling, radiology, the physician assistants and Dr. Russell all worked together.”
Following surgery on Feb. 19, James began outpatient rehabilitation at Frye Regional’s Outpatient Therapy Services. His goal wasn’t simply returning to everyday activities; it was getting back to rock climbing.
“My physical therapists listened to what I wanted to accomplish,” he said. “They understood I wasn’t just trying to get back to normal; I wanted to get back to climbing. They tailored my therapy to help me reach that goal.”
The results exceeded his expectations. James said his pain was actually less when he woke up from surgery than it had been before the procedure and he never needed opioid pain medication. By June 2026, he was back climbing at Linville Gorge.
“Getting my shoulder replaced gave me my life back,” he said. “I have more range of motion now than I did before surgery, and every day I continue to regain strength.”
Today, James has regained about 80% of his shoulder’s range of motion and continues to build strength. Most importantly, he has returned to the outdoor adventures he loves.
“The people who cared for me were genuinely invested in my recovery,” he said. “Their expertise and encouragement made all the difference. They didn’t just help relieve my pain; they helped me get back to living the life I love.”
To learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Russell, contact FryeCare Orthopedics and Neurosurgery at 828.304.2527. Dr. Russell sees patients in Hickory and Lenoir.
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