topic Re: Shoulder pain experience? in Wellness

Shoulder pain experience?

SANNA — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 12:59:23 GMT

Has anybody dealt with (non surgically) the combo of arthritis and tendon tear, not complete, of your shoulder? Does it ever go away?

Thanks for your input.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

Dawnie — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 13:18:27 GMT

I had a frozen shoulder. Didn't realize It for one year! Went to shoulder surgeon, got an X-ray. Had 7.5 months of painful physical therapy. Doc said it takes 1/2 the time to recover as you've had it. And 50% get it in the other shoulder. This was five years ago, been fine ever since.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

AngelPuppy1 — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 13:31:04 GMT

@SANNA

I had which was supposedly a frozen shoulder, but I believe it was a tear. It was so painful and went on for so long. They never did an x-ray on me -- why -- who knows? Any how, I ended up doing weeks and weeks of very painful therapy and had to do exercises at home. It did help eventually. I also got a shot which did help some. I eventually -- after about a year - regained the majority of the mobility of my arm but I still have pain in it at times and I resort back to my exercises they gave me to do at home and put a heating pad on it and then it eases up again. The doctor me I have a lot of arthritis and joint problems. I have never totally been back to normal but I I don't believe this is the case with everyone who experiences this.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

SANNA — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 13:55:00 GMT

Thank you, ladies. I will eventually go to my Dr. And for MRI. My life is crazy busy right now, but I hate that pain.

thanks again.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

June222 — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 14:12:29 GMT

@SANNA I went through this just this year. I had an MRI of both shoulders and they found a tear in the tendon on my right shoulder... I have swelling, stiffness and lack of mobility with pain. Hard to get dressed or even put on a bra.... I have the option of surgery, but, it is a difficult surgery as far as healing and there is no guarantee of the pain going away... I use a combination of anti inflamatory herbs, chinese herbs and such. Try not to use pain killers ever. I had PT for a month... it did nothing for me as far as the shoulder pain.

I also had MRI done on my upper cervical neck area and arthritis was found in the spine C-6 abd C-7. The pain could be also caused my my upper spine. I just live with the discomfort. I have had enough surgery and do not want to have more at this point. I have had both hips and both knees replaced in the last three years. I can live with pain. Sometimes it is best not to try to fix something as you might end up with more than you bargained for.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

Lorik62 — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 15:31:49 GMT

I had frozen shoulder as well for over a year in my left shoulder. It was painful but after only about a month of physical therapy I was able to do the therapy at home and it finally went away. Unfortunately, it did go to my other shoulder but through my yoga practice it is slowly getting better.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

wagirl — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 16:13:12 GMT

I had troubles with my left shoulder and went thru a year of p/t, and shots and MRI scans. Ortho dr thought it was a tear and I decided on surgery as I couldn't even put anything with sleeves on. He got in there and found no tears but a frozen shoulder which he cleaned out. It was the most painful thing I ever did including the mastectomy for breast cancer, but I went right back to p/t and did home p/t and after I healed, I had about 95% range of motion with NO pain....... but it took prob a year to get to that point. That was almost 10years ago and still am doing fine.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

gmkb — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 17:48:25 GMT

@SANNA wrote:
Has anybody dealt with (non surgically) the combo of arthritis and tendon tear, not complete, of your shoulder? Does it ever go away?
Thanks for your input.

Yes, Sanna, I've had that very problem about 7 years. Went for surgery twice, but it was canceled, not by me, but circumstances that arose. Now I just get an injection of cortisone about once a year and have had physical therapy twice in the last 5 years.

Most of the time the shoulder feels pretty good with only minimal limitations.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

MalteseMomma — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 18:30:43 GMT

It will go away by itself but it takes a VERY long time I had a seperated shoulder..I use a product called ,"Stop Pain" and I couldn't live without it. It is a roll on and I use it everywhere and IT REALLY WORKS!!!

