Shoulder ?
As I have been whining about in various online outlets I was foolish and crashed bike this weekend. I thought that I had landed primarily on my hip and shoulder as that was what hurt the most. As I have been dealing with a nagging hammy thing I had an appt with my friend who is a chiropractor/sport medicine guy [he does lots of PT stuff with balls/bands/ultrasound etc in addition to the cracking stuff]. He took a look and said that I did not go down on my shoulder but rather when I hit my hand/elbow I kinda shoved the upper arm into my body which is why it hurts in the shoulder blade and on top of my shoulder. This makes sense as there is no road rash or bruises on my shoulder or upper back. He says that this stuff comes in 1-2-3 grade and while he can't be 100% without an xray he thinks its a 1. He kinda put it back in place and did ultrasound on it and told me to ice it a ton and come back every day for treatment until the swelling goes down in the joint at which time he says it should be good to go.
I know that it is hard/impossible to diagnose stuff over the net but does this sound right?
It does feel like it is getting better. My issue is I am not sure whether to play it out a bit and see if it is good or to see the orthopedic surgeon. Thoughts?
Comments
At the very least, there are likely two things going on: 1) bone bruising where you clunked everything together on impact and 2) muscle sprain/strain. Worst case you're looking at some joint stuff (ligament damage) or muscle/tendon tear.
Is there visible swelling versus the other shoulder?? what kind of mobility (overhead, behind back trying to reach up towards shoulder blade, reaching across to opposite shoulder)?? weird stuff?? (numbness/tingling/random weakness). if yes, definitely time to get it checked out.
The ortho will do an xray and move it around/poke have you move it around and test your strength. If anything seems fishy, he/she may order up an MRI. If it's only mild muscle damage and some brusing, it won't be overly helpful other than them telling you to wait it out and let it heal, but then again, that's why we have insurance. I'd set up the appointment either way and get the green light. If nothing else, snag a script for PT and let them dig it all out to speed up the recovery. Shoulder blades can get pretty cranky post impact injury.
Ortho is definitely the way to go. Your PCP won't be able to do anything other than refer you out.
I hope you have this type of good outcome.
Testing it and poking around on it only aggravates it at this early stage. If it hurts to actively lift it, carry your computer bag, lift the kids, try not to do those things for now.
Sorry you are going through this:-(
CC
Thank you ladies. This instant advice thing is pretty cool.
The good news is that there is no visible swelling and I have a full range of motion with it. If it makes sense I can push down on things without any pain. It is when I lift the shoulder up that I feel it. No really weird stuff but occasionally it will kinda crack or pop around a bit.
On the better safe than sorry front I am going to the ortho tomorrow.
Thanks again. If you even need prompt free legal advice I will do my best. Have a NH license but not a CA one.