Advice Needed for Early Arthroscopy Post-Shoulder Dislocation
Hello everyone, I'm seeking opinions from orthopedic specialists and physiotherapists. I am a 27-year-old male, generally in good health and quite active. Three weeks ago, I had a cycling accident where I fell directly onto my left shoulder. **Initial Symptoms:** - Unable to lift my arm whatsoever - Intense pain when trying to elevate it - A sensation of being "locked" or "stuck" while attempting to raise my shoulder **Imaging Results:** - X-rays indicated no fractures - No concerning or ongoing dislocation noted **MRI Findings:** The MRI indicates that my shoulder was dislocated briefly. I'm attaching the report for reference. **Current Condition (Three Weeks Post-Accident):** - No pain when resting - Most daily activities are manageable, but I still can't lift my left shoulder - Experiencing tightness and resistance when trying to lift overhead **Treatment Undertaken:** - 10 sessions of Interferential Therapy (IFT) - Wearing a sling predominantly when walking or outdoors - Applying ice therapy three to five times a day **Medication History:** **Past Treatments:** - Short course of NSAIDs (Topnac) - Kinetozyme (composed of trypsin–chymotrypsin, bromelain, rutoside) **Current Treatment:** - Cartigen Pro (containing glucosamine, UC-II collagen, astaxanthin) **Points of Concern:** - One doctor suggested early surgical intervention - Another physician advised taking Cartigen tablets, stating that if there’s no improvement within 20 days, an arthroscopic procedure may be necessary **Questions for Clarification:** 1. What might be causing the pain or tightness when lifting? Could it be swelling or a potential tissue injury? I've reviewed the MRI report but still struggle to understand it. 2. Is surgery unavoidable, or is there a chance I can recover without it? 3. When I sleep on my right shoulder, I feel a pricking or tight sensation in my left shoulder and the biceps area. Lying flat alleviates this discomfort. Could this be related to swelling? Will this swelling subside naturally? I would greatly appreciate any insights from those with expertise in shoulder instability. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 6:40:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging recovery following your shoulder dislocation and are understandably concerned about your symptoms and treatment options. Here are the key points regarding your condition, along with suggestions to help guide your recovery process.
Main Points:
- Symptoms like tightness and pain during movement may be due to soft tissue injury, inflammation, or muscle weakness.
- Surgery is not always necessary, and many patients recover with conservative treatment.
- Pricking sensations could be related to nerve irritation or tissue recovery, which might improve over time.
Explanation:
-
Causes of Pain and Tightness:
- After a shoulder dislocation, it's common to experience tightness due to inflammation in the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments) surrounding the shoulder joint. This inflammation can cause pain and a sensation of being "locked" when you try to move your arm.
- Additionally, due to the immobilization that occurs with a sling, some muscle weakness may arise. Weakness in the rotator cuff muscles can contribute to difficulties when lifting your arm.
-
Surgery Considerations:
- Many shoulder dislocations and their sequelae can be managed without surgery, particularly if you continue to show gradual improvements over time. Physical therapy is often a key part of rehabilitation.
- If you notice no further improvement and remain unable to lift your arm after the given time frame, further intervention may be warranted, depending on the exact nature of your injury and MRI findings.
-
Sleep Discomfort:
- Feeling discomfort when lying on your right side may be due to muscle and nerve-related issues as opposed to ongoing swelling. Sleeping positions can sometimes aggravate these sensations.
- As you progress in your recovery and regain shoulder mobility and strength, these sensations typically improve.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Physical Therapy: If you haven't started yet, consider engaging in a structured physical therapy program tailored to shoulder rehabilitation to enhance mobility and strength gradually. Communicate with your therapist about specific restrictions and pain levels.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, noting what activities cause pain or tightness and any changes you observe. This information can be useful when discussing treatment options with your healthcare provider.
-
Avoid Overhead Activities: Until you regain more strength and range of motion, limit any overhead activities and heavy lifting to prevent aggravation of your shoulder.
-
Follow-Up: Keep your treating physician updated on your progress, especially if your symptoms do not improve in the next few weeks. They can reassess your condition and determine if advanced imaging or surgical options are needed.
-
Discuss Concerns: During your follow-up appointments, express your concerns about surgery and ask specific questions regarding your MRI findings and recovery timeline. Understanding the rationale for any recommended procedures could help you make informed decisions.
If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out!
