Originally Posted by
CliffordK
Looking at
Wikipedia (which I'm sure you've done), they rate the separated shoulder by the number of tendons and ligaments involved, with non-surgical treatment recommended for the more mild cases, and surgical treatment for the more severe cases.
Actually seeing an orthopedic specialist might help you decide which group you fall in. I'd probably skip the family practitioner/GP, and try to directly get an orthopedic consult. Keeping in mind, of course, that surgeons look for surgical treatments.
I've never separated my shoulder, but friends have. And that's the reason I couldn't believe no one asked until now what grade separation your injury is. As I understand it, surgery is pretty much required for higher grade separations, and not recommended for others. What grade is your separation injury?
Shoulder separations are the reason I said "Thank God" when the ER doc told me I had a broken collarbone. Collarbones heal up pretty well ... often without surgery.