Seeking Guidance on Long-Term Shoulder Muscle Loss After Dislocation
I am a 25-year-old male, and five years ago, I experienced a dislocation of my left shoulder. While the joint has healed well and I have regained a good range of motion, the muscle in my shoulder has not recovered. There is a noticeable difference in muscle mass when compared to my right shoulder. Additionally, I have lost sensation in the area where the muscle has atrophied. When I touch that spot, I feel almost nothing at all. I recall being informed that sensation might return within six months to two years, but unfortunately, that hasn’t happened. In the gym, I've also realized that my left shoulder functions improperly during workouts. While performing chest and shoulder exercises, it seems as though my triceps compensate excessively, rather than the shoulder muscle engaging as it should. This leads to a very frustrating and unbalanced training experience. At this juncture, I’m concerned that the issue may stem from lasting nerve damage caused by the dislocation. I’m curious whether it’s still feasible to rebuild the muscle or regain sensation after such a lengthy period, or if this condition is likely permanent. Have others found themselves in similar situations years later, and did they manage to make any progress or uncover the root cause of their issues? I’m not seeking a diagnosis; I simply wish to understand if the muscle damage is irreversible or if there remains a possible pathway to recovery. What steps should I consider taking next? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights regarding my situation. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 4:40:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re facing a challenging situation with your left shoulder after your dislocation, particularly with muscle loss and altered sensation. It’s commendable that you’re seeking to understand your condition and explore potential recovery paths.
Overview of Your Situation:
- Muscle Atrophy: The muscle loss you're experiencing could be due to disuse or nerve involvement following the dislocation.
- Sensation Loss: The persistent lack of sensation may indicate potential nerve damage that could affect muscle activation and recovery.
- Gym Performance Issues: Your observation regarding compensatory use of your triceps suggests that the shoulder musculature isn’t functioning optimally, impacting your workouts.
Explanation: After a shoulder dislocation, especially significant ones, it’s not uncommon for individuals to experience muscle atrophy or changes in neuromuscular function. Nerve injuries can lead to decreased sensation and impaired muscle activation. While some people do regain muscle and sensation over time, significant time has passed for you. Recovery can be complicated, and while some potential for improvement may still exist, results vary greatly among individuals.
Next Steps to Consider:
-
Progressive Resistance Training:
- Start incorporating targeted strength exercises for your shoulder, focusing on rebuilding muscle mass and improving overall function. Use lighter weights to begin with and emphasize proper form.
- Exercises like shoulder presses, lateral raises, and rotator cuff strengthening can be beneficial, but it’s essential to listen to your body.
-
Neuromuscular Re-education:
- Engage in exercises that encourage both muscle activation and coordination. Physical therapy could be invaluable here, but you can also explore self-guided techniques such as:
- Light resistance bands or therapy balls to activate the shoulder muscles.
- Focus on slow, controlled movements to regain muscle control without overpowering your tricep.
- Engage in exercises that encourage both muscle activation and coordination. Physical therapy could be invaluable here, but you can also explore self-guided techniques such as:
-
Consult with a Specialist:
- Consider seeing a physical therapist who specializes in post-injury recovery. They can develop a tailored rehabilitation plan, focusing on rebuilding strength around your shoulder and address any compensatory movements.
- If you suspect nerve involvement, a consultation with a neurologist or orthopedic specialist may provide further insights and potential management options.
-
Maintain a Journal:
- Keep a log of your workouts, sensations, and any changes you notice. This can help both you and any healthcare provider track progress and adjust your rehabilitation strategies accordingly.
-
Patience and Consistency:
- Recovery takes time, and it’s crucial to stay consistent with your exercises. Progress may be slow, but small improvements can lead to significant changes over time.
Remember, while there is no guarantee of complete recovery, many individuals experience varying degrees of improvement even after extended periods. Stay motivated, and don’t hesitate to ask for help along the way!
