I was told i strained my left deltoid muscle, how long will it be before i can use my arm?

Question

i was holding my sons goat on her leash when she spooked and turned (she was standing beside me) and whipped my arm around to the back we are trying to leash break this goat he will be showing in 3 weeks i finally went to the er as it happened yesterday about 11 ish in the afternoon and by 11:00pm i could not take it, they gave me pain meds and a muscle relaxer but did not put my arm in a sling

Answer 1

providing you're able to keep from re-injuring it, you should start feeling better in 2 weeks.  It'll take twice as long, or longer before you're at full function.

And my advice is based on your injury truly being muscle related.  You should continue taking pain medicine the first few days no matter what.

I used to recommend to patients to take their meds at least 3 times a day.  In the AM, lunch time, and at bed time.  This way your covered all day and you keep the pain from sneaking up on you.  

It's harder to manage pain once it's on top of you....that's why many docs will encourage round-the-clock pain meds the first 48 hours.  And I totally support this theory.  Of course, this is providing you have the meds to begin with.  If all u have is tylenol and motrin, you should take these instead.  Just ensure u take them with food.

Hope u feel better!