I think QVC may sell it .I buy it from Amazon . I had no need to take any pain meds while using it

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

sfnative — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 18:47:07 GMT

@SANNA wrote:
Has anybody dealt with (non surgically) the combo of arthritis and tendon tear, not complete, of your shoulder? Does it ever go away?
Thanks for your input.

@SANNA

Are your tears relevant to rotator cuff tears? If so, how bad are the tears? If small, they can be effectively managed through a specific exercise program, but you'll need some time with a physical therapist.

On the left, I have small tears in both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons. They don't bother me all the time, but when they do, oy vey, it's like a searing pain that just doesn't want to go away, so off I go to get my Theraband and my favorite door knob.

Arthritis is another animal altogether. A simple scope clean-out can really make a huge difference, if the arthritis is not severe. And, yes, this is a simple, albeit surgical suggestion. Severe arthritis in this most complicated of joints is a huge challenge, if you really do need surgery, but cannot tolerate it.

About 10 years ago, I developed really nasty pain in my left shoulder and it would wake me up every night 3-6 times. Finally ended up seeing a shoulder specialist who ordered an MRI. Seems that at some point, the joint where the shoulder meets the collar bone in front, really took a beating or was something I inherited. Anyway, he said that in this case, arthritis had set in badly and there was nothing to do for the sake of my sanity and loss of sleep, but to actually surgically remove that small joint and let the ends mend on their own. I'm so glad I had this procedure (Mumford Procedure), as the pain that was disrupting my sleep and causing such pain was absolutely gone. Hasn't bothered me since.

Use of NSAIDs for arthritis: Please be careful regarding use of this family of drugs, as long-term, multi-year use, can damage the kidneys. This includes simple aspirin taken several times a day.

Good luck in your quest for answers.

God Bless ~ Rebecca

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

nagrom — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 20:42:20 GMT

Sorry to hear about your shoulder pain. I have been there. I had a rotator cuff tear with severe arthritis in the shoulder joint. The MRI showed labrum tears which line the joint. The doctor went in for arthroscopic surgery but was unable to access the joint. Originally diagnosed as frozen shoulder without even an xrays. Months of pt did not help. I could not get dressed,open or close the car door or turn the steering wheel. Dressing was loose clothes that fit over my head and dress with one arm. I dealt with this pain and inability to shampoo my hair, reach dishes from the cupboard plus a whole lot of other things. Finally I found a doctor that made it better. I was too far gone for shots as my original doctor just listened to the insurance. I bit the bullet and had a complete shoulder replacement surgery. It's two years now and I feel like a kid in a candy store as I can do things. I reach the top of the door and laugh, unload the dishwasher, cook and lift pots and pans. My point is to do something to make it better. My recovery was four and a half months compared to the six years waiting for progress. Good luck.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

SANNA — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 04:44:11 GMT

@sfnative wrote:
@SANNA wrote:
Has anybody dealt with (non surgically) the combo of arthritis and tendon tear, not complete, of your shoulder? Does it ever go away?
Thanks for your input.
@SANNA

Are your tears relevant to rotator cuff tears? If so, how bad are the tears? If small, they can be effectively managed through a specific exercise program, but you'll need some time with a physical therapist.

On the left, I have small tears in both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons. They don't bother me all the time, but when they do, oy vey, it's like a searing pain that just doesn't want to go away, so off I go to get my Theraband and my favorite door knob.

Arthritis is another animal altogether. A simple scope clean-out can really make a huge difference, if the arthritis is not severe. And, yes, this is a simple, albeit surgical suggestion. Severe arthritis in this most complicated of joints is a huge challenge, if you really do need surgery, but cannot tolerate it.

