I think I'm having a bit of trouble with my right shoulder. I play tennis and disc golf so it undergoes a lot of high-impact sort of stress. I generally have very little pain or soreness from regular play, but certain things causes me real problems. Namely, when I do a motion where my arm is fully extended and I lift up with my shoulder (Disc golf drive up hill or 1-h backhand in tennis) I sometimes get a audible pop from the top of my shoulder. This is followed by 30 seconds of really intense pain in the top area and general weakness. Afterward, it hurts a little if I lift my arm above my head or behind my back, but only mildly so. This slight pain will be present for a few says to a week, but I quickly return to normal. There is no aching. The weird thing is the injury seems less painful or quicker healing each time (I've done this at least 5-6 times). Any advice or similar experience?



Inb4 Go to a doctor


[Edited on March 29, 2009 at 9:35 PM. Reason : .]

3/29/2009 9:34:57 PM

Quote :

"The weird thing is the injury seems less painful or quicker healing each time (I've done this at least 5-6 times)."

The obvious answer is to injure yourself as often as possible. Your recovery time will reach zero.

3/29/2009 9:36:25 PM

As awesome as that would be, I think the reason for it being easier is something is getting worn the fuck out. Or that's my layman conclusion at least...

3/29/2009 9:40:46 PM

Quote :

"Your recovery time will reach zero."

That's the limit when the number of injuries approaches infinity.

So, the best we can say is that the recovery time will approach zero, but never actually reach zero.

3/29/2009 9:55:03 PM

Quote :

"The Lounge"

3/29/2009 9:58:17 PM

holding your arm straight at your side, are you able to rotate it 360 degrees (keepin it straight) or lift it away from your body? if someone lifts your arm to a position, are you able to hold it there?

my guess is torn rotator cuff, at least your symptoms sound a lot like mine did. i ignored the doctor and refused surgery (went with pt instea) and it still pops and occasionally bothers me.

3/29/2009 10:06:21 PM

It's fine now. It just hurts when I do it and is somewhat weak afterward. Within 24 hrs its at least 80% better. Maybe I'm straining my rotator cuff or something? Can you even do that?

3/29/2009 10:20:47 PM

Go ahead and test yourself.

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000515/3079.html

Here's a good article from the American Academy of Family Physicians that I consulted when I had to do a musculoskeletal exam last week and had forgotten all the tests. Table 2 lists a bunch of tests and their corresponding diff diagnosis upon positive results. There are some diagrams on how to perform the maneuvers too. You will need to get someone to help you for some of them (provide resistance etc). If you went to a doctor this would all be part of his musculoskeletal exam to make a diagnosis - aside from a scan, but he would still do these first.

This is just an fyi thing, whether you get positive or negative results you should prolly still go see a doctor (duh).




[Edited on March 30, 2009 at 1:36 PM. Reason : to me it sounds like acromioclavicular impingement or something like that]

3/30/2009 1:32:15 PM