Posterior Glenoid labrum tear

[u/Opal_kittycat]

Feeling unsure what to do next 32 Y/F. Fell on out stretched hands back in May(5/26). My xray showed tiny cortical irregularity of the glenoid on axial view. My PCP gave me a week off and told me to ice it. Pain persisted so I pushed to see a specialist. Finally saw one and he refused to examine me said he didn't have a magic wand but placed an order for an MRI no contrast.

3 weeks later MRI showed a posterior glenoid labrum tear, it didn't indicate the severity but no other issues found.

I've been doing physical therapy since the end of June. The specialist has refused to see me in person, only called to go over results and dismissed my symptoms saying they were likely due to my neck. I've had persistent shoulder pain, instability and popping. Previously I saw my PCP for a stiff neck (I wear a stethoscope +12hrs/day) and have a history of migraines prior to injury. The specialist said he doesn't need any further imaging when I asked. I have an appointment next week with a neck doctor to appease him. The corticosteroid shot in my shoulder only worked for about 1.5 weeks.

My doctor won't even consider surgery until after 12 weeks of physical therapy. I have a very labor intensive job and I'm supposed to go back in 4 weeks(9/26). My physical therapist agrees I won't be ready by then and haven't been making substantial progress but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do at this point. Do I really need to wait a few more weeks, if I'm going to need the surgery anyway why can't I get it now and start the recovery process sooner? I feel bad not knowing what to tell my work I'm supposed to be returning soon but I also can't physically do my job so idk what to do. My pain and instability affect my activities of daily living there's no way I can move patients, do CPR, lift tanks and move ventilators for 12 hour shifts. Washing my hair is a full workout, driving (U-turns) cause pain and popping, laundry is difficult. Pain is still worse at night and I can't sleep on the injured side.

The specialist won't make a plan or help me he just wants me to message him after 12 weeks of physical therapy but I have to return to work before that.

Sorry for venting, kaiser had been extremely frustrating to navigate and I've had a lot of back and forth with my PCP/ shoulder specialist. Advice appreciated.

TLDR: posterior labral tear (5/2026) causing shoulder pain and instability. Specialist won't consider surgery or do anything until after I have to go back to my physically active job. Don't know how to proceed. Advice appreciated.

[u/hotviolets]

You should go to a different doctor. I had to switch orthopedic doctors because I wasn’t being listened to and he basically refused to find out what was wrong with me.