Question
5 weeks ago, I fell and broke the back upper arm and torn the ligaments in the muscle area.  The break has never bothered me as it was a crack.  But, the muscles/ligaments seem to be the problem and are now needing therapy.  Since I do not have money for it, I need to start out with proper range of motion exercises and should I heat the area first?When should I use light weights?  Also, should I wait a few more weeks so I do not damage the area?

Answer
Dear Ellen,
I have a few questions for you.

What muscles are you talking about?  Triceps, Biceps, Deltoid?
Did you tear ligaments in the shoulder joint itself?
If so, what ligaments...do you know the names?  
Was there an AC joint injury?  SC joint injury?
Did your Dr. tell you that you had a rotator cuff injury?
Did your Dr. name any muscles that were injured?

When you talk about range of motion exercises, I assume you mean at the shoulder rather than the elbow.  Is this correct?

Please answer these questions to the best of your ability so that I can respond to you with the most specific information I can.  I will await your responses.

respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net