Unfourtuntly I think I have to join the ranks of the injured shoulders. I have a couple question concerning injuries of shoulders. First, when is a sore shoulder bad enough that you should see a doctor and when is it O.K. just to take a wait and see approach? The other questions is, is there a way to know if it is a rotary cuff problem or maybe just a sore or pulled muscle.
My shoulder started bothering me a few weeks ago. I was laying on my couch with my 22 month old, when she decided it would be fun to throw herself at me. She landed on my left shoulder and I felt a sharp pain. My shoulder has not been well since. The pain can sometimes just be a little sore but if I use it the wrong way such as picking up my daughter it can hurt pretty bad. It seems O.K. when I swim freestlye but I can feel more pain doing the other strokes. I have been doing a lot more freestlye because of that.
I do have to say I am a little reluctant to go to the doctors in fear that he will say stop swimming. I have only one regular meet left this weekend and our championship next month. Then I can take a long break if I need to. Once the weather gets better I can start running more and I don't have to depend on swimming to keep me in shape and to loose wieght.
I guess I am just trying to get through this next month without having to stop swimming and without loosing all that I have worked for this season, right before championships.
Parents
Former Member
I suppose I'm biased, but I'd recommend seeing an orthopedist who specializes in sports medicine. If he can't pinpoint the problem by the physical exam, an MRI can diagnose a tear. You need to know if it's a problem that will heal with physical therapy, or if surgery is required. The sports medicine specialists are used to working with athletes and won't (or shouldn't) just tell you to stop swimming.
I suppose I'm biased, but I'd recommend seeing an orthopedist who specializes in sports medicine. If he can't pinpoint the problem by the physical exam, an MRI can diagnose a tear. You need to know if it's a problem that will heal with physical therapy, or if surgery is required. The sports medicine specialists are used to working with athletes and won't (or shouldn't) just tell you to stop swimming.