9333 Genessee Suite 350B
San Diego, CA 92121
Show Phone Number

Instant Message

500 characters remaining Average Response Time: Very Good

Office Information

Text Info to Phone

Questions & Answers

are metal plates in arm keeping my muscle from growing?

I had surgery on my left forearm and leg after a motorcycle accident in March 2015. I broke both bones in my forearm and and had metal plates and screws implants. my recovery has gone well until I started working out this month which is 7 months later from the surgery. although my right arm seems to be building muscle, there is a lot of pressure and some pain when exercising my left arm. when I feel around the incisions, there is a great lack of muscle. There is also a bulge of muscle by plate.

Anonymous Patient

Having a plate should not limiting your ability to grow muscle in general. It can slow you down a bit given the atrophy during your recovery. There is also probably some tissue restriction. Muscle and fascia and even the scar might be adheared causing some pain. I worked with several patients with this type of injury and overtime they eventually begin the game back them I worked with several patients with this type of injury and overtime they eventually begin to gain back their strength. You can continue lifting safely if everything is intact. If it continues to bother you I might have it looked at by a DPT or if you're really concerned the surgeon.

Chad Mediate

View all my answers