Finding an Ortho for Shoulder problem - JP Fitness Forums

Jeff Rage · 11-01-2006, 09:27 PM

I'm been having shoulder problems for more than a year. Making changes to training and ART didn't seem to be helping. Someone looked at my shoulder when I was up in Boston and said I may have a torn labrum, and suggested getting an MRI.

This is all new to me. (I haven't even been to a doctor in years.) Can I go to any Ortho, or should I look for someone that specializes in athletes, etc.? (I realize I may have to get a doctor's referral, though I didn't for the ART.)

Jeff Rage · 11-01-2006, 09:34 PM

As a side note, the area of my biceps tendon was really sore over the weekend. I decided to try taking NSAIDs, extra fish oil and icing that area for a few days. It is feeling much better. I'm guessing that I did have some inflammation in that area?

Keith Scott · 11-02-2006, 05:33 AM

Jeff

I forgot to get back to you about the ortho. Most insurance will require you to get a referral from your primary care physician. You have to make an appointment with that person first, and make sure they give you a referral. Demand one. Some won't so you have to ask/tell them to, its your right.

You didnt need one for ART because its not the same. You may also need to get a referral for a MRI as well. Discuss that with your primary. I know some insurance wont allow a MRI without a referral from your primary.

Jeff Rage · 11-02-2006, 08:31 AM

Thanks, Kevin!

Is that anti-inflammatories and ice are making it feel better any indication that it may not be a labrum tear? (I'm still really hoping it's not.)

bryanc · 11-02-2006, 09:20 AM

The fact that you have pain control on NSAIDS and ice does not mean that it's a "pure" inflammatory condition. NSAIDS are also analgesics--which means they are pain medications in addition to having anti-inflammatory properties.

Jeff Rage · 11-03-2006, 06:02 AM

OK, I'm dropping the pain meds now.

TrainingGirl · 11-03-2006, 06:35 AM

Jeff, I have a great Ortho and he is in Baltimore. He is the one that performed my shoulder surgery last year. He is a powerlifter as well...makes me feel better to know he understands what I'm dealing with as far as training is concerned. I'm seeing him next week actually for another problem.

Let me know if you want his name. Do you have an HMO or traditional insurance?

Jeff Rage · 11-03-2006, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrainingGirl

Let me know if you want his name. Do you have an HMO or traditional insurance?

Yeah, could you PM that to me? I have a PPO. I could always call and ask if my insurance will require a referral or not.

TrainingGirl · 11-03-2006, 07:04 AM

I have BC/BS PPO...no referall necessary. I believe most PPO's work that way but yeah, call to make sure. I'll PM you

bryanc · 11-03-2006, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Rage

OK, I'm dropping the pain meds now.

Well, if you're having uncontrollable pain, an NSAID like Advil or Motrin isn't _bad_ to take. It's just that response to an NSAID doesn't mean it's not a labrum tear.

Jeff Rage · 11-03-2006, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryanc

Well, if you're having uncontrollable pain, an NSAID like Advil or Motrin isn't _bad_ to take. It's just that response to an NSAID doesn't mean it's not a labrum tear.

Gotcha. I am curious to see how much pain returns.

I'll give the Ortho that Tracey recommended a call.

Jeff Rage · 11-03-2006, 01:40 PM

I got an appointment for the 21st (earliest date they could take me.)

Jeff Rage · 11-03-2006, 09:25 PM

OK, in the meantime should I

1. Cease training

2. Only train lower body with things like Front Squats, Deads, Lunges (things that don't stress the shoulder)

3. Train lower body (stuff from 1) and some limited upper body, things like seated rows and maybe low cable crossovers

Also, should I do any stuff like sacp depression, direct rc work, and serretes anterior work?

Keith Scott · 11-04-2006, 05:46 AM

How about you do everything like normal and just avoid anything that hurts that shoulder

Jeff Rage · 11-04-2006, 06:11 AM

OK, thanks!

Jeff Rage · 11-07-2006, 06:19 AM

I lifted last night, doing full body. POst workout, I did ice the area of my biceps tendon. So far, I don't have any pain.

TrainingGirl · 11-07-2006, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Scott

How about you do everything like normal and just avoid anything that hurts that shoulder

So simple, yet perfect advice

. It's what I had to do when I was having my issues. If you feel pain during an exercise, stop doing it.

I know it sucks having shoulder problems, but you don't want to make it worse either.

Jeff Rage · 11-08-2006, 08:41 PM

Shoulder hurt a bit this morning from me laying on it.

Lifted again tonight, hopefully it won't hurt tomorrow.

Jeff Rage · 11-21-2006, 08:28 AM

OK, just got back from the ortho. After checking me out, he does believe that I might have a tear in my labrium (SLAP). To be sure, I will be getting an MRI (with the dye.)

From the X-ray, he said I do have the Type III acromion. There was also a calcium build up, which could also contribute to my problem.

He wants me to be on Ibuprofen for the next week, wants me to get an MRI, and wants to see me in a week. He mentioned he may give me a cortisone shot.

* I could actually purchase a copy of my X-Rays - would there be any reason for me to do that?