Rotator Cuff Injury

Noel7 · ‎03-09-2010

Hi there, I'm hoping someone might have some practical experience and advice for me.

On June 21 I suffered a rotator cuff injury to my right arm. I'm right handed. I don't know how that works, but there is pain in several areas, including the muscle area of my upper arm and the top of my spine.

It's not as bad as it started out but it sure hurts. I think "Impingement" is what the specialist said.

I have opioids to take and they can help a lot, but I restrict them to as little as possible.

Laying down to sleep is nearly impossible.

ciao_bella · ‎03-13-2010

About 5 years ago, I had a rotator cuff/impingement injury. I was also given pain medication which helped, but like you, I also restricted them as much as possible. The orthopedist also sent me for physical therapy which did help. To this day, I 'baby' that shoulder and closely watch so that I don't aggravate it by doing something I shouldn't.

Perhaps a call to the doctor and ask him to prescribe PT. I hope your injury has a quick recovery.

Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life!

Mj12 · ‎03-09-2010

Hi @Noel 7 - I am so sorry you hurt yourself. My husband has had many rotator cuff injuries, bicep tears, etc. He refused pain meds, so his orthopedist gave series of injections (didn't work), sent for many many weeks of grueling PT (didn't work), so in the end he had consecutive shoulder surgeries. I wish I had some helpful advice for you. Is your orthopedist going to try injections?

tedEbear · ‎03-22-2015

@Noel7-------So sorry about your injury. Did Dr tell you to ice it, massage it? June must be a lousy month for rotator injuries, DH took a spill on the 16th of June. He weighs in about 270 and caught bike wheel in driveway and rocky side yard. He has tried all the WONDER rubs, australian dream, Blue-EMU, ZIM'S maxi-freeze. Nothing, just massaging. Ice for 20, off for 20, ice again. Like most men, no doctor, did have an x-ray.

I hope the both of you feel better sooner, rather than later. It will take time.---------ted

Noel7 · ‎03-09-2010

@ciao_bella wrote:
About 5 years ago, I had a rotator cuff/impingement injury. I was also given pain medication which helped, but like you, I also restricted them as much as possible. The orthopedist also sent me for physical therapy which did help. To this day, I 'baby' that shoulder and closely watch so that I don't aggravate it by doing something I shouldn't.

Perhaps a call to the doctor and ask him to prescribe PT. I hope your injury has a quick recovery.

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Thank you @ciao_bella ! I was wondering if I'd have to baby that arm from now on. Better safe than sorry, I guess.

I just saw the specialist the day before yesterday and was given a lot of PT exercises which came in email this morning. Then I go in for a check to see how far I've come.

Noel7 · ‎03-09-2010

@Mj12 wrote:
@Hi @Noel 7 - I am so sorry you hurt yourself. My husband has had many rotator cuff injuries, bicep tears, etc. He refused pain meds, so his orthopedist gave series of injections (didn't work), sent for many many weeks of grueling PT (didn't work), so in the end he had consecutive shoulder surgeries. I wish I had some helpful advice for you. Is your orthopedist going to try injections?

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Hi MJ!

Wow, your DH has really suffered, I hope he finally healed. I was also offered the injection but was told I might want to start with a more conservative treatment, meaning the exercises.

The problem is I just got out of the hospital not long ago and have to be careful of ANY exercise. SMH

riley1 · ‎03-10-2010

@Noel7 - I feel your pain - I had this surgery in 2009. I was unable to take any pain meds at they all made me sick (they tried several). My Dr. recommended 2 motrin & 1 tylenol.

Are you going for therapy? That is hard, but a must in order to have full use of your arm. Make sure you do your excercises faithfully every day - not to overdo it.

Dress attire - Since I'm right-handed, I gave up on pants with buttons/zippers. I went to yoga type pants and pullover tops.

Sleep - the elusive night of sleep. I slept in the corner of the couch propped with a pillow - that's where I stayed for a couple of months.

If you need anything else, give a yell. Feel better!

riley1 · ‎03-10-2010

I meants to add, this is the worst one to recover from. And it takes quite some time to recover fully. Take it slow.

SoX · ‎03-15-2010

I've had it ... twice ... received steroid shots and physical therapy; couldn't sleep on my right side like you.

Second time around it was my left shoulder ... orthopod said it was just the act of turning over in bed that may have caused it.

Noel7 · ‎03-09-2010

@tedEbear wrote:
@Noel7-------So sorry about your injury. Did Dr tell you to ice it, massage it? June must be a lousy month for rotator injuries, DH took a spill on the 16th of June. He weighs in about 270 and caught bike wheel in driveway and rocky side yard. He has tried all the WONDER rubs, australian dream, Blue-EMU, ZIM'S maxi-freeze. Nothing, just massaging. Ice for 20, off for 20, ice again. Like most men, no doctor, did have an x-ray.
I hope the both of you feel better sooner, rather than later. It will take time.---------ted

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@tedEbear

Oh, no! So sorry it's your DH, also.

Is he able to sleep OK?