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Suggest Treatment For Severe Shoulder Pain After Injury

Posted on Wed, 6 Sep 2017

Question: I was bench pressing on a flat bench with heavy dumbbells. When pushing the weights up for the first repetition, my left shoulder became unstable and the weight swished down toward my chest. Much pain in my shoulder. Iced and took Motrin. I cannot lift my arm out in front of me from my side up to shoulder level can only go about 1/2 way). Shoulder does not look swollen and it is not painful to touch so appears to be in or around the joint itself. Any thoughts on the problem?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pain killers , muscle relaxants and Ice ( 5-7 days ) then MRI

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.
In my opinion you have probably strained the muscle , either pectorals or deltoids or rotator cuff.
I recommend Pain killers , muscle relaxants . Ice application and rest to shoulder for few days. After few days ( 5-7) if there is no improvement go for MRI of shoulder to assess the cause of pain. X Rays will not be of much help for muscular injuries.
Thanx for the question. Please feel free to ask any other question.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (2 hours later)

Dr. Goes, thank you for your expedited response. Regarding the pain killers and muscle relaxants, can you recommend a particular type of and also the dosage? Right now I am taking 1200 mg of Advil twice per day.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Medicines are specific to your area.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanx for the response.
I am afraid I will not be able to help in this matter since the medicines are different in different areas. Furthermore these are generally not available over the counter.
Normally I prescribe thiocolchicide in my clinic as muscle relaxant and continue with advil. You should ask your local doctor for a prescription.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Gopal (19 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. Goel.

Dr. Goel. One final question. What would be the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear vs. muscle strains that you highlighted above?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Symptoms in both would be pain and limitation of movements.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Muscle sprain and rotator cuff tear are both injuries to shoulder muscles.In both cases the symptoms would be same- pain and limitation of movements. Clinically only after examination, I might be able to be more specific but the final picture would be clear after MRI.
Thanx for the question.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D