What are some exercises or treatments for a separated shoulder?

[machine81]

I have a Type 3 AC joint separation in my right shoulder. Due to extenuating circumstances, I cannot get the proper treatment for it, must go back to work immediately, and I cannot let it heal properly. I was advised that this type of injury takes six to eight weeks to heal on its own.

This shoulder still causes me significant discomfort and pain, but again, I have no choice but to return to work immediately.  What are some exercises I can do to strengthen the joint, while causing minimal further damage?  Is there any other treatment routes I can take (i.e cortisone shots, etc) that I can explore until such a time I can get it properly looked at?

[specialmom]

What kind of work do you do?  Can you keep it immobilized at work?  Just be really careful.  Hopefully you can get through this.

and that stinks about jail!!!  Wrongly accused is terrible!

[machine81]

I'm a maintenance mechanic, so I need both arms to do the job. Yes it does, but all I can do is move on from it.

[specialmom]

Ouch, that sounds painful.  Were you fully diagnosed and it is separated and not dislocated?  Those are two different injuries.  And if you saw a doctor, it is not suggested that you have surgery to repair any torn ligament?  

Things you can do now--  basic things like icing it (especially if it is new?).  Wear a sling to immobilize it.  Use ibuprofen or another NSAID to reduce swelling, inflammation and pain.  Then gentle stretching.  You can do some range of motion exercises like the towel stretch/pull or wall walking.  Can try some strength exercises like arm raises and some rotation exercises.  You should work up to exercises and a doctor or Pt could give you a list of appropriate ones.  Wish you could get seen. What about an urgent care?  In our area, I have found this to be a great resource.  They have many people with out insurance that do a self pay.  It's not a huge amount of money and in fact some friends will self pay over using their insurance because it is cheaper for them.  And you will be seen by either a doctor or nurse practitioner who would likely have good advice for you.  Just an idea.  

[machine81]

Yup full separation.  I had thought initially that it was dislocated. I actually went to an urgent care the next day, and they told me to go to the emergency room.  This happened on April 14. Unfortunately, I had just gotten out of jail (for something I did not do, and the charges were dropped, might I add, but I digress), so I didn't have insurance.  I did receive temporary coverage through the county assistance office, but I cannot find anyone in the area who accepts it. I was also denied unemployment compensation, so I have no choice but to return to work, even though it isn't fully healed.

I was advised by the ER doctor (and the information packet from the hospital) that as long as the shoulder is allowed to heal, surgery probably wouldn't be necessary. But as you can tell, I cannot let the shoulder heal fully.

I have been icing as needed, wearing my sling (although it makes my fingers go numb after a while) and I have regained a full range of motion, but not without some pain and discomfort (which the Motrin handles). Just an unfortunate circumstance, but I definitely need to do something.