Related Questions
Strategies for Alleviating Foot Discomfort
Greetings! I'm 20 years old, weigh 230 pounds, stand at 5'0", and I don't smoke or drink. Additionally, I have hypothyroidism and PCOS, and I take levothyroxine daily, though I'm not certain if that's relevant to my situation. Recently, I started a job that requires me to remain stationary for approximately eight hours each day. By the end of my shift, the discomfort in my feet becomes excruciating. When I finally arrive home, the pain has escalated, resulting in me limping from my car to the house and struggling to move for the rest of the evening. Unfortunately, our job doesn’t allow for breaks, whether for meals or otherwise, so I can only sit down for about five minutes a day when I use the restroom. To alleviate some of the discomfort, I tried soaking in a hot bath after work with Epsom salts, though I’ve heard that their benefits are not well-supported by research. Nonetheless, they have a pleasant scent! Unfortunately, the bath did little to ease my pain. I purchased a pair of XXL wide calf compression socks because of my size, but after wearing them for the first time, the next day my pain seemed to intensify. After I removed the socks, I experienced severe, pulsing pain that came in waves and didn’t subside as it normally does after resting. It even kept me awake for a while. I used ibuprofen today and found some relief; I took a 200 mg tablet shortly after my shift began and another two about four hours later. While I wore the compression socks again, I’m fairly certain that the medication was responsible for the improvement. I’m concerned about becoming reliant on ibuprofen long-term, as I've read that continuous use can lead to tolerance and serious side effects. The pain is quite overwhelming, especially since I am scheduled to work more consecutive days, and I struggled to get through three. I’ve invested in new insoles for my shoes to replace the really cheap ones I used to wear, which were no better than my inexpensive Walmart sneakers. They were delivered today, and I’ll start using them soon. However, I’m skeptical about how much they will truly alleviate the pain. I'm also considering purchasing fatigue mats for my workspace, but again, I’m uncertain about their effectiveness. If anyone knows of alternative methods to avoid relying on ibuprofen to manage this pain, I would greatly appreciate any advice!
Dealing with a Neck Injury: Seeking Relief
Although I shared a different concern on this forum just the other night, I've since resolved that issue. Unfortunately, a fresh problem has emerged in its place. Approximately ten hours ago, while I was attending class, I experienced a popping sound in my neck. Initially, I believed that my bra strap had brushed against my skin, which was similar to the noise I heard. However, shortly after, my neck began to feel warm, followed by a dull ache that radiated from my neck down my left arm. Since then, I've had intermittent discomfort affecting my jaw, shoulder, arm, and temple on the left side of my body. I applied a hot and cold patch to the affected area, which provided some relief, although I found the smell quite unpleasant. I'm not experiencing any symptoms typical of a stroke, aside from a slight numbness on the left side of my face — it’s not completely numb, just a little dulled. Movement of my neck occasionally triggers a sharp pain; it's not unbearable, but definitely uncomfortable at times. All I wish for is a day without any further issues. Any advice or assistance would be greatly appreciated. By the way, I am a 16-year-old female, standing approximately 5'7" and weighing around 140 pounds.
Not a Joke: My Concerns Are Real
I know this may sound comical, but I assure you, it is a serious matter. At 46 years of age, weighing 230 pounds and standing 6'4", I lead a lifestyle that includes no medications, alcohol, or drugs. Recently, I experienced an incident that has left me feeling quite anxious, and I believe I might require medical attention, yet I find myself feeling fearful about it. Please be advised, the following details are explicit. This isn’t a prank or a trivial matter. On Saturday, I found myself needing to relieve my bowels. The process was unusually prolonged. Halfway through, I encountered a blockage that simply wouldn’t move further. I pushed with considerable effort and was left thinking that I might end up in a predicament similar to Elvis. After about an hour in this situation, I finally managed to force it out, but the aftermath was quite distressing. Upon finishing, I noticed significant discomfort around my anus. Following a shower, I attempted to sit down, but the pain was evident. Upon inspection, I realized things felt different and concerning. I’m not exaggerating here; this situation is genuine and worrisome. Currently, I still feel tenderness, and it does not seem to be returning to normal. Is there a chance that it will? Do I need to seek emergency care? I'm truly at a loss about what steps to take next.
Struggling with Exercise-Induced Coughing
Height: 5’5", Weight: Approximately 135 lbs. Medications: 150 mg of Zoloft, 50 mg of Hydroxyzine as needed, and 70 mcg of Levothyroxine, combined with topical treatments of clindamycin and tretinoin. For several years, I have experienced tightness in my throat and chest along with a persistent cough, particularly after using the treadmill. Interestingly, this reaction does not occur while I’m actually walking; it arises only afterward. My mother believes my symptoms stem purely from a lack of fitness, but I suspect it may be a case of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. I really wish I could obtain an inhaler to prevent these episodes. I recall mentioning this issue to my physician a while ago, but she appeared indifferent. Additionally, I display some signs of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). For example, I often experience a rushing sensation, dizziness, and even visual disturbances, like seeing stars, upon standing too quickly. Hot weather exacerbates my condition, often resulting in blood pooling in my feet, and I tire easily. Despite my mother’s belief that these issues are linked to poor physical condition, I dedicated several months to working out at a gym without any alleviation of my symptoms. I have undergone heart rate assessments while sitting and standing, both of which were deemed normal, along with a routine EKG that also yielded standard results. Consequently, my doctor does not seem worried about my condition. Yet, I am seeking guidance on how to cope with these troubling symptoms.
Dealing with Shoulder Discomfort
Hello everyone! I'm a 39-year-old man experiencing significant discomfort in my shoulder. About three weeks ago, I woke up with a painful sensation on my left side, which radiates from my elbow to the left side of my neck. I faced a similar problem last year, but it improved after just a week of stretching. However, this pain has persisted for three weeks now, and I've tried Painquil without any relief. I'm wondering if there are any other remedies I should consider or if it's time to consult a physician for further evaluation.