How can I best protect and rehabilitate my shoulder after an injury?
May 16, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Eva Ziegler
Dear Doctor,
My name is Jenny Friedendahl and I am reaching out to you because I recently suffered an injury to my shoulder and am unsure of the best way to protect and rehabilitate it. About two weeks ago, I stumbled and fell on my right shoulder. Since then, I have been experiencing severe pain and limitations in movement in that area.
I am concerned that I could worsen the injury through improper movements or overexertion. I would like to know what measures I can take to best protect my shoulder and promote a speedy recovery. Are there specific exercises or physiotherapeutic measures that I should be performing? Should I completely immobilize the shoulder or is some movement important for healing?
I am also interested in learning if there are additional measures I can take at home to support the healing process. For example, are there specific aids or home remedies that I should be using? And how long is it expected to take for my shoulder to be fully functional again?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with specific advice and recommendations to protect and rehabilitate my shoulder. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Jenny Friedendahl
Dear Jenny Friedendahl,
Thank you for your trust and inquiry regarding your shoulder injury. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing severe pain and limited mobility in this area. It is important that you properly treat the injury to ensure a quick recovery and full rehabilitation.
First and foremost, it is advisable to see a doctor to determine the exact nature of the injury and its severity. An accurate diagnosis is crucial for the proper treatment. Depending on the type of injury, specific measures may need to be taken to protect and rehabilitate the shoulder.
In general, it is important to immobilize the shoulder in the first few days after the injury to prevent further damage. However, this does not mean that the shoulder should be completely immobile. Gentle movements to maintain joint function and prevent stiffness are important. It is advisable not to overstrain the shoulder and to avoid heavy loads or abrupt movements.
Physical therapy can play an important role in rehabilitating your shoulder. A physiotherapist can show you specific exercises and techniques to restore mobility, strength, and stability to the shoulder. It is important to perform the exercises regularly and correctly to achieve optimal results.
In addition to physical therapy, there are also some measures you can take at home to support the healing process. Heat or cold therapy can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Gentle stretching exercises and self-massage techniques can also promote blood circulation and healing.
There is no exact timeline for how long it will take for your shoulder to be fully functional again, as this depends on the type of injury, your overall health, and your adherence to treatment measures. It is important to be patient and follow your doctor's and physiotherapist's instructions carefully.
I strongly recommend making an appointment with an orthopedist or physiotherapist to receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Your shoulder injury should be taken seriously and professionally treated to avoid long-term complications.
I wish you a speedy recovery and am available if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Eva Ziegler
