PDA

View Full Version : worried after shoulder surgery


Heathathon
03-27-2010, 04:17 AM
I had surgery on my left shoulder for a pretty bad labral tear. The surgery was done three months ago, and I just had a visit with my surgeon on the three month mark. He pushed and pulled on my shoulder and said that it seemed to be healing well. He said I could drive, open doors, and start lifting objects (such as grocery bags he said). He even said this would help to strengthen the shoulder. So, I went to open a rather heavy door at my school with my left arm, and, without really thinking, I smacked into the door with a decent amount of force to open it. This felt uncomfortable, and after I realized that I pushed the door harder than I meant to, I started worrying. I did not feel any pain after the event or even during. So, my questions are these: Is it likely that I could have damaged the labrum this way? If it did damage it, wouldn't it be more likely the part in the back of my shoulder? Could the labrum have suffered damage without me feeling pain? And would it heal again if it did tear a little bit? Thank you very much to anyone who can help.

Maria RN
03-28-2010, 09:44 PM
Sudden forceful movements are known to cause labral tear. However, it's quite difficult or even impossible to say whether pushing that heavy door has caused you shoulder problems.
Pain is a typical complaint of patient's with labral tear. Other symptoms include loss of strength, decreased range of motion, and instability of the shoulder. Although you mentioned that you did not notice any pain, I think that your shoulder has to be assessed by your doctor. A doctor's evaluation and diagnostic tests would determine whether your shoulder joints and its surrounding structures are free from injury. Good luck.