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Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) can be so severe it can rob us of our quality of life. Sleeping with pain can be almost non-existent and it can cause a host of other problems.
Here are some options for managing this painful condition:
Are there other folks out there suffering from the severe pain of frozen shoulders? Feel free to share some of the remedies you find to help you get through the pain and limitations of this painful condition. Post your responses on my Pain Management message board here on WebMD. I look forward to hearing from you and getting to know you!
Related Topics:
Here are some options for managing this painful condition:
- Muscle relaxation is important because relaxation means less guarding of the muscles in that area. Less guarding and relaxed muscles decrease the release of damaging and aggravation of inflammatory chemicals in the tissues that can lead to swelling and tenderness.
- Cold compresses may also help decrease inflammation and improve comfort. At this point they are considered the gold standard of therapy/treatment for this painful condition.
- Physical therapy is important because therapists have the ability to offer a varied approach to treatment that includes ultrasound, gentle range-of-motion as well as massage and specialized exercise programs to assist you as you heal. Constant motion is important in order to maintain functionality , decrease swelling by increasing circulation to the effected areas.
- If you don't have a cold compress available, try putting uncooked rice in a sock and stick in the freezer. The result is a pliable pack that you can place across your shoulders for relaxing and comfort.
- I never forget the potential for the use of heat as some folks find heat to be more comforting than cold. And if your doctor does not disagree, then I encourage its use.
Are there other folks out there suffering from the severe pain of frozen shoulders? Feel free to share some of the remedies you find to help you get through the pain and limitations of this painful condition. Post your responses on my Pain Management message board here on WebMD. I look forward to hearing from you and getting to know you!
Related Topics:
- WebMD Video: Treating Frozen Shoulder Without Surgery
- WebMD Video: Salty Solution for Frozen Shoulder
157 Comments:
I am suffering from chronic shoulder pain. The symptoms are similar to what I have read today concerning frozen shoulder. I like the idea of the frozen rice bag. I've tried extra exersize and would say I have mixed results.
I'll keep you posted on my progress.
After almost four months of progressively worsening pain, I have finally learned from a doctor that I have frozen shoulder on both sides. While the thought of months of physical therapy and exercise doesn't thrill me, it beats yet another surgery. I'm mainly just relieved to know there's a solution, and that there's something that can be done.
I have Frzen Shoulder. It was diadnosed by an orthopedic surgeon. The only thing you can do for it is physical therapy. Not looking forward to that but at least the is a name and solution.
Mary F
i have a frozen shoulder and tried therapy and it didnt help much the pain is real bad and i am due to have surgery for it next tuesday i hope it works...i cant take the pain much longer
Chiropractic adjustments can also help a frozen shoulder. Getting motion back in the joint is key. At my San Francisco Chiropractic Center, we work on frozen shoulder on a regular basis. Cold laser and neuromuscular work help also...as does ice.
I was diagnosed with frozen shoulder several months ago. The pain is almost unbearable, especially at night. The only relief I get is from heat. Ice (or anything cold) is unthinkable! I can't even have a fan blowing on my arm without making the pain worse. So far, physical therapy and pain medication have been no help. I'll be seeing an orthopedic surgeon this week and a neurologist the following week. Hopefully between the two, I'll get some kind of relief soon. I'll post again if I do with the results.
I've had frozen shoulder for the past 6 months. After suffering with it for two months, I saw an orthopedic surgeon 4 months ago. He assigned me to a Physical Therapist and program (2 days per week, each of 2 hours duration) that lasted just over 10 weeks. The PT was great (and ended about a month ago). It prevented surgery and got me back about 90% of my range of motion (ROM) and ended about 90% of the time I feel pain. It's still not completely gone yet, though, and I still get "flare ups" in the pain every other week or so, for a few days at a time. The pain is unpredictable. Thankfully, my ROM has remained at 90+% since I finished PT a month ago. Why this final 10% of pain and limited motion lingers on is a mystery. I can't seem to be 100% rid of the condition. Perhaps others have been through this experience or frozen shoulder cycle as well. I've read where it can linger for a year or more.
