Guess I have to check that portrait in the attic....

[batcave]

This past winter as I was walking across a frozen lake, I slipped and fell directly onto my left shoulder. Now, months later, it's still hurting me so I went to a physical therapist today to have it checked out. As I am left handed, pretty much everything I do is causing some discomfort by the end of the day. My fear was that I had damaged my

Comments

[mizdarkgirl]

Are the anti-inflammatory pills helping at all? When I was in PT, I also saw a massage theapist and that helped with the pain. The PT was hard work! But totally worth it for me! I also used a heating pad BEFORE I had PT to loosen the muscles up but then I iced it AFTER to help with the inflammation. Also ask the PT person if muscle relaxers would help. PT tend to understand soft tissue damage much much better then doctors... So my fingers are crossed that you are feeling more normal very soon!

[batcave]

They seem to be working alright, but it really depends on how much I use my arm on a given day.

She iced my shoulder down after the tests and my should is still feeling pain from those, but I think she skipped using heat before hand because she wanted to see what the pain levels were without any treatment. My guess is that she'll use heat starting with the next session. They did when I had my back worked on anyways.

The exercise that she gave me to do at home is pretty benign and shouldn't be a problem. Now, she may turn me into a pretzel during our next session.....

[mizdarkgirl]

Sounds like you are in good hands with your PT.
*crosses fingers that things work out well*

[lillyflowers]

There's a fair bit of irony in that the ice caused injury yet is part of the process to get better.

Surgery is rough, I won't lie. But, to have the issue done with is worth the weeks of recovery. I had arthroscopic surgery done on my hip as an alternative to being filleted like a fish. Unfortunately, I was one of a handful of people (less than 10 as I recall) out of nearly 700 the doctor had done who had to have it done twice. It was hell the first few weeks. Sitting? Not an alternative. Laying on that side? Not an alternative. Laying on the other side? Not without difficulty getting into position and not without several pillows between my legs. Basically, I spent weeks flat on my back. It was years before my tailbone forgave me. ;) But it was so worth it in the end.

[lillyflowers]

Oh, and I forgot, bending was off limits. If the grabby thing couldn't do it, or I didn't have anyone around, I was S.O.L.

[batcave]

My dad had rotator cuff surgery so I know what he went through. Unless something drastic changes, I won't have to worry about it.

[lillyflowers]

I'd venture a bet he will tell you that in the end, if it's necessary, it's worth it.

[sonofabish]

Given the micromanagement of the health care system by insurance-company bean counters more concerned with the bottom line than a patient's health, the reluctance to give an MRI is pretty much par for the course. Hopefully, in this case they're right and the regimen works for you.

[batcave]

Right, but I will say that my doctor and insurance company were quick to approve a CAT scan when I had that concussion. I don't think there will be much problem getting an MRI if the PT doesn't work.

[dianalily]

A friend is in a similar situation - except the doctor and the PT are sure it's the rotator cuff (she blew her shoulder out years ago playing softball). Still, she has to go through 10 weeks of therapy and Alleve before the Health Care Co. will consent to a MRI. It's maddening. ANd I hope you don't have to go through it.

Also, yea Vicodin.

[batcave]

Yeah, my dad had the same thing with his rotator cuff. Had to do PT before they sliced him up. But she's pretty sure it's not the rotator cuff, so I'm not even thinking on that.