Related Questions
Urinary Retention and Lower Back Discomfort
A 38-year-old male weighing 237 pounds has been experiencing urinary issues over the past five days, noting significantly reduced urine output with a very feeble flow—occasionally just a dribble. Yesterday, he began feeling discomfort in his flank region, near where he suspects his kidney is located. Today, that discomfort continued but intensified. He sought help at a prompt care facility where a urinalysis was conducted, revealing no abnormalities. The medical advice he received was to increase his fluid intake. While at the facility, he began to experience severe pain in the lower part of his back, right in the center, making bending a challenge. Currently, he is applying ice to the affected area; however, it's uncomfortable for him to lie down or stand. He wonders if the urinary issues and the back pain are connected and is reluctant to visit the emergency room due to financial concerns. Additionally, he recalls a couple of relevant incidents: last Saturday marked the first time he had gone roller skating in many years, during which he noticed some discomfort in the perineum. He has also been dealing with a cyst in his pubic region for a month, which is gradually improving.
Understanding Injuries: Distinguishing Between Tibial Stress Fracture and Anterior Tibial Tendonitis
Recently, I've ramped up my workout regimen significantly since early December, but I keep facing setbacks with injuries. During December, my routine involved daily outdoor walks and a brief incline walking session, complemented by 30 to 45 minutes of exercise. I noticed a bony protrusion appeared at the back of my right heel, and a similar one started to develop on my left heel as well. When I returned home over the holiday break, my mom arranged for me to see a podiatrist, who diagnosed the right heel bump as a pump bump. On the other hand, the left heel had become a source of greater discomfort and noticeable swelling, to the extent that my Achilles tendon was not visible. The diagnosis for that was Achilles tendonitis. The podiatrist recommended a change of footwear, a steroid treatment plan, anti-inflammatory medications, and a course of physical therapy lasting 4 to 6 weeks. Upon returning to college and anticipating starting physical therapy, I noticed improvements in my ankle discomfort with the new shoes. As a result, I delayed my therapy sessions and resumed a more regular workout routine. Since then, I have been free from significant pain, and both heels are feeling better. My regimen over the last two to three weeks involves about an hour of strength training followed by a two-hour treadmill session—beginning with an incline of 10 at a speed of 3.5, progressively lowering the incline and raising the speed every 10 to 12 minutes. During this treadmill time, I generally study, so I remain engaged. On days when I don’t use the treadmill, I aim to walk several miles outdoors, taking advantage of the hilly terrain on my campus. Sundays serve as my primary rest day, but I still try to complete my fitness rings and take longer walks. Just this past Sunday, I undertook a 10-mile walk that lasted around 2.5 hours, and I noticed the following day that I had discomfort in my right shin. Initially, I assumed it was shin splints and continued my usual activities throughout the week. However, by yesterday, I recognized that the pain was persistent and not improving. Upon closer examination, it seemed like it wasn’t typical shin splint pain; instead, I have localized pain the size of a quarter on the front area of my shin that is tender to the touch and during movement. Mornings tend to be slightly better, but the pain worsens at night after a day spent on my feet. Routine activities aggravate it, and when I walk, it feels akin to a hammer striking my shin. Moreover, if I walk normally and push off with my toes at the end of my stride, a sharp pain radiates up my shin. I have also noted moments where my gait has altered slightly, and I’ve started limping without realizing it, though I can correct my stride when I concentrate. The most discomfort was felt last night after I returned home to my apartment. While lying on my stomach with my legs hanging off the bed, I could still sense the pain even without any movement. Although the pain escalates with weight-bearing activities or when walking, I also experience pain if I sit down with my feet flat and then lift my leg. Driving is particularly challenging as switching between pedals causes significant discomfort. In trying to pinpoint the issue online, I found that my symptoms seemed more closely aligned with a stress fracture rather than the shin splints I initially presumed. I read concerning accounts of stress fractures evolving into full breaks and potentially leading to longer recovery times. Not wanting to prolong my downtime unnecessarily, I decided to visit urgent care today for a professional evaluation. They conducted x-rays but found no visible abnormalities. The doctor performed a few movements and suspects I might have anterior tibial tendonitis, as there was some crepitus noted. However, fears of a stress fracture still linger. This pain feels distinct from the previous Achilles tendonitis; whereas that felt like a stretching tension, this current sensation resembles a hammer striking my leg when I walk. In contrast, I experience a pulling feeling only when rotating my ankle without weight. I'm uncertain if this all articulates my situation clearly, but I am planning to attend physical therapy soon and will limit incline walking for the time being. Still, I am left wondering if my concerns about a potential stress fracture are warranted, or if this seems more characteristic of tendonitis?