I have suffered from frozen shoulder now for almost 12 months. With physical therapy and cortizone injections not helping or alleviating the pain. I am now scheduled for surgery in a month and wondering if anyone on the message board has had surgery to repair this ailment. Just wondering if the surgery was successful. Not looking forward to the surgery but hopeful it will reduce the severe pain.
As with Anonymous, I too would be very interested in reading any results or info that can be shared by someone who has gone the surgical route (for frozen shoulder).
By the way, I should have mentioned in my previous post that in addition to the intensive 2 hours/day, 2 days/week sessions with the Physical Therapist, I also was assigned "homework" exercise drills on my own that required about an other hour/day, EVERY day. These assigned exercises changed and became more demanding over a period of 10 weeks, as my ROM gradually increased and pain decreased. I'm still trying to knock out that last residual 10% of symptoms and pain level.
Hi, I had frozen shoulder back in 2002 and I was miserable. It was on my right shoulder and everyone was baffled because i am left handed. Anyhow, I suffered with it for a year, going to pt 2 and 3 times a week and then I had the shoulder manipulation. That is where they put you under and then manipulate your arm and shoulder. As soon as I woke up, I went directly to pt and kept going for another 6-8 weeks and then I was "cured" I still struggled for a few months but the pain was practically gone. I read that once you have frozen shoulder you are likely to get it again. I sure hope not.
I developed frozen shoulder following surgery. I am currently seeing a P.T. 3x a week. It is wildly painful and the progress is incredibly slow...but I will keep on plugging away. I'd like to avoid being manually manipulated under sedation...yuck!
Has anyone tried shoulder capsular extension? It's a process where saline fluid is injected in to the shoulder. Please post if you have any info on this.
I have had frozen shoulder for three months and it has been very painful. It is very hard to sleep at night. I have had eight weeks of physical therapy and it is not helping much so I am going to have a maipulation done next week. I hope it will help.
suffered wrist injury last year, had surgery in april. developed frozen shoulder within a week after surgery. finally had mri, ortho doc injected some kind of new medicine into the socket $650 the medicine is supposed to break up the inflammation so far i'm still not sleeping tried hot compress and hydrocodone with 2 glasses of wine, thats about the only way to go to sleep. thought of seeking out acupuncture. my sympathy goes out to all, no one knows the pain but for those who have the illness.
I'v been suffering with this pain for close to a year now and was just told by an ortho that my pain is caused by frozen shoulder and is worse because I am a diabetic. I tried PT, cortozone shots, I am on pain killers and naproxen it might be helping a little, not sure anymore. I waited four months to see the ortho for him to tell me if he operates on me now that I would only get worse, he gave me meds to try and told to go back in Oct, and if I'm still in the same condition that I would undergo surgery. He told me that because I was a diabetic I would probably be like this for about 2-3 years. That's not what I was going there to hear. I cancelled my vacation because I thought I was going to hear something great from this surgeon. I can't sleep, sit to long, stand to long, I work in finance so my job doesn't suffer, but typing is usually done with one hand now, I can pick-up my son, grocery shopping is a complete disaster. I don't complain to anyone about the pain people think that i'm ok but I'm really not. I really want to exercise, I used to exercise 5x's a week right now I go for 1 hour walks maybe twice a week. I'm supposed to walk in the Weekend to End Breast Walk at the end of August but I don't think I can do it.
I have been suffering for two months. I started physio and I thought that was a waste of time. I then started accupuncture and was told I should not exercise my arm. I think I am going to stop accupuncture. From what I can figure out, in time frozen shoulder will get better but exercise appears to be necessary. I will speak to my family doctor to see what he thinks. I am not happy.
I was wondering if the pain experienced from this is included in the tricep and bicep areas of the arm.
