Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 2/28/2009

Question
Hi, I have a question concerning my arm.  I had a pretty nasty fall in a
parking lot where I slipped on a very slick substance and fell forward onto
the palms of my hands.  My Right hand fell onto my purse and a book bag
while the other hand fell on the parking lot concrete.  In the beginning it was
all about the left side of my body.  I went to the Dr. and they gave me Mobic
and pain relievers.  I was to ice the area too.  Mind you this fall happened on
12/04/08 and today is 2/28/09.  I was basically better by 1/8/09 but noticed
I had pain in my right arm.  It has only gotten worse.  I have pain from my
shoulder and down the tricep.  It is a bad pain.  It hurts whether I am using
my arm or not.  I can and always have been able to touch the back of my
hand to my shoulder blade with both hands.  I cant even get the back of my
right hand to get close to touching my back.  I also have lost some strength.  
I wanted to shampoo our carpet.  I went to push the carpet shampooer with
my right
arm and just stood there.  I could not push it forward.  Even simple things like
taking off my shirt is painful.  I am at my wits end and I am having trouble
sleeping.  I thought I could just continue the mobic and ice it like I did with
my left side.  I have been doing gentle stretching as much as possible.  
Nothing is working.  I feel silly for letting this go so long.  Do you think this
will eventually get better or should I go back to the Dr.?  

Answer
I would suggest you go back to your doctor.  You may have caused a sprain/strain to the right shoulder joint, and left untreated, could lead to a frozen shoulder.  Ice and Mobic alone will not treat it; you may need a course of physical therapy to go along with it