shoulder pain

[pdr7686]

I help to move some furniture Nov. 23, 2008 and have been in pain every since.on a scale from 8-10 i would say it was a 8 I went to the ER and that seemed to think I needed an MRI, sent me for further up studies with another dr.,went to this dr. and she has now done a X-Ray and stated my shoulder my "completely worn out" She wants me to have P/T and to see a Surgeon -- Each time I have gone to a dr. they have gave me new pain meds. but seem not to do anything to help the problem I am hurting across the top part of my back, shoulder, and seems sometimes to go down the arm ---------- If you could with your expertise suggest what you think I should do and how to treat it
I am in desperately need

[Michael L Gross, MD]

With a stable, strong repair, many surgeons allow 4- 6 weeks before beginning a formal PT program.  Others prefer 4-6 weeks of immobilization in a sling before beginning a PT program.  Both approaches are designed to reduce tension across the repair site unitl it is healed. I prefer that my patients do several short periods of stretching exercise during the day rather than one long period.  This allows for more steady level  of relif during the day.  I alos recommend you continue to ice you should for twenty minutes at a time for five times a day. Finally, a NSAID such as aleve, twice a day, whether you are having pain or not, can also be very helpful.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

If by "completely worn out", the doctor meant your shoulder is arthritic, then PT, along with either oral or injected medications is a good place to start.  Surgery for an arthritic shoulder is often avoidable. My experience is that most patients are able to tolerate an arthritic shoulder much better than an arthritic hip or knee. if there is not significant arthritis on the plain X-ray, then an MRI could be helpful to evaluate the soft tissues such as the tendons of the rotator cuff, the biceps, the ligaments and the cartilage.
From your symptoms, I am also wonder whether or not some, or all, of your pain is from your neck.  I suggest an examination of your cervical spine including an X-ray, followed by an MRI if indicated.

[hayboot9]

I had a rotator cuff repair on Dec. 18.  It was fairly minor, 1.5 cm complete tear of the superspinatus tendon.  My orthopedic surgeon says he is conservative and doesn't want me to rehab any until the sling is off after 6 weeks.  I am following his orders, but my shoulder hurts very much with dressing, bathing, etc.  I keep the sling on at all times except dressing, bathing and exercising my elbow and lower arm - no shoulder rotation.  I see no improvement in the pain or stiffness in my shoulder to date.  Should I be able to bend my elbow and point to the left (outside) or is this an exercise to avoid?  I cannot even begin to do this either because of the pain or because of the tightness.

Thanks,
Austin Texas

[pdr7686]

Thank you very much on your answer to my question. The doctors are going to have to do something because I am hurting very bad. My shoulder seems to hurt the most.