ptspin
by Amber Narro
I think I tore my rotary cup...
Yes, that’s right. Patients often show up to
the physicians or physical therapists stating
that they have injured their rotary cups. While
it does sound funny, the injury certainly isn’t.
And the recovery from surgery – downright
miserable.
Ponchatoula Therapy PT Joel Scherr
says that so many people jump straight
to the surgery option without giving their
shoulders a chance to heal. While he admits
doctors certainly must take that step for some
injuries, at other times, patients are ... well ...
impatient.
Any injury can take 4-6 weeks to heal,
and rotator cuffs are no exception. From
repetitive motion injuries associated with
sports motions or even age to sudden injuries
and pain brought on by bone spurs, people
are simply not patient with their bodies.
“Patients should start really considering
surgery under their doctors’ advisement or
when the pain is debilitating, or with physical
therapy, just won’t go away,” Scherr says.
“Improvement should be noticeable after
four to six weeks of continued therapy. If the
pain doesn’t get better, or worsens, it’s time to
see the doctor.”
Whether those with shoulder injuries see
their physicians or physical therapists first
(in Louisiana, patients have direct access to
physical therapists for up to a month before a
physician’s referral is required for continued
therapy; in Mississippi, there are stricter
limitations), understanding abilities is as
important as understanding limitations.
Scherr says patients should listen to
their bodies and seek advice of healthcare
professionals as soon as they know the injury
is beyond simple. Constant pain or pain that
worsens are sure signs you can’t go it alone,
but with the help of medical professionals,
surgery doesn’t have to be the only option.
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