Help with shoulder (rotator cuff)

[jordansahls]

So around 5 years ago while climbing I caused some damage to my left shoulder while reaching very strenuously overhead on a small hold. I felt a pop and then a sharp nerve pain. I took NAIDS and rested. I have had issues ever since.

 

I have been to the PT and have stuck with all of your classic rotator cuff muscle strengthening exercises. While it has helped, I still have limited strength and some shoulder instability. I can't lift any weights overhead without having some pain on the following days.

 

I still have complete active range of motion, even when my shoulder flairs up, so if it is impingement it cant be all that bad. Anyway, I'm running out of ideas. Its effecting my climbing and fitness. I'm wondering if its possible to have a slight tear of the supraspinatus without having extreme pain or pain at night? Should I go see the doc and get an MRI? I'm out of ideas, anyone have any suggestions?

[jon]

Sounds like a SLAP tear. Having just had my shoulder done I would say go see a specialist. Google "SLAP tear test" and see if you can find a video. Basically if you have your arm straight in front slightly across your body with your thumb pointed up, and can push against resistance thumb up but not thumb down, it's a labrum tear.

[jordansahls]

I was thinking about that. The mechanism of injury is right, but Its hard to tell if I am getting a negative or positive O'briens test. It definitly hurts when I resist extension with my arm internally rotated and horizontaly adducted with the thumb down, but not a lot. Everything I have read on the SLAP tear seems to state that there has to be a significant reduction in pain between the two test condtitions for the test to be positive.

 

What was your expirience with the test?

Edited June 3, 2010 by jordansahls

[jon]

The injury played out for about 18 months and just got increasingly worse and was to the point were it was sore 24x7, by the time I saw a specialist it was substantial and clear with the test. Sounds like you have done your homework, so you probably already know that the surgery recovery is substantial.

[jordansahls]

5 years is a lot of time to do ones homework. Thanks for the input and info, it helps.

[andyf]

I just got diagnosed today with a significant labrum tear (not SLAP, though; it's on the top and back from what I understand) and a halfway-torn-through rotator cuff (supraspinatus). Surgery's ahead, although it may not be for a few weeks. Jon, when you're talking about "substantial recovery," what do you mean? More than the 3-4 mos mentioned by most?

 

Also, I am WAY worse after undergoing the MRI/arthrogram yesterday. I could barely move my arm AT ALL last night; only marginally better today. Anyone had that experience?

 

Guess this blows 2010.

[spotly]

Congrats on at least getting a diagnosis anyway. 5 years is a long time to be wondering what the heck the problem is. The fitness will come back - be patient (easier said than done).

[dennyt]

Jon, when you're talking about "substantial recovery," what do you mean? More than the 3-4 mos mentioned by most?

 

Also, I am WAY worse after undergoing the MRI/arthrogram yesterday. I could barely move my arm AT ALL last night; only marginally better today. Anyone had that experience?

 

Yeah the arthrogram made my shoulder feel crappy for a day or two. It gets better. I had a bankart repair and was back on easy toproping in the gym after ~12 weeks. Full strength took a while but 4 months is pretty doable with good PT's.