Question
hello Sharon, I wish to ask you a question regarding a shoulder injury where my rotator cuff was supposedly damaged.I had x-rays taken and the doctor said time was the best healer.I was leary at the time that the doctor I saw was not that good and here I am a year later and my arm is still out of whack. what can I do? I have good range of motion but I'm in discomfort daily. My strength is ok but could be better. I'm just confused. Any word of wisdom is appreciated. Thank-you.

Answer
Dear Warren:
Unfortunately my expertise is not in shoulder injuries.

But here's my stab at it.  If I'd ask for an MRI or CAT scan to see if something else is going on.  X-rays, unfortunately do not tell the whole story.  I also tend to think twice when doctors say time is the best healer.  I had problems with nerves in my knees and the doctors swore it would get better with time.  Two years later, I still have the same problem (residual nerve damage from extensive surgery), and now they story changed and the doctors say that if problems after surgery do not get better within 15 months, it'd probably not going to get better.

I know it's no comfort to say, but you may have to learn to  live with the discomfort.  I would get a second opinion and then ask for physical therapy in the hopes that physical therapy may get you some strength back.

Good luck to you.
Sharon