My husband has suffered with a frozen shoulder for over 1 year. He had surgery 8 weeks ago and it has gotten worse. He did not do alot of exercizes or start PT immediately following the surgery. That seems to be the key. He is going to try accupunture this week.
I am haveing a "manipulation" done tomorrow under general anestetic. Is there anyone out there that can tell me what to expect right away from this proceedure?
Diagnosed with frozen shoulder about five years ago, following a head on car accident. I have Type I Diabetes since the age of six; I am now 44. After two treatments by an external Chi-Gong practitioner which literately left me in tears. I have 95% or better range of motion with only occasional discomfort. I find regular exercise and gentle stretching necessary to maintain range and comfort.
I had surgery and manipulation for a frozen shoulder a few years ago. I do not remember having pain initially - just able to move arm in the waist area only. After surgery I was delivered a chair that required several hours a day of allowing an attached arm to move my arm through a range of exercises - it was hours of unbearable pain for 6 weeks but it worked. My other shoulder is now in the first phase with the traditional pain - I am going to try to allow it to go thru nature's cycle.
I had my manipulation last Wed under general anesthetic and went straight to therapy - I am in a lot of pain but my movement is much better. Still a long road ahead....
Don't get down. Allot about of this condition is mental. The pain is so bad it makes you lose hope - because the Dr. Can't give you anything for it, They just don't know enough about it yet. The good thing ... it's not life threatening. You won't die from it like cancer. So take heart. Go to the Dr. Get therapy. I had this 6 years ago in my left shoulder. I have it now in my right. It's terrible. Hurts all the time - more so at night. Heat works good for me (good before stretching). Also ice is good as it numbs the area a little ( good after the stretching). I took therapy last time and while it hurt it did let up after about 2 months. My motion came back as well. Just plain hurts. Throbs, dull, sharp, shooting pains into the neck and elbow, not enough circulation in the fingers from swelling. Be careful not to take too much over the counter medication as its bad for your stomach. Good luck. You will get better just start out stretching - a little at a time several times a day. Cheers.
I am on my 2nd frozen shoulder. After 18 months of PT and cortizone with no relief and worsening symptoms, I had the manipulation. 10 more weeks of painful PT and I was back to 90%
4 years later, other shoulder same thing. It's been going on over 12 months already with no real relief. I've started a new job and although the pain is bad, (and yes it extends into the tricep and bicep and up the neck as well), the sleep next to nonexistant and the range of motion severly limited, I'm tempted to just deal with it for the next year or two and let nature take it's course. This is my question:
I've read on some sights that if not treated, it does not run it's course, but becomes permanent. My first shoulder was one off the most severe cases the Dr. had seen, I'm concerned about this, does anyone have any info?
Thanks,
I have had frozen shoulder for 2 years I have had 3 surgerys pain is alittle better after 6 months its coming back all I have is pain and many medical bills.
There is a non surgical option to instantly remedy the frozen shoulder condition. It is referred to as a manipulation under anesthesia. It is basically where you are knocked out under general anesthesia and the MD cranks your arm around until the capsulitis is broken through. It sounds barbaric as the MD has several assistants hold the patient down to allow the manipulation to break through, but the recovery was lightning fast. I had my dominant right arm done this way last year and was down for only one day and of course there is no surgery or incisions involved. I am now facing the same frozen shoulder syndrome on my left arm.
