Dislocated shoulder - how soon for physio?
Discussion
Had a bit of a freak accident on Friday and managed to dislocate my shoulder whilst washing the car. It seems it was a partial dislocation as whilst I was waiting for some help it sort of "slid" back into position (after about 15 minutes of various symptoms and some absolutely wild pins and needles)
X-rays down at the hospital showed that it the joint is sat slightly lower than the other joint, and they gave me a sling to wear until the "virtual" fracture clinic can call me to tell me what exercises to do for the shoulder. Normally this would be within 3 days but due to having the accident on a Friday of a bank holiday weekend they said I may not hear from them until this Thursday.
I've tried to wear the sling whenever walking around to hold the weight of the arm a little bit and keep it in place, but it's so restrictive that after a while I really need to take it off just to let the joint move a little as it starts to get really uncomfortable, and letting the shoulder relax a little bit helps.
I've had conflicting advice ranging from "keep it in the sling constantly until you hear from the clinic" through to "get it mobilised". I'm currently taking a middle of the road route, and just using the sling when walking anywhere, and ensuring I don't do any lifting with the arm but I am picking up cups of tea etc.
I've booked a private physio appointment for tomorrow as I would really rather see someone face to face than just have a phone call to discuss the exercises, but then a friend suggested it's probably too soon to do that anyway.
Anyone had a similar experience and can advise on the best way to proceed as not really sure what to do for the best to be honest?!
X-rays down at the hospital showed that it the joint is sat slightly lower than the other joint, and they gave me a sling to wear until the "virtual" fracture clinic can call me to tell me what exercises to do for the shoulder. Normally this would be within 3 days but due to having the accident on a Friday of a bank holiday weekend they said I may not hear from them until this Thursday.
I've tried to wear the sling whenever walking around to hold the weight of the arm a little bit and keep it in place, but it's so restrictive that after a while I really need to take it off just to let the joint move a little as it starts to get really uncomfortable, and letting the shoulder relax a little bit helps.
I've had conflicting advice ranging from "keep it in the sling constantly until you hear from the clinic" through to "get it mobilised". I'm currently taking a middle of the road route, and just using the sling when walking anywhere, and ensuring I don't do any lifting with the arm but I am picking up cups of tea etc.
I've booked a private physio appointment for tomorrow as I would really rather see someone face to face than just have a phone call to discuss the exercises, but then a friend suggested it's probably too soon to do that anyway.
Anyone had a similar experience and can advise on the best way to proceed as not really sure what to do for the best to be honest?!
Update to my own thread, the fracture clinic rang this morning which is pretty good considering I was told it could be up to Thursday before I heard from them.
They advise more X-rays needed to rule out a socket fracture, and in the meantime I'm meant to sling it 24/7 even when in bed
, she said that the only time I should take it off is when I'm sat at my desk with my arm resting on the flat surface.
Bit gutted but it certainly answers my questions on whether I can start to do anything to mobilize it yet... Also, should say I'm pleased with how the fracture clinic have dealt with it from the point they got the referral, and very pleased I've been to the hospital rather than leaving it to get better of it's own accord!
They advise more X-rays needed to rule out a socket fracture, and in the meantime I'm meant to sling it 24/7 even when in bed
, she said that the only time I should take it off is when I'm sat at my desk with my arm resting on the flat surface.Bit gutted but it certainly answers my questions on whether I can start to do anything to mobilize it yet... Also, should say I'm pleased with how the fracture clinic have dealt with it from the point they got the referral, and very pleased I've been to the hospital rather than leaving it to get better of it's own accord!
I have dislocated both shoulders (rugby and skiing) over the years.
Both surgeons advised moving them more than less (in the early stages) but not so it was very painful.
They both advised the most basic slings possible - not the ones that strap the shoulder to your chest, but the spongy ones with two loops - one around your head and the other your wrist.
The shoulders did seize up a bit from lack of mobility, and it took a lot of work (physio and home exercise) to get them working well again.
The shoulder is really complicated. There are different muscles that work together but move and slide over each other in different planes. Don't skimp.
I was physio led, but did use the below link too
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dislocated-shoulder/...
Both surgeons advised moving them more than less (in the early stages) but not so it was very painful.
They both advised the most basic slings possible - not the ones that strap the shoulder to your chest, but the spongy ones with two loops - one around your head and the other your wrist.
The shoulders did seize up a bit from lack of mobility, and it took a lot of work (physio and home exercise) to get them working well again.
The shoulder is really complicated. There are different muscles that work together but move and slide over each other in different planes. Don't skimp.
I was physio led, but did use the below link too
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dislocated-shoulder/...
How strange, because the fracture clinic here are telling me I should be sleeping(!) in my sling (and it's the type you describe with a strap around the back to pin your arm to the chest) and wearing it at all times.
I hadn't been doing that at all over the weekend, I'd just used it when walking or moving around, and the rest of the time had been mobilizing gently.
Will wait to see what the latest X-rays show I suppose and see what their advice is. My physio slot is now moved to Friday when hopefully there's a chance of them knowing what the score is.
I hadn't been doing that at all over the weekend, I'd just used it when walking or moving around, and the rest of the time had been mobilizing gently.
Will wait to see what the latest X-rays show I suppose and see what their advice is. My physio slot is now moved to Friday when hopefully there's a chance of them knowing what the score is.
I dislocated mine in a huge pushbike crash years ago, it was a very strange feeling sat on the ground immediately after and feeling it go back in by itself.
The hospital didn't even bother x-raying it, either they didn't believe me or they were pissed off after treating road rash for a few hours.
I was too battered to use it much for a week or so (always wear cycling gloves!) but fortunately there was no lasting effects.
The hospital didn't even bother x-raying it, either they didn't believe me or they were pissed off after treating road rash for a few hours.
I was too battered to use it much for a week or so (always wear cycling gloves!) but fortunately there was no lasting effects.
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