Shoulder Pain

[jyl]

Question about a shoulder problem.

My right shoulder hurts when I raise my arm so that the upper arm goes past horizontal. If my forearm is pointed up, it hurts more. It is a sharp but small pain, like something that makes me wince when putting on a shirt. No notable injury that I know of, recently or ever. I've never done anything particularly tough on my shoulder, or anything particularly repetitive, except for lots of tennis as a teenager. This started about 4 months ago. It doesn't seem to be getting better or worse. I have normal range of motion, if I ignore the pain and keep lifting my arm. If I use my left hand to lift my right arm, there's no pain.

Ideas? Should I just ignore it, as I've been doing?

[wdfifteen]

It could be bursitis - if you're lucky. It comes and goes and as far as I know there is no cure, just pain control. It hurts like hell. Kind of a dull pain that's always there a little, but much stronger with your arm in certain positions. Lifting some weight doesn't seem to hurt any more than just lifting your arm.
Other things it could be involve surgery.

[Baz]

Try using some of those wellness patches on it. I have a Tiger Balm patch on my right knee right now.

Even though it's only temporary relief is better than taking anything orally and messing up your liver.

[rusnak]

Look up excercises related to rotator cuff injuries. You start out with no weight, then add rubber bands. One is like waving "good bye" but moving your entire arm in an arc, fully extended.

[Crowbob]

Try the 'beer can test'. Raise arm to level (horizontal) pretend you're pouring from a beer can.

Sharp, very localized pain?

If so, probable rotator cuff tear. If also weakness against resistance to downward pressure with thumb pointing down more like supraspinatus tendinitis/impingement syndrome.

Overhand smashes and repetitive serves can do it and show up years later. Rest (i.e, stop doing what hurts) and anti-inflamatories are your first defense.

Or see a doctor.

[Seabear]

Don't ignore it, it won't get better on its own. Rusnak is probably on the right path, rotator cuff. I have rehabbed both shoulders using an old book "The Seven Minute Rotator Cuff Solution". Small weights or bands, working all 4 of the rotator muscles starting very light with lots of repetitions. Within a few weeks the pain subsides, you add a bit more weight up to 7 or 8 pounds by the end of the regimen and your shoulder is back to or better than normal.

[HardDrive]

Do not ignore it. Big time. I just did 20 sessions of PT for frozen shoulder. It sucked because I had let it go.

Frozen Shoulder Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

[Noah930]

Not necessarily rotator cuff; could be biceps tendinitis or impingement syndrome.

Does it hurt when you lift your arm out in front of you or out to the side?

[bonehead]

Originally Posted by Noah930

Not necessarily rotator cuff; could be biceps tendinitis or impingement syndrome.

Does it hurt when you lift your arm out in front of you or out to the side?

Agree, not necessarily cuff, but from the sounds of it, it's most likely. Fyi, impingement syndrome is a cuff related disorder.

Important part of the differential: how old are you?

[recycled sixtie]

I would suggest seeing a physiotherapist. He/she will tell you what is wrong and then you follow the prescribed exercises.

Having said that if you see a doc first he/she will establish what is wrong and refer you to a physio.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by Noah930

Not necessarily rotator cuff;

But probably is. Please don't ask me how I know this.

I hope I'm wrong. And good luck.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by bonehead

....

Important part of the differential: how old are you?

That can't be it....his other arm doesn't hurt (and we're about the same age) !

[WPOZZZ]

My gf had a rotator cuff tear and I had frozen shoulder. Both sucked. Get it checked out ASAP.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Don't ignore it. I broke a scapula on one side and collar bone on the other several years ago. I've been through a lot of physical therapy trying to stay away from surgery. The worst was a frozen shoulder last winter. By far the most painful thing I've been through.

[sugarwood]

Is there a reason you have not gone to a doctor?

[Bugsinrugs]

Could be bone spurs. That's my problem. I will need surgery in the near future.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

Don't ignore it. I broke a scapula on one side and collar bone on the other several years ago. I've been through a lot of physical therapy trying to stay away from surgery. The worst was a frozen shoulder last winter. By far the most painful thing I've been through.

I injured my shoulder at some batting cages about 3 years ago. Ended up protecting that side...sure enough, frozen shoulder. Happy it can be solved without surgery, but was not much fun getting there.

[TheMentat]

Originally Posted by Noah930

Not necessarily rotator cuff; could be biceps tendinitis

This is exactly what I am rehabbing right now. 5 minutes with a Physiotherapist diagnosed it, but there's no way I would have figured it out on the Internet.

Go see a good PT.

[rusnak]

It could be tumor, which would mean you'd better get it cut out of your body before it spreads.

Now, see, a rotator cuff doesn't sound as bad. You're welcome.

[jyl]

Thanks. I will pay more attention to it and report back. Why haven't I seen a doctor - just didn't seem serious enough, until I recently realized that it isn't getting better . . .