Recovering from a shoulder dislocation (anterior), have to do 33 push-ups tomorrow, can only do 20, any ideas?

It is the last day of the police academy tomorrow and we have a PT test which requires (OOHHH NO, 33 push-ups!, lol). I had my shoulder dislocated (emergency room and hydrocodone and MRI's, long way of saying "serious"), and I've recently been released to do push-ups. Problem is, I can only do about 20 now (TERRIBLE!) and am wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to increase this number through technique or diet or some other idea. I appreciate it!

A guy I used to work with had the same exact thing: anterior dislocation during police academy and he's a cop now. Being that I've had surgery twice myself for anterior dislocations and have had to be creative both physically and mentally to pass physical exams for jobs because I don't have mobility I have a few recommendations.

You can try what others suggested but if that doesn't work you may want to try honesty. They may have a waiver where you can put off this test for 3 or 4 weeks or so. But, having had two surgeries which have knocked me out of work for 9 months and I also can't play softball anymore I would highly suggest avoiding doing anything to reinjure the shoulder as that could end up setting you back a year. But, you're an adult so the outcome is very, very good for full recovery. Obviously, if you know the person counting the pushups and they'll be very lenient on their interpretation of a push up that's the best scenario but if that's not the case and nothing else works I would just try to get some type of 4 to 6 week waiver so you can build up your strength more.

Also, if you know any cops on the force now give them a call and see if they can help you out. Be totally honest with them though. Maybe they have a buddy who works at the police academy or knows someone there who can help you out. They'll appreciate it and one day they may need a favor from you. The most important thing in all organizations (police force, Fortune 500 companies, etc.) is the Favor Bank. At the end of the day though the most important thing to help recover fully from an anterior dislocation is consistent physical therapy. I found the book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey good for motivating myself to be more consistent with PT. Also, if you ever need surgery I highly recommend going to a specialist who has a lot of experience. Also, if you ever need surgery it's been my experience that the Bankart procedure is better than the Putti Platt procedure. Best of Luck.

go to the doctors and have them tape it up. it holds your shoulder in place, and would probably make it feel a lot better! If he hasn't already have him give you some exercises to increase your flexibility, mobility, and strength. I have worked with a LAT for the past two years, and we have seen some pretty bad dislocated shoulders. Try it out and let me know how it works for you.