Torn muscle in shoulder

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi, I tore a muscle in my left shoulder just over 2 yrs ago (whilst bathing the dog and he jumped out and floored me!) It still keeps flaring up, I had physio on it , but now I'm back on tramadol, having trouble sleeping and the slightest movement hurts. I was never sent for a scan on it so don't know how badly it was torn. How long does it take for this type of injury to heal and should I ask for a scan? Thanks in advance

2

Hi

When you say you 'tore a muscle', who diagnosed this and how was it diagnosed?

Tears to muscles of the shoulder girdle do not generally heal themselves and if you are experiencing symptoms after two years, then you have likely sustained damage that should be addressed by a surgeon.

Ask your GP or physician to refer you to a shoulder specialist.

Thx, NICK

3

At first the doc said I'd badly strained it. went bk 3 wks later as still in lot of pain, physio said that I'd torn muscle a bit. Sometimes it's not bad but never been right since, always tender to move. , eg getting dressed and pushing the pram, but when doing a bit of decorating, it's set it all off again

4

Atear will NOT heal, it has to be sewn 

Now, go and jump through all the red tape hoops to get to see a consultant/

surgeon,

Good luck

5

Thank you! So I've just been fobbed off then by the docs for the last 2 yrs! I'll be making an appointment this week

6

Fobbed off - yes, I can see why you say that. GPs usually only refer to specialists when physio has been unsuccessful, as is your case. The physio can only guess at what the problem might be, as without an MRI or ultrasound scan, it's guess-work.

Beware though, shoulder surgery, especially tendon repairs have a long recovery time - usually 6-12 months - and can be quite painful. You may need to spend 6 weeks in a sling, then lots of physio afterwards. Best of luck.

7

Thanks for the help everyone! Had a phone appointment this morning with the doc, said I gotta go this afternoon n see them so I'll see what happens!

8

Docs are finally sending me for a scan,happy but nervous ☺

9

Ultrasound on 16th July, until then , tramadol and naproxen, n wow they work brilliant together, hardly any pain!

10

Yes, Naproxen is a good anti-inflammatory. Tramodol is better at night I find. Being an opiate it kind of zonks you out during the day!!

11

I'm the opposite, I tend to be a bit hyper and get agitated if I'm not keeping myself busy when taking tramadol! I only take them if I really need to as they make me feel really sick. Naproxen, I've been taking for a few yrs now for my back but was never sure bout taking together as some say they are OK and some say not to! They have eased it so much though, but still would like to know if there was any damage done by my lovely dog!