I’m into my eighth month with frozen shoulder (FS). As stated previously, I had about 3 months of intensive PT that ended three months ago. I got back about 90% of my ROM but intermittent pain (1 or 2 days each week), sometimes intense, has remained a problem, especially at night. When that happens, though, I have found a technique in recent weeks that has helped A LOT with the pain. It involves liberally applying one of those gooey blue menthol gels you get at the pharmacy (over the counter) that are typically used for arthritis pain. I smear it all over my entire shoulder area and then cover the area with Kleenex tissues. Then, I take one of those small cloth “pillows” (mine’s approx. 6” x 18”) that is filled with cherry pits, or something similar, that you heat up in the microwave. (My wife bought one of these “cherry pit” pillow things at a medical store about 10 years ago -- it’s great, primarily marketed for arthritis sufferers.) I heat the cherry pits for a minute-and-a-half to two minutes in the microwave and then leave it on my shoulder for about 10 to 15 minutes, while the heat seeps into my shoulder. The cherry pits pillow is initially too hot to put directly on the Kleenex tissue or bare skin, so I always have some clothing or a towel on the shoulder. This technique is definitely not a replacement for PT or other medical treatments in the initial stage of FS but for me at least it has been invaluable in stopping intermittent intensive pain that has lingered during more recent months of my FS.
I had surgery on my right shoulder to repair the rotater cuff,on March 13,2008(because of a fall on the job on August 30, 2007) I return back to doc after 2 weeks from the surgery date, to have my stitches remove.I was given another appt to I return back in 4 weeks to receive a script from him to start PT, my appointment was reschedule by a rep at his office stating that doc had a emergency and the next available appt. with doc was 4 weeks. I had to wait 8 weeks to receive the script from doc. who preform the surgery. When I finally had the script from doc to start PT, the Rehab Doc was alarmed on the fact that I had to wait 8weeks after surgery to start pt, the rehab doc now has diagnosis me with frozen shoulder, along with the serve pain , I have now also have muscle spams. Now the the question I need to have answer is do I have a case against the doc who I had to wait 8 weeks to receive a script to start pt.
I fell on the ice in Feb. and to protect myself, I put out my arms and took the full weight on my right hand,pushing the arm into the shoulder. It did not hurt for 4 weeks.then the frozen shoulder started.I went for P.T.($500) then had to stop (no insurance).I'm going to see if accupuncture will help. Pain is now spreading into neck also. I have type 2 Diabetes and sleep apnea , so there has not been any sleep at all. I may try the salt water treatment too.
Only those with frozen shoulder know the pain with it.
Keep smiling
harvey
I was recently diagnosed with frozen shoulder, last year I received a shot for calcium deposit in the same shoulder my arm has never been right I am going to physical therapy it helps a little at night I'm still experience pain cannot get comfortable i dont know what to do for it I need some good suggestions
I just happened to find this blog today and can't tell if any of the postings are recent. Just in case they are, and there are folks checking for feedback, here goes: I'm on my third frozen shoulder. I had two bouts in my right arm in the last 15 years. The last one resolved about two and a half years ago as a result of capsular distension, also called hydroplasty. Once the joint capsule was completely frozen, a doctor in the Physical Medicine department injected 50 CCs of iced saline solution into it followed immediately that day by physical therapy. I was required to do physical therapy for the next three days in a row too. Most of my ROM came back within 3-4 weeks. The procedure is pretty painless since they numb the capsule first. I'm not at the stage of being able to get a hydroplasty yet this time. So, for the time being, I'm taking large doses of quercetin for pain (natural remedy / product name: Perque Repair Guard) and enzymes to guard against inflammation and dissolve the adhesions (natural remedy / product name: Vitalzym). I use lots of heat and ice as needed and pop the occasional Vicodin since I can't sleep most nights unless I do. As long as I can tolerate it pain-wise, I stretch and do light exercises too. At this point - and I remember last time was the same - physical therapy as a treatment all by itself is pretty useless. I remember thinking last time that I would hang myself if I ever got this again (not really, but it sounds so dramatic, doesn't it?), but of course, I'm getting through one day, actually one hour, at a time. If anyone has had the cold laser treatment and has a success story, I'd love to know. Thanks for the forum to share. God bless you!
i have been suffering with increasingly strong pains in my bicep for the past month. it seems like as time goes on, it gets worse. i dont have insurance, so i really cant afford to go to the doctor much. i went to the doctor once and they said i tore a muscle in my bicep and the pain should be gone within a week. that was 2 weeks ago and it has only gotten worse. so i have been looking online trying to find relief. does anyone have suggestions
hi,im 38 yrs old i hav fs since last 5 yrs.my husband thought it was heart problem inhereted by my father.i used aspirin bt it could do nothing,after reading this article and views i think it could be fs.wt to do?coz,i hav no time 4 treatment any body helps me or tell me the pain managment techniques.i will b tahnkful.
