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Suggest Treatment For Pain In Shoulder Post Injury
Posted on
Fri, 30 Jan 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 30 Jan 2015
Answered on
Mon, 16 Feb 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : About six weeks ago, I fell and injured my shoulder. After two sets of X- rays and an MRI, the diagnosis is still unclear- possible cortex fracture or small undersurface tear of the pupraspinatus, possible arthritis aggravated by the fall, possibly a slight dislocation- and my orthopedist prescribed some physical therapy. After four weeks of therapy, there is marked improvement in my range of motion and pain level in every area but one. I have not improved in external rotation with abduction. I have about 45 degrees of motion where I should have 90. It is very painful when I try to move past that point and I feel that forcing it would actually snap the bone. I have two more weeks of therapy, at which point I will have to decide to see the doctor or wait for it to improve on its own. Is waiting a reasonable option? What could be causing this pain?
Brief Answer:
You can wait for 2 weeks.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The pain that you have is likely to be due to a minor tear or a crack. It is best to avoid forcing the painful movements. You can continue with the physical therapy for 2 weeks more and then consult your physician in case there is no more improvement. A repeat MRI scan will help in detecting the cause. If there is no bone injury and only inflammation then local steroid injections can help you.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
You can wait for 2 weeks.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The pain that you have is likely to be due to a minor tear or a crack. It is best to avoid forcing the painful movements. You can continue with the physical therapy for 2 weeks more and then consult your physician in case there is no more improvement. A repeat MRI scan will help in detecting the cause. If there is no bone injury and only inflammation then local steroid injections can help you.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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