Shoulder Specialist: Questions to Ask the Doctor

A shoulder specialist can treat an injury obtained from playing sports, or an on-the-job injury. These injuries usually occur when another person or an item has damaged this area of the body. Your first instinct after the accident might be to stop the pain, and depending on the injury, it could be recommended that you do not move the area. Sometimes doctors will suggest that people place ice on the area.

When you visit your general practitioner, he or she will examine you. Depending on the extent of your injuries, he or she might recommend that you go and see a shoulder specialist. If you are referred to a shoulder specialist, you should not be fearful of seeing him or her. Your doctor probably suggested that you see the professional so that you get the best help available. The referred physician will be an expert with the associated surgeries that can help this particular body part.

The new doctor will perform his or her own diagnosis. You will probably have x-rays taken. The technician will let you know how you should move during this process. He or she might direct you to move your body in specific positions and stay very still. It is important that you do not move during the x-rays so that the doctors can clearly see the area and they can see the injury. When they give you advice on how you should proceed, you should listen to it carefully. If they suggest that you have surgery, you should ask as many questions as possible regarding the procedure. For example, you likely want to know how long the procedure will take and how it will help.

You can ask the physician the length of time that any discomfort might persist. He or she could give you medication that will help you be more comfortable until the area heals. Some people would rather take minimum quantities of medication. If that is true for you, you should ask for minimum doses and a mild medication. Be sure to ask about any side effects that you might experience from the medication. Your medication may make you sleepy or it might impact your attitude.

You should ask about any physical therapy that might be required to assist with the healing process. Physical therapy could be one of the most challenging parts of the process. Ask how long and how frequently you will need to attend sessions. The doctor might be able to give you an idea of how you will participate in the therapy, and the length of time that it might take for you to recover if you successfully attend all of the sessions. You are likely to have more favorable and faster results if you work hard during the sessions. Also ask how long you will have to wear a cast after surgery.