Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 10/6/2008

Question
For the last week or so, I have been having an ache in my upper left arm when trying to raise it. Yesterday I was moving 8 single sheets of dry wall with a friend (one sheet at a time). Today, I can't lift my left arm from my side more than about 15 degrees with my palm facing down. With my palm up I can lift my arm all of the way with some discomfort, but I can do it. I suspect (but not sure) it is the way I am sleeping on my left side. I will sleep on my back and right side for a while starting tonight. It feels more like I have no strength more so than the discomfort, but don't discount the discomfort either. I am not a surgery kind of person. What should i do? and will it heal by itself?

THanks,
Gary

Answer
Hi Gary,   Thanks for the question. I would suggest if you do not see improvement within a couple of days I would get to an orthopedist that can take a look at it and if needed schedule an MRI to observe and take a close look at the soft tissue surrounding the shoulder including the rotator cuff.
Shoulders can be tricky and can be easily injured a you know by know. I would not put up with a lot of discomfort for long however as prolonging an accurate diagnosis can lead to further problems if you are not careful.

If its a case of a muscular strain only you should see some rapid improvement if its rested.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Fl.
www.totaljointfitness.com