Shoulder Diagnosis

[Burnin' oil]

Following up on Rick Lee's thread about shoulder pain. 18 months of increasing pain. Over the last 5 months or so, the range of motion in my right shoulder decreased significantly. Any sudden movements or twisting my arm the wrong way would just about bring me to my knees with pain. I have not slept throught the night in three or four months because of the pain. No hoops, no lifting, no nothin'.

MRI - normal. Orthopod - adhesive capsulitis, i.e., frozen shoulder. Treatment is anti-inflammatories and physical therapy. If the problem doesn't correct, then the doctor suggested manipulation under anesthesia (breaking that sucker loose). The physical therapist told me (which confirmed my research) that frozen shoulder clears up over time with or without treatment and said that the manipulation procedure is not a good idea.

A friend of mine had exactly the same symptoms but had a tear. My dad had exactly the same symptoms and has an impingment. Interesting.

[Rikao4]

hope you find something..

you can only take those meds so long before damaging something else..

friend of mine does those 'break that sucker loose' manipulations..
he & many of his Pt's. really feel otherwise..
and after 18 months of pain..
5 of those doing what everyone else feels is best..
with no relief and getting worse..
I would revisit the breaker..
have them give you some ref..
folks that suffered like you..
then decide..
the longer you wait..
the more difficult it gets..

Rika

[jhynesrockmtn]

I broke my right scapula and left collarbone in a mountain bike accident 6 years ago. Didn't follow the Dr's advice on physical therapy initially after things had healed. 6 months in the pain was getting worse, couldn't sleep and couldn't throw a tennis ball 10 feet. I went back and he insisted on therapy as a first course. After 2 months of going weekly and doing the at home stuff I started seeing dramatic improvement. I do yoga now and strength training to keep it flexible and strong and have no pain at all, can throw like I used to and am stronger than before because of the work outs. I'm a big believer in PT and it's worth a shot. You have to put the work in though and it may feel worse initially. Worth a try, good luck.

[Burnin' oil]

Physical Therapy for now. I have to resist the urge to "break it loose" on my own.

[Rikao4]

? , right or lefty..

just saw your ..break it my own..

don't..my friend told me there is a reason your out..
when he does ' break' it lose, you being out and relaxed..
makes manipulation easier and really less painful..

Rika

[Burnin' oil]

Right handed and it's my right shoulder.

[Rikao4]

so the simple things are a comical / frustrating then..
eating, getting dressed and so much more...
mine was not a ortho. problem..
pinched my brachial nerve L. arm
as a lefty with a limp noodle hanging from my shoulder I feel for ya..
6 months of WTF daily..no pain..but no use of my left arm..
frustrating does not cover it..
hope you get well soon..

Rika

what it's like..
put your dominant hand in your pockett and keep it there..
go take a piss..

[Burnin' oil]

Is your problem resolved? My biggest issue is turning into a blob of jello - no pushups, no pullups, no shoulder work-outs, etc. I'm gonna change my name to Nancy and become an accountant (no offense to accountants).

[Rikao4]

yes, it's resolved..
have to be careful not to sleep on it..
in cold weather it goes somewhat numb quickly..

Rika

[Zeke]

I have have the frozen shoulder twice on the left (right handed) and once on the right. Have done 3 different therapies as well including leave it alone and let natural movement come back on its own with a little straining against the pain most days.

All three methods will work, but the downstream is what you need to consider. I will need shoulder replacement at some point on the left side. I'd say one or another of the therapies, or the injury itself, has precipitated the need for replacement.

So, not being an MD or PT, I'm going to recommend use heat, use cold, use an anti-inflammatory and use care.

[Burnin' oil]

Milt,

So you recommend no physical therapy?

[Zeke]

Well, it's your call, not mine. I was just saying to use care, or moderation, if you will, in your situation. One of my therapies was the more or less instant break loose and keep loose deal. I don't personally think much of that approach. YMMV.

[Burnin' oil]

Thanks. Advice from people that have been through it carries alot of weight.

[nostatic]

wait, I thought carrying weight made it worse?

[Jagshund]

Mon Dieu, we're falling apart around here.

[gchappel]

I would try conservative management for 4-6 weeks.
If no better- I would get an MR arthrogram- gives us a better look at the labrum and
cuff. I find PT- if done properly- can be very helpful.
Good luck.
gary

[vash]

MILT IS BACK!!

burnin..i have an impingement. sometimes i do something stupid, like lift a load into my pickup, over the bed rails..OUCH! i end up in pain. so bad sometimes i cannot reach forward to adjust my car stereo. here is what i do:

grab a 5lb weight. bend at the waist, and let the arm pendulum. just swing loosely. do 30 seconds of counter clockwise, and then 30 seconds of clockwise. my phy therapist showed me this move. it lubricates and improves circulation to the joint. it feels good, kinda "tickles" way down deep. slow pendulum motions. almost let the arm swing freely. it works.

[Tobra]

heat and cold are physical therapy, start and finish with cold

[Rick Lee]

My doctor said my problem was likely tendonitis, as all the movements he put me through caused no pain. But there are some positions where I can almost not lift a 12 oz. beer that's more than half full. I have no problem doing my lifting at the gym and I've been doing a lot of wrenching lately too. Sometimes I can't hold the door open for people. I don't know what's going on. And I'm moving into my new house this weekend, been packing and moving a lot of stuff the last few days with no problem.

[Tobra]

You can't lift a beer? Now that is serious. Whatever you do, don't try and adjust the valves on a 914. Ice for tendonitis, 15-20 minutes out of every hour you are awake.