Frozen Shoulder

[Penny_Plinker]

I started getting shoulder pain last Oct which turned into tendonitis/bursitis. It was in both shoulders, and the doctor told me to not use the shoulders so they'd have a chance to heal. I tried real hard to do what he said and the shoulders only got worse and then they became what is called "frozen shoulder." The shoulder joint creates scar tissue and sticks to the humerous bone so that you can't reach overhead or behind your back and it creates constant pain. When i found out what it was, i started using the shoulders as much as possible which is what the dr should have advised, but oh well, that's life. Doctor's don't know everything either. This condition sometimes lasts 9 months to 3 years but with working through the pain, i'm starting to recover, and i'm hoping to be able to shoot my bow next year. I'm talking about this because it is a common but little understood condition and if anyone developes similar symptoms, they can be aware before it gets too late. It sure puts a halt to "self reliance," but like i said, 6 months and i'm about over it but not everyone is as lucky.

Penny

[RangerRick]

Penny, maybe some cortozone injections would give you some relief. I've had similar problems caused by RA and the cortozone does garner some relief.

Rick

[Penny_Plinker]

Hi Rick,

I got one of those early on but it didn't help. I read for it to help frozen shoulder it is pretty tricky to hit the right spot. Thanks for the suggestion though. At this particular stage i'm trying to strengthen the shoulder capsule through lifting small dumbbells and it seems to be helping a great deal.

Penny

[RangerRick]

I'd also suggest you use a heated rice sock on it before and after your light workout.

:)

Rick

[annabella1]

when I saw the title of this I said to myself I hope she's moving it (the shoulder) I can't believe the stupid doctor told you not to move it. Oh, No! It's gonna hurt aspirin or ibuprofen for pain and swelling move it slowly lots of stretching try to reach a little further each time. A good massage therapist can help a lot. If you can lie on a firm bed and let your arm roll off the edge it will help stretch while you are in a relaxed position and that helps. Heat before and after a workout helps. Oh man I feel for you.

[dreams_in_color]

I had frozen shoulder in my early 40's and went to therapy for a while. It got to be hard to take off from my job to go so I stopped. But I replaced the therapy with swimming and what a difference that made. If you have access to a pool use it.

I am sorry you are going through this it really is painful!!

Susan

[Penny_Plinker]

Annabella, it sounds like you speak from experience. I made my best progress with something similar to letting the arm roll off the bed, except i laid on my back with arm straight out to side over edge of bed holding a light weight. The weight slowly took the arm down. It took a few tries over a couple days before the arm eventually went all the way down and touched the floor. I've regained a lot of forward abduction (reaching up high) but not internal movement such as reaching out and rotating at the same time and behind i can't reach above my belt loops.

Susan, i don't even know how you kept working at your job, must have been tough if like me you can't sleep. Glad the swimming turned out to be good therapy. Actually i can't swim, but stretching and exercising has helped. Got any ideas for sleep?

Penny

[annabella1]

Long time ago I worked for a physical therapist. That's where I learned about "frozen shoulder". It is one of the hardest things to treat. My mom also had a shoulder that would dislocate very easily and she gave herself problems by not moving it. (she was afraid it would dislocate) My brother-in-law injured his shoulder and had to have his shoulder immobile for months. He also had problems with a "frozen shoulder" I happily have not had to go through the "pleasure" of this particular problem.

[Penny_Plinker]

I DID A CHINUP TODAY!

Penny

[annabella1]

absolutely marvelous, of course I can't do a chin up and I have full use of my shoulders.