I suffered a shoulder separation as a result of an automobile accident. I was rear ended by a vehicle coming at high speed. I'm 63 years old but very active. Until the accident I played hard competitive tennis 2 to 3 times a week. I also lifted weights and did shoulder strengthening exercises and stretches to keep in shape for my tennis. I want to maximize the chances that I can continue these activities. So far my doctor has chosen to treat me with physical rehabilitation and ibuprofin as needed.

It has been two months since the accident. I have not yet tried to hit a tennis ball, let alone try to serve, which requires a strong throwing motion. The shoulder has gotten stronger, but I cannot do a pushup, or bench press a 20 pound weight bar withtout pain in my sholder.

If anything, the protusion form the end of my collar bone where it is supposed to meet my upper arm bone at the shoulder has got more pronounced rather than less.

My doctor has not yet ordered and mri.

Questions: should I get an mri of the shoulder? Is surgery something I should consider, and if so what type of surgical correction - screw, tape tie down, other? Should I get a second doctor to look at the shoulder? Will I ever be able to serve a tennis ball as well as I did before the accident?