Left Shoulder: Surgery or Rehab.. I need help!!

[thetruebatman]

I had previously posted a forum question asking about my shoulder pain that began after a Friday night football game. Well the last game of the year was this last Friday in which I dislocated my shoulder and had it put back in on the spot by my coach. I went to a clinic the next morning to learn that there was a small tear on the top of my shoulder joint (not sure if that makes sense). The doctor told me that based on what the MRI says (which I am getting this week) will determine whether I need surgery or if rehabilitation would be the best option. The truth is that I want this shoulder fixed. I can't have it coming out of place especially when I have been offered scholarships from colleges to catch footballs for their teams. Please tell me what the best choice would be, and keep me in your prayers.

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

The best choice of treatment would depend on whether there is indeed a tear (MRI would be helpful in diagnosing this), and how severe the tear is.

Small tears would only require conservative treatment via medications and immobilization initially, and physical therapy after sufficient healing has taken place. Larger tears might need more aggressive treatment such as surgery, and the recovery process would definitely be longer.

Hope this helps.

[nlt]

I'll keep you in my prayers, I had knee surgery that knocked me out of football. Thats was probably a good thing though, or else I would have died bc now I have to have heart surgery.