The first two sessions of physical therapy following the healing of my shoulder fracture consisted of a variety of stretches, but the next two sessions also featured some strength training. What a welcome activity! The muscles in my left arm and back had atrophied while the shoulder was immobilized and had hardly any power of movement. Because I wasn’t allowed to lift weights yet, I had no idea how to build up these weak muscles. Here’s what the physical therapist, Jeremy Zell, had me do: Using rubber tubing, I kept my elbow at my side and rotated my arm outward away from my body, 3 sets of 10 repetitions. Next, using the rubber tubing, I kept my elbow at my side while rotating my arm inward across my body, again 3 sets of 10 repetitions. It felt so good to use these muscles again!
During the extreme stretch segment of therapy, Jeremy stretched and massaged muscles that had been spasming, so that the shoulder would continue to stretch farther and farther. He said he was pleased with my progress. I’m pleased, too! After the first four sessions (out of 12), I can already cut meat at dinner, wash dishes, and even put my earrings on all by myself! These sound like simple tasks, but not after you’ve fractured your shoulder in four places. It won’t be long before I can drive again…and go boogie boarding!
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Tags: broken bone, osteoporosis, physical therapy, Shoulder Fracture
May 8th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WEBSITE!
Congratulations on your full recovery!
I broke my shoulder in 3 places 23 days ago. I happened onto your website about three days after the accident and it has been so beneficial to me. You give me hope for a full recovery and help me overcome the negative people who are all full of doom and gloom and tell me that I will never be the same.
Thank you so much for taking time to chronicle your recovery path–you’ve given everyone who is going through the anguish of a broken shoulder much to look forward to.
May you enjoy continued excellent health!
Barbara J
May 9th, 2010 at 7:54 am
Thank you, Barbara, for your encouraging comments! What joy you’ve added to my day! Though I’m sorry to hear of your fracture, I’m glad that you are making progress and feel a sense of real hope. You know, I did so much stretching to ensure that I would regain full mobility of my broken shoulder that it is now more limber than the shoulder I didn’t break! I will keep you in my prayers for a full recovery, too.
God bless you,
Kathy