About 10 years ago, I developed really nasty pain in my left shoulder and it would wake me up every night 3-6 times. Finally ended up seeing a shoulder specialist who ordered an MRI. Seems that at some point, the joint where the shoulder meets the collar bone in front, really took a beating or was something I inherited. Anyway, he said that in this case, arthritis had set in badly and there was nothing to do for the sake of my sanity and loss of sleep, but to actually surgically remove that small joint and let the ends mend on their own. I'm so glad I had this procedure (Mumford Procedure), as the pain that was disrupting my sleep and causing such pain was absolutely gone. Hasn't bothered me since.

Use of NSAIDs for arthritis: Please be careful regarding use of this family of drugs, as long-term, multi-year use, can damage the kidneys. This includes simple aspirin taken several times a day.

Good luck in your quest for answers.

God Bless ~ Rebecca

Thank you Rebecca so much ! I am going to begin my investigation and treatment after the holidays and New Year. My shoulder definitely has taken and still taking a beating.i am a former gymnast and a dental professional for 21 years. So searing pain it is. Oy vey for sure!!! Plus I fell off stairs last December and grabbed on railing during that flight. I think I traumatized it then and since my leg was hurt I did not pay any attention to my shoulder.

Have you ever heard of Prolotherapy? My DH will have it done soon, he has a similar injury , he is a tennis player. At least we have good specialists around here.

You take care of yourself. Thanks again

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

sfnative — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 05:23:30 GMT

@SANNA wrote:
@sfnative wrote:
@SANNA wrote:
Has anybody dealt with (non surgically) the combo of arthritis and tendon tear, not complete, of your shoulder? Does it ever go away?
Thanks for your input.
@SANNA

Are your tears relevant to rotator cuff tears? If so, how bad are the tears? If small, they can be effectively managed through a specific exercise program, but you'll need some time with a physical therapist.

On the left, I have small tears in both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons. They don't bother me all the time, but when they do, oy vey, it's like a searing pain that just doesn't want to go away, so off I go to get my Theraband and my favorite door knob.

Arthritis is another animal altogether. A simple scope clean-out can really make a huge difference, if the arthritis is not severe. And, yes, this is a simple, albeit surgical suggestion. Severe arthritis in this most complicated of joints is a huge challenge, if you really do need surgery, but cannot tolerate it.

About 10 years ago, I developed really nasty pain in my left shoulder and it would wake me up every night 3-6 times. Finally ended up seeing a shoulder specialist who ordered an MRI. Seems that at some point, the joint where the shoulder meets the collar bone in front, really took a beating or was something I inherited. Anyway, he said that in this case, arthritis had set in badly and there was nothing to do for the sake of my sanity and loss of sleep, but to actually surgically remove that small joint and let the ends mend on their own. I'm so glad I had this procedure (Mumford Procedure), as the pain that was disrupting my sleep and causing such pain was absolutely gone. Hasn't bothered me since.

Use of NSAIDs for arthritis: Please be careful regarding use of this family of drugs, as long-term, multi-year use, can damage the kidneys. This includes simple aspirin taken several times a day.

Good luck in your quest for answers.

God Bless ~ Rebecca
Thank you Rebecca so much ! I am going to begin my investigation and treatment after the holidays and New Year. My shoulder definitely has taken and still taking a beating.i am a former gymnast and a dental professional for 21 years. So searing pain it is. Oy vey for sure!!! Plus I fell off stairs last December and grabbed on railing during that flight. I think I traumatized it then and since my leg was hurt I did not pay any attention to my shoulder.
Have you ever heard of Prolotherapy? My DH will have it done soon, he has a similar injury , he is a tennis player. At least we have good specialists around here.

You take care of yourself. Thanks again

@SANNA

Boy, no wonder you're having shoulder pain! I hope you can receive appropriate care and treatment soon.

****

The most bothersome thing about this "therapy" is that there are NO treatment guidelines or protocols. None. For me, a big red flag would pop up. I've never been the recipient of any sort of treatment that didn't have treatment guidelines or protocols.

This "therapy" is a series of injections of a tissue irritant, which is supposed to create a physiologic reaction. It is generally used for soft tissue like ligaments, tendons, muscles, fascia, the origin/insertion of a muscle or joint capsules (such as the knee capsule) and, in some instances, a specific vertebral joint.