Appropriate Use of Athletic Tape for Swimmers
To provide some background, I’m a 17-year-old female and currently competing in high school swimming while dealing with a knee injury. Essentially, my knee joint is unstable, and it will take several months for recovery. Both knees are affected, and I experience a constant pain level of around 7 out of 10. I've been advised to undergo physical therapy and to utilize athletic tape while swimming during my recovery, along with having to rely on knee braces for long-term support. However, the issue I face is that the tape tends to come off during school hours, and I can’t use my knee brace while I’m in the water. I’m looking for suggestions on how to better secure the tape or if I should consider wrapping it entirely around my knee. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Considering Surgery for a Ganglion Cyst: Is It Justified?
At 32 years old, I've been dealing with a ganglion cyst on my right wrist for nearly nine years, and it shows no signs of disappearing. After consulting with a hand surgeon, I was informed that the cyst is positioned quite deeply. My choices are either to tolerate it or undergo surgical excision. I'm grappling with the decision of whether the surgery is worthwhile. On one side, this condition disrupts my daily life; it leaves me with a sense of wrist weakness. I frequently experience a persistent ache that intensifies after long hours at my desk, while driving, or engaging in exercises such as planks and push-ups. I also feel discomfort from simply holding my phone for an extended period. However, I weigh these inconveniences against the potential complications of surgery, the recovery period, and the possibility of needing time off work. Moreover, there’s the risk of the cyst returning afterward, which adds to my uncertainty. I would greatly appreciate any insights or personal experiences from those who have faced a similar dilemma.
Seeking Advice on Knee Discomfort
A 27-year-old woman with no significant medical history, except for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on her right knee in 2024, is currently experiencing concerning knee issues. Following the surgical procedure, she had a smooth recovery, successfully completing physical therapy six months post-surgery and returning to her usual lifestyle. However, six weeks ago, she unexpectedly felt her knee give way while simply turning her body. Accompanied by a loud pop, she was struck by severe pain that rendered her unable to bend her knee, which felt as if it were pinched or spasming. It temporarily locked until she managed to shift it in a specific way to regain movement. After undergoing an MRI, the findings indicated that while her ACL remained intact, there were signs of degeneration, arthrofibrosis, a small buildup of fluid, mild synovitis, and a 6cm Baker's cyst in the joint. Her surgeon, displaying little concern, suggested that rest and physical therapy would be beneficial and expected her to return to her job within six weeks. However, despite reaching this point and attending six therapy sessions, her knee has not improved. Persistent swelling, stiffness, and a warm sensation remain, with her mobility hampered to the extent of requiring a knee brace and walking with a limp. She experiences a lingering feeling of instability, alongside new symptoms of grinding or popping sounds during bending or extending movements of her knee, which were not present prior to her current injury or the initial reconstruction. Additionally, she has been experiencing intermittent sharp pains while walking, further complicating her ability to move freely. She is concerned that there may be underlying conditions being overlooked, potentially leading to further deterioration of her knee. This raises several questions: Could this indicate the onset of arthritis? Is there a possibility of a meniscal issue that the MRI did not detect?