Yesterday in physical therapy, Jeremy stretched my shoulder joint vertically to about 165 degrees (out of 180).   This means I have recovered most of my range of motion since my shoulder fracture in June, but not all.  Jeremy said the last degrees are the hardest in stretching out a “frozen” shoulder, where the tough capsule surrounding the ball-and-socket joint has pulled tight to protect the joint.  Continuous stretching and muscle strengthening are key to recovering full range of motion–and I am determined to do just that.

Meanwhile, I have been enjoying getting back into sports.  Saturday I ran/walked 2.2 miles–my farthest distance since the bike accident.  I can finally support my weight on my boogie board, too!  The beach was beautiful last Sunday, and I caught a dozen waves before my shoulder got tired.

Every time I get discouraged about the seemingly slow progress on recovering the last degrees of range of motion, I have to remind myself of the progress made so far.  It’s really a miracle that I’m at this point after less than three months!  Rome wasn’t built in a day, they say.  I need to have patience with the process of healing that my body requires.  After all, that frozen shoulder capsule developed for a purpose: to protect my shoulder so that it could heal.  Now to convince the capsule that it’s okay to loosen up!

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8 Comments on Progress Report – Physical Therapy 9/8/08

  1. Anonymous says:

    I have been in therapy for a few weeks, my fx was almost 3 months ago. I have more pain now, especially in the middle of the night…did you experience this.

  2. Pauline says:

    Although it is worrying to know that the pain goes on for so long it is also reassuring that the pain I am feeling after 6 weeks is normal. I have not started physio yet although now out of sling and doing some exercises..
    It would be interesting to know Kathy how you went about getting massage as I would like to try this.

  3. Doug Pickette says:

    February 10th I managed to fall on the ice on our back garage entrance. As I began to fall I grabbed the door frame which pulled me literally into a one point left shoulder landing on a paver that was raised 5 inches above ground level. Three fractures………4 months later…..some return in mobility but wondering if full range of motion will ever return. I went to 7 or 8 rehab sessions and learned the exercises but this is a slow and painful process.

  4. janet says:

    I fractured my shoulder on 16th March 2014 (a three inch break) I was told to keep it in a sling and was taken out of a sling after seven weeks. I was given several pain killers including morphine but the pain from my shoulder to my elbow was excruciating. I have had x rays and an mri scan and they say it has healed ok but the pain in my arm is like a migraine 24-7 cant sleep. it is now 13 weeks since the break and I can only lift it 45 degrees. Is there anyone else that has had this problem because the doctors have no answers. I just want the pain to go away.

  5. angela says:

    Hi Kathy I’ve enjoyed reading about your progress with your shoulder I too shattered my shoulder in four places in Sept it is still painful when I move although x rays says bones are healed I’m 57 and a widow last year so I feel frustrated doing my house work did you feel down 3months after your break? glad your fully healed happy new year. Angela

  6. Kathy says:

    Hi, Lori. I often had massage therapy after PT sessions, and what a difference that made! Without massage therapy, my muscles seemed to fight the loosening up that PT was trying to accomplish. Even a short session of massage therapy was very helpful in reducing pain and increasing restful sleep.

    God bless you as you heal,
    Kathy

  7. lori says:

    Thank you for all this info. It’s rare to find someone who has experienced a scapula fracture and can relate. I fractured my right scapula April 16th, 2013 and am in therapy. I agree with your successes and advice, just wish I had found this out earlier! I am blessed that all I had was the broken scapula and am learning to take each baby step of success with patience which is good for a type A personality! Thanks again. It’s been nearly 3 months and I still can’t sleep more than and hour or so without help due to the pain. Was this a problem for you? The ache is sometimes a 7 or 8 especially at night where I find no way to get comfortable still even though the bone has healed and I am making great progress in PT.

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