Shoulder stretch exercise recommendations

Hi All,

I am about 10 weeks our from a Medtronic CRT-D insertion (Jan 30 '18) and have just been released from my left arm restrictions.  While I tried to keep mobility within the restrictions, now that I can move the arm fully, I am surprised at how tight the shoulder is.  I have tried active range of motion and passive (walking my fingers up the wall and then leaning in).  When I do this, I do feel quite sore - like I am pulling a muscle (I guess I am).  I know it will be uncomfortable, but how can I know the difference between the pain of stretching to return normal function and damage that will need to heal?

Thanks,

Steve & "Sparky"

2 Comments

Slow and steady

by Gotrhythm - 2018-04-14 12:59:24

Robin's advice is excellant and she knows a lot more about shoulder injury than I do. But if you want to see if you can recover on your own try this.

The key to recovery is slow, gentle stretching, several times a day, going just a little further each day. 

Some discomfort is to be expected, but don't force yourself. For instance, walk you fingers up a wall. Mark as high as you can go without pain. Repeat three times. Tomorrow try for an inch more. If you can do an inch, go for two, but stop before intense pain. Mark that spot. Repeat three times. The next day try to go an inch more, etc.

Use warm compresses before you stretch to loosen things up. Cold compresses afterward for soreness.

As long as you do gentle, incremental stretches you are unlikely to injure yourself.

If you haven't made measurable progress in a week, seek professional help.

thanks

by stevemerrill - 2018-04-15 08:21:27

Thank you both for the comments.  I will start with the simple and seek professional help if I don't seem to be making sufficient progress.  My "release" was Thursday (it is now Sunday) and I can already feel improvement.

Another approach I might consider is accupuncture.  I fell while running a couple of years ago and rolled over my right hand - causing fractures, dislocations, and 3rd-degree sprains on the rest and my wrist.  I had surgery and pins and physical therapy.  After all of that, I still had persistent stiffness 2 years later.  A chiropractor friend of mine who does accupuncture gave me a treatment and it helped a lot.  He also has a CRT-D device and I should be sure he knows about this site.

Best wishes,

Steve

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