Dislocated Shoulder

[Patsy33]

My husband fell off a chair while cleaning window about 5-6 weeks ago. He dislocated his shoulder and stretched, tore the ligaments. He cant raise his arm all the way up without holding on with other arm. He seen surgeon today. He's not sure if key hole surgery would be a success, as ligaments are frayed badly. H has been having physio in the meantime, and surgeon wondered if he should just continue with that. He's left it up to my husband. Any advice? Sqad?.. Or maybe some ABers have had similar? Thanks.

[Sqad]

If a surgeon questions whether an operation would be advisable, then please don't have the operation as surgeons are born optimists.
Shoulder arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) should not be taken lightly, as it is not a "stroll in the park" that other minimally invasive procedures with other joints tend to be (figuratively speaking.)

Two issues, that of pain and loss of function, both in my opinion would be a better option than surgery.

[Sqad]

should read:

"pain and loss of function, but in my opinion, physiotherapy would be a better option."

[Prudie]

Although I didn't dislocate my shoulder I had a similar injury (torn rotor-cuff?) when I put my arm out as I fell down some stairs. Was in a lot of pain for weeks (no help from diclofenic (sp?) nor TENS machine) and could hardly raise my arm at all, physio helped a little. The near miracle cure for me was a cortisone injection, massive reduction in pain within 24 hours which enabled movement to improve - however shoulder injuries are notoriously slow to heal.

[Patsy33]

Thank you sqad. He's not in pain, more of an ache. It's a bit better but still can raise arm. He's a football referee too! It's his right arm, so he had to use his left hand yo help him raise flag..lol..He can drive though, thank goodness. I think he might carry on with physiotherapy now after your advice sqad. Thank you.

[Patsy33]

Glad cortisone injection helped you Prudie. He's not in pain, more aching which he takes cocodamol. Thanks.

[Ellipsis]

He needs physio. His GP should be able to recommend some exercises.

See

https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/dislocated-shoulder/Documents/100419shoulder[1].pdf

[Patsy33]

He's had a couple of sessions of physio Ellepsis. He will have more. He can do exercises at home. Thanks for link.

[10ClarionSt]

I had a very similar injury in Feb 2017. Although not a dislocation, I had the same problems as your OH. I turned down the option of surgery, as I was told that unless you are a lot younger, it wouldn't be advisable, as it would be like stitching tissue paper. I stuck to a physio regime and also bought myself a dartboard. That was a good investment, as I'm now 95% functional and playing golf again. I don't think it will ever be 100%, but I don't have any problems now. Tell him to be patient. Follow the physio and get a dartboard. It may take another 12 months, but that's what they tell anyone with a bad shoulder injury. It's just time and physio together. Stay with it.

[10ClarionSt]

One more thing. It was a bit thoughtless of me to mention using a dartboard, as the injury might be to the "non-throwing" arm. In my case, it was my throwing arm, hence the dartboard.

[Patsy33]

Thanks Clarion. Luckily, it's his right arm/ shoulder, so not a problem. Will have to get a dartboard. Good idea! Glad you got back to where you are. You've done well..

[tamborine]

My arm was tied in a sling to rest tendons & keep shoulder in place for 2+months, after which physio began. The dull ache lasted more than a year.

Beware this injury puts pressure on good side & causes unbalance & possible further injury.

Rest & more rest for healing. Ibuprofen etc.

[Patsy33]

I'll pass on that advice. Thanks Tamborine.

[10ClarionSt]

Patsy, unlike others, I did not use any pain killers. I try very hard not to put any drugs into my body. My injury was similar to Prudies'. Not a rotator cuff, but something called a torn Supraspinatus. I was actually playing golf 6 months after I'd had the injury. The worst thing about it was that I was on holiday in Malta when I did it and had left my main bedroom half decorated when I went to Malta. I had to wait nine months before I could get back to completing it. I was offered surgery but by the time the offer came along (6 months later) I knew it was on the mend, so turned it down and just carried on with the physio, golf and darts. Simple tasks will tell how the healing is progressing, e.g. hanging clothes in the wardrobe; putting on/removing clothing etc. I would guess, from my own experience, that he should be noticing a slight improvement by now. But it will take months. Not weeks.

[Patsy33]

Very informative Clarion, thank you.
There is a slight improvement, but no lifting his arm up yet. I've passed on all this good advice. He doesnt take too many painkillers. Mostly at night, when trying to get comfortable. If only he hadn't have stood on that plastic chair!!..

[mrsgenerous1968]

I endorse the advice given by 10 ClarionSt. Our shoulders are very complex. As time goes on a chiropractor may be advantageous?
Good luck

[Patsy33]

^^^^^
Thank you.