If you are like most people, you perform many daily tasks without even thinking about them. You may brush your teeth or take a shower without giving it much thought. But what if you had to do these things with a separated shoulder? It would be much more difficult, right? Well, that is the situation that many people find themselves in after having surgery to repair a separated shoulder. In this blog post, we will provide some tips on how to perform common daily tasks with a separated shoulder.
One of the most important things to remember when you have a separated shoulder is to avoid using that arm as much as possible. So, if you normally brush your teeth with your right hand, you will need to switch to your left hand. This may seem like a difficult task at first, but it will become easier with practice. You may also want to invest in an electric toothbrush so that you can brush your teeth without using your arm too much.
Taking a shower can also be difficult with a separated shoulder. You will need to use your other arm to wash yourself and avoid getting water on the injured shoulder. It is also important to be careful when getting in and out of the shower so that you do not put too much pressure on your shoulder.
Getting dressed can also be a challenge when you have a separated shoulder. You will need to use your other arm to put on your clothes and avoid putting too much pressure on the injured shoulder. buttoning shirts and putting on socks can be difficult, so you may want to invest in some clothing that is easier to put on.
These are just a few of the things that you will need to do differently when you have a separated shoulder. It is important to listen to your doctor’s instructions and take things slowly at first. With time, you will be able to perform all of your daily tasks with a separated shoulder.
There are a few home remedies that can help ease the pain from a separated shoulder. One of the most effective remedies is to use ice. You should apply ice to the injured shoulder for 20 minutes at a time, several times per day. This will help reduce inflammation and pain.
Another home remedy that can be helpful is to take over-the-counter pain medication. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are both effective at reducing pain and inflammation. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle carefully so that you do not take too much medication.
Finally, it is important to rest your shoulder as much as possible. This means avoiding activities that put stress on the injured shoulder. You should also sleep with a pillow under your good arm to keep the injured shoulder from moving too much.
If you follow these home remedies, you should start to feel better within a few days. However, if your pain does not improve or if it gets worse, you should call your doctor. You may need to have further treatment, such as physical therapy or surgery.
There are a few things that you can do to prevent a separated shoulder. One of the most important things is to wear seat belts when riding in a car. This will help keep your body in place if you are involved in a car accident.
Another thing that you can do is to avoid contact sports. If you play football or hockey, for example, you are at a higher risk for separated shoulders. If you must play these sports, be sure to wear the proper safety gear.
Finally, it is important to warm up before participating in any physical activity. This will help reduce your risk of injury.
If you follow these tips, you can help prevent a separated shoulder. However, even if you do everything right, accidents can still happen. If you do injure your shoulder, be sure to see your doctor right away so that you can start treatment and begin the healing process.
Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com