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
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