I just had my 8th physical therapy treatment and I do exercises there for about 45-55 minutes and tehn a phy. therapist manipulates my shoulder. Is it supposed to be so painful that it takes your breath away...to the point of making me cry out loud? I just read everyone's commnets and no one says pt is so painful...let me know...thanks..
My frozen shoulder symtoms began with pain down the arm-I couldn't hug without nearly going to the floor. It started noticeably in february and then by June I realized I had a real problem. I have been under therapy for 2-3 mos and received the xray injection 3 weeks ago-NO HELP! I go in for the manipulation this week. I am in pain always; a feeling of pinched nerves in the neck, arm, and down the shoulder blade. My optimistic attitude is totally shot and altho I try so darn hard to hold it together, i'm starting to break. i pray the manipulation helps tremendously. I have been a very active person and am now a very frustrated person. Heat used to help, now I am inflamed much of the time and am cold everywhere but the shoulder and neck area. I'm sure I can ride this out positively, but boy, I break down emotionally more than I care to and more than I visibly want to show others. Thanks for listening.
I am 52 years old and have had F.S. since March 08. I have been in physio since May. Taking tylenol 3 for pain & nsaids. I was unable to comb my hair, pull up my pants, and needed help just getting dressed. I had a cortisone shot in Aug and that really helped. I just finished physio but still have about 10% left to go. Still cant put my arm behind my back but at least my ROM has dramatically improved.
There is a NEW PROCEDURE for treating frozen shoulder. It is called Theraputic Arthrogram. It was developed at Humber River Regional Hospital Toronto. They have been working on this the last 8 years and it sure beats surgery.
They inject a needle into the shoulder joint, freeze the lining of the shoulder and under a low dose xray (fluorscopic guidance) they distend the shoulder joint with air and insert the needle where the shoulder is locked. It takes about 10-15 min.
You can go to www.hospitalnews.com and read about it in the JUNE 2008 issue. Print it out and take it to your doctor. When I told my orthopedic surgeon about this he told me it wasnt new and was not interested. But it is new. Dont let your doctor waive it off. Make them investigate it. Your paying them. It sure seems to be helping a lot of people. If anyone goes this route please post. I would have gone there myself but was already in therapy and I live on the other side of the country. My heart goes out to anyone who has this. It sure is depressing.
dj
I think I'll save my money and time. I would like to know exactly what the exercises are.The idea of natural supplements to address the symptoms is something I would like to try. I am in Va also and have been suffering most of the summer. I wonder what the correlation is to going through stress because i did nothing different to bring this on it just happened.
It is reminiscent of sciatica and it sounds as if it comes and goes in the same way.
I think I need to trust God more and learn to forgive myself.
For the anonymous poster who asks about the pain during physical therapy: the answer is "yes," stretching the joint capsule is VERY painful. I cry during most PT appointments. When I have a serious pain surge, whether in PT or when I move my arm / shoulder accidentaly, it's extremely painful, like nothing I've ever experienced; not migraines, not sciatica, not anything! Usually the pain is acute for a minute, and then throbs for another couple. I ice it immediately. Ice is the best possible pain remedy, next is a wee dram of Scotch, then if all else fails, a vicodin tablet.
I've had this miserable ailment three times. By nature I'm high energy, Type-A, up-beat, glass half-full and all that, but frozen shoulder turns me into a depressed and crying mess, if I let it. Pain works on all of differently, but for me, depression sets in very quickly with unrelenting pain. It's the only time I've ever felt anything like depression. If you're the same, TAKE THE PAIN MEDS! And, if you don't have any good ones, ask for some.
