12/30/2025
Hello...Denson here
I wanted to reach out with a long-overdue update. A few months ago, I had an e-bike accident that resulted in a torn rotator cuff and a torn biceps tendon.
What do you mean you don't have Aflac? I actually didn't think I needed it considering I gave up roller derby five years ago. 🫤 🤣
For the last few years, I’ve been riding my bike for fitness, health, and transportation. At the point of my accident, I was feeling so comfortable riding Shirley my Cannondale that I almost felt at one with her and she with me. I could not have been more wrong, so no more popping wheelies and bunny hopping over Mini Coopers for me.🙄 🤣
*I didn't listen* 😕
On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, I decided to go on a bike ride. I had two spots in mind, Lake Nokomis or Big Rivers Regional Trails in Inver Grove Heights. Although I chose Inver Grove Heights, I had a strong feeling that I should go to Lake Nokomis, but I didn't listen and off to Inver Grove heights I went. To this day I'm still doing my best not to beat myself up too much for not 🤬 listening. 🫤🤣
*The life-changing fall off of Shirley, My old reliable Cannondale* 🤣
At this point, I'm not even 8 pedals into what I thought was going to be a most excellent ride when I attempted to adjust my right mirror. Before I knew it Mother Nature was literally abducting me from the bike path because within a blink of an eye, I'm rapidly falling into to a well shaded grassy ravine with my right shoulder fearlessly leading the way. Anyone witnessing this from the path would have surely thought I was being kidnapped by some weird unseen force.
Now I'm lying on my back in a grassy knoll gathering myself and coming to my senses. Next the thought of ticks crosses my mind. That gave me all the motivation I needed to spring into action. With Shirley in a fireman's carry I hauled both of our asses out of there fueled by a wonderful mix of adrenaline and fright. Now came the arduous task of pulling off 2 massive burs the size of Horseshoe crabs off my back. Then I continued my epic bike ride with what I thought was just a sore shoulder.
Just to play it safe once I got back to my car off to Twin Cities Orthopedic went hoping and praying it wasn't anything too serious. Cause a brother ain't got Aflac. With X-rays coming back negative, I hoped by reducing my workload, icing, and PT would allow me to continue my journey down the healing path. Unfortunately decreasing my workload and physical therapy wasn’t clearly enough. 🫤🤣
So, back in November, I had surgery to repair my rotator cuff and biceps tendon. While everything went well, the recovery is no small journey. My surgeon estimates I’ll be out of work for about 4–6 months and up to a year for a full recovery. At this point in my healing journey, I’m about 2 to 3 months away from doing light therapeutic as well as light Swedish relaxation massage.
Trust me, I wish I were writing you a very different kind of update. Bodywork is not just my profession — it’s my passion, my rhythm, my way of serving. Stepping back has been tough, but healing is its own kind of discipline, and I’m committed to coming back strong, functional, and ready.
I look forward to taking care of you again.
In the meantime, I’ll be sharing updates on my recovery through Caring Bridge (link at bottom of this message), for anyone who wants to follow along or send some encouragement my way. Your support always means more than you know.
*Also, being out of work for several months has created a financial strain on our family while business expenses for Touch of Soul Massage continue. We've opened a GoFundMe for anyone who feels called to support or share.*
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-denson-malones-healing-journey
Thank you for your patience, compassion, and understanding during this unexpected detour. I miss you already, and I look forward to returning to the work we’ve built together — with a repaired shoulder and a renewed spirit.
Take care of yourselves, and I’ll keep you posted.
Warmly,
Denson Ralph
Visit Denson's CaringBridge: https://www.caringbridge.org/site/5127f9d8-b8ff-11f0-bec2-91906f6482c1?utm_source=website_share&utm_medium=share_button&utm_term=&utm_content=link_share_button&utm_campaign=private_home_page
Denson just got out of his torn rotator cuff surgery. It was 3-1/2hrs long. He’s in recovery right now. I’ll probably be able…
