Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 7/22/2009

Question
Hello Dolan

I recently fell down some stairs and hurt my shoulder in the process. I tried to stop my fall and jerked my right arm which resulted in a sharp pain. I may have also fell on it but I'm not to sure. The first day was very painful and unable to move my arm over 90 degrees sideways. The most pain is with movements such as a shoulder shrug. After 2 days I got a bruise from the bottom of the shoulder to my lower arm that was not painful. It has been 1 week and 2 days and my arm is feeling better, with better movement but still hurts to lift over 90 degrees sideways or carrying something over 25 lbs. I went to a local clinic but the Doctor did not have any answers with out a CAT scan. What do you think I should do to recover? Can I recover on my own?

Answer
shoulder exam, shoulder injury, rotator cuff, impingement syndrome, staten island chiropractic




Hello Carlos,

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry to hear that you have hurt your shoulder.   

You went to the doctor, I assume an Xray was taken and you have no fracture. You are moving, so fracture is not likely.

Fracture is unlikely given your description.  Rotator cuff tear, tendinitis, impingement are more likely diagnoses.

Your doctor does not absolutely need a CT or MR scan.  Did your doctor examine the shoulder 'hands on'?
I would recommend a local Doctor of Chiropractic for an evaluation.  If possible a Doctor with an additional credential in sports injuries (like me- DACBSP), orthopedics, or rehabilitation.  For the different Chiropractic Doctor specialties please view:  http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf

Certain motions/ movements performed by you, with the doctor observing can elicit a proper diagnosis without sophisticated testing.  MR or CT is taken after a good physical examination to confirm the diagnosis.  Proper Diagnosis then leads to appropriate and proper treatment.

".....What do you think I should do to recover? Can I recover on my own?....."- what should you do?- see a doctor who will perform an appropriate examination and give you a diagnosis- even without sophisticated imaging.  If severe enough--- your doctor should make an easy correct diagnosis, if equivocal,- the doctor can still make an educated diagnosis and prognosis.  A CT or MR is not absolutely essential.

"....What do you think I should do to recover? Can I recover on my own?....."- given your description; I think you need a better examination, and then some proper treatment for the proper diagnosis.  I think you need treatment given your description.



Shoulder Websites that should be helpful:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSrLbzZzJU8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HULJU_ROdCI&feature=fvw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ngpwvROV4Q




I hope this information helps.

If you need further,  do not hesitate to RE-contact me here at AllExperts:
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm

Good Luck,

Dr, Victor Dolan, DC
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