Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Posts: 1 Location: Washington, DC
Shoulder Separation And Tennis Posted: 02-03-04 10:46am
I suffered a shoulder separation as a
result of an automobile accident. I was
rear ended by a vehicle coming at high
speed. I'm 63 years old but very active.
Until the accident I played hard
competitive tennis 2 to 3 times a week.
I also lifted weights and did shoulder
strengthening exercises and stretches to
keep in shape for my tennis. I want to
maximize the chances that I can continue
these activities. So far my doctor has
chosen to treat me with physical
rehabilitation and ibuprofin as needed.
It has been two months since the accident.
I have not yet tried to hit a tennis
ball, let alone try to serve, which
requires a strong throwing motion. The
shoulder has gotten stronger, but I cannot
do a pushup, or bench press a 20 pound
weight bar withtout pain in my sholder.
If anything, the protusion form the end of
my collar bone where it is supposed to
meet my upper arm bone at the shoulder has
got more pronounced rather than less.
My doctor has not yet ordered and mri.
Questions: should I get an mri of the
shoulder? Is surgery something I should
consider, and if so what type of surgical
correction - screw, tape tie down, other?
Should I get a second doctor to look at
the shoulder? Will I ever be able to
serve a tennis ball as well as I did
before the accident?