One should keep in mind that the injections are considered somewhat painful in nature and usually follow with swelling at the injection site for 2-3 days.

Has your husband had a second opinion and done research on the appropriateness of this therapy given his diagnosis? This sounds to me like a last-ditch treatment in lieu of physical therapy and/or surgical intervention. I'd take an in-depth look at this "therapy: without treatment guidelines or protocols. Just my opinion.

The best to you both.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

qualitygal — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 13:28:23 GMT

@Dawnie, I love that Yorkie picture. I'm a Yorkie mom too.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

SANNA — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 15:08:14 GMT

Hey sfnative, I have read a bunch of literature on prolotherapy and PRP.

Definitely not enough studies , but better than steroids and surgery.

They do not recommend it for spinal situations or any muscular problems.I will see how my DH will respond, he is eager to play his normal game. Luckily our Doctors are really good. The one who will do the procedure worked on Steelers while in Pittsburg,the main guy who usually consult my DH is former US Olympic team physician . We trust them, they are very conservative guys.

Thank you for your kind response

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

dsky — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 02:45:57 GMT

I had frozen shoulder in my right arm all last year. Didn't seek treatment and went away on it's own. I can now go to the gym and have all mobility back but man what a weird experience. Don't know why I got it, just came out of the blue with horrible pain and lack of movement, luckily I could still work as a hairdresser. My sister had it this year in both shoulders from the use of crutches after a fall. She still isn't back to normal but it hasn't been a year for her yet, as it seems like after the year is up it is much better. I did body brushing and spider on the wall exercises that helped but you have to be patient.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

Lipstickdiva — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 15:14:19 GMT

In February, I started to experience pain running down the underside of my left arm. I thought I had pulled a muscle. I could barely put my arm above my head. The pain got worse and worse and spread and eventually I couldn't lay on that side to sleep and I was getting tingling in my fingers. At first I went to my own doc then when what he was doing wasn't working, went to an orthopod.

He diagnosed me with frozen shoulder as well. He gave me a cortisone shot in my shoulder and exercises to do at home along with Celebrex. He didn't recommend therapy because he said that sometimes makes it worse. I was never 100% pain free but my range of motion came back 100% and I was released from treatment and told to continue the at home exercises.

I don't know if the cortisone has worn off or what has happened but I am in horrible pain again. The pain is down my left arm, all around my shoulder almost to my arm pit, on the top of my shoulder going up to my neck and the back of my left shoulder blade. I am also starting to get some of the same symptoms on the right side.

I made another appointment with the orthopod. He said if it wasn't frozen shoulder, he suspected it might be a neck issue. He did an x-ray of my shoulder on my first visit but said an MRI may be in order. I just hope I don't have to get another cortisone shot because that was very unpleasant!

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

dsky — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 02:13:39 GMT

Unless you have had frozen shoulder you have no idea how debilitating it is, especially because it comes out of nowhere and it's like your arm is dead, and the pain in such simple movements is so mindblowing. I wish I had some wisdom for you, I would drink more water as dehydration is sometimes part of it. Keep us posted on what I hope is a full recovery for you.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

GrailSeeker — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 06:17:53 GMT

I had a left frozen shoulder, and like others say, it took about a year to go away on its own. It was very painful, to where I could not wear a seat belt and had to step into my bra. If my son accidentally touched my arm, it was excruciating. It happened right after I went into menopause. Five years later, the same thing happened to my sister, who is 5 years younger than me, and who had just gone into menopause.

But it did begin to slowly get better. About 9 months into it, I was instinctively stretching it by holding on to the door frame and moving it forward and back. I have 100% range of motion now, no pain, and that was several years ago.

Re: Shoulder pain experience?

dsky — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 14:28:09 GMT

My frozen shoulder also started when the beginning of menopause started also.