Anyone in the medical field?

[Jack_Dawson]

I swim most days. Lately my left shoulder has been popping everytime I rotate my arm (which is a lot during swimming). I can still swim, but the popping is making me nervous, plus there's a dull pain in my left arm afterward.

Something that will clear up or something I should get looked at?

[greenman3610]

1. google

"prolotherapy"


it works

[dr.strangelove]

2. Get it looked at

I'm not an MD, but I am a medical attorney and I recently worked on a recurrent shoulder dislocation case, so I happen to remember some of this. Please understand I am NO doctor, so this is purely untrained advice. Go see a doctor no matter what.

What I learned from the shoulder expert I retained is that recurrent shoulder dislocation is common. It can usually be traced back to an initial severe dislocation. Dislocations are usually anterior (forward). However, recurrent dislocations are usually posterior or inferior (backward/downward).

The problem with repeated dislocations is they tend to increase in frequency and severity. (Remember Lethal Weapon - the Mel Gibson character's shoulder "popped out" all the time) If this is the case, surgery may be necessary. Until recently, these surgeries were "open procedures" which requires significant scarring and heal time. However, some damage may be repaired via arthroscopic (minimally invasive) procedures or thermal stabilization.

You should see an ortho surgeon or shoulder specialist. I'd call your insurance carrier first to check on the referral policy for coverage.

Good luck.

[Jack_Dawson]

5. Appt. made - thx

[onebigbadwulf]

3. Med student

sounds like the tendons of either supraspinatus or long head of biceps are getting too much friction and popping back and forth against the bursa. If you keep it up you might get a rotator cuff injury.

Chances are it's nothing and will go away if you leave it alone for a few weeks. But get it looked at just in case.

[Jack_Dawson]

4. Good advice, thanks Pre-Doc