Feel free to email me directly (click on my name above) if you have any questions. Sadly, I'm very experienced on this subject.
Just wanted to thank all of you for your commets. If you don't have anyone to talk to about this it is hard to undersand.
I just pretend it doesn't bother me most of the time. But it hurts. I too don't want to do anything anymore. Just get my family by on a day to day basis.
Maybe surgery next week. PT didn't help. I think I was to worried about the cost.
Kathy
i was diagnosed with frozen shoulder in my left shoulder a couple years back. the specialist recommended 2 cortizone shots, which were very painful and made me feel like i was tripping on acid. but i have to say that they helped and my condition improved steadily over the next couple of months. eventually my shoulder returned to normal. i've spent the last year having reconstructive surgery on both feet and now my other shoulder feels just like the left one did. since i've heard very bad things about cortizone, namely that you should only have a few shots in your lifetime, i am opting with massage and PT to start off with this time. i'll post more when i see what happens.
I've had a frozen shoulder since April 08. I went through months of physical therapy with no results. My doctor agreed to do a shoulder manipulation in Sept. I went to physical therapy the next day and every day after for two weeks, then twice a week since. I've had 3 cortizone shots that haven't helped at all. I do therapy at home every day on my own. I have no relief from the pain. Does anyone know how long after the manipulation do you start to feel any better? It's been four weeks.
28 Oct 2008
Has anyone heard of having air blown into the shoulder capsule, this is apparently to check it and infuse with cortosone, my pain in my frozen shoulder is so severe i cannot attempt p theray until this procedure is done, any info would be appreciated, i cant find anything by google.
thanks
10/28/08 I started to develop "frozen" shoulder in 2/08. My MD refered me to an orthropedic doctor. Orthro doc did no testing and refered me to physical therapy. After 4 weeks of therapy and no progress, I had an MRI. MRI revealed shoulder impinged and bone spur. Saw surgeon and had surgery on 8/27/08. Started physical therapy day after surgery and surgeon also prescribed CPM machine to force arm and shoulder to move. Making progress with physical therapy but pain is unbearable. Have tried numerous pain meds but all seem to have side effects with me. Any idea how long pain will last? I have serious problems sleeping.
I have been diagnosed with frozen shoulder. I was wondering if having to much calcium intake can cause frozen shoulders. I never had a previous injury to the shoulder, and not to long ago woke up one morning with my other shoulder frozen.
I read about a procedure in a Canadian medical journal which involves distending the capsule with air and then using a needle to treat the adhesions. The whole thing is done under a low-dose x-ray so the doctor call find the adhesions. The only drawback is that this procedure - like hydroplasty - can only be done once he shoulder is completely frozen. It can't be done during the very painful freezing stage. Here's a link to the article: http://tinyurl.com/58k9yz
A week ago I had anthroscopy surgery on the shoulder. 8 weeks ago, I took a heavy fall on the shoulder and was diagnosed with Rotota Cuff Tendonitis turning into Frozen Shoulder. Went through Xrays, MRI Scan and Physio until on the 7th week my Ort/Dr said I required immediate surgery. I am a New Zealand expat in the Middle East and luckily 3 days after insurance approval the surgery was performed.
Throughout this time, it was most excruciating pain from the shoulder down through the arm to the fingers 24/7 and sleep - what I would do to get a nights sleep without pain or discomfort...
It has been a week since the operation and while under they performed a manipulation of the arm (sounds horrific) and performed surgery and cut some of the shoulder bone off as it was damaged and cleaned out a lot of blood clots, as there was a lot of adhesions inside. Well after the operation that chronic pain has gone, but have a numb achey pain going on from the elbow to the fingers. I started surgery after a days rest and have been at physio each day. After a week, I cannot get full extension in the arm and CANNOT put my arm behind the back - it is agonising and today the Dr has give me a PT who will do aggressive physio and is hoping that the arm behind the back will be in a week. Am a little frightened as the pain is so severe so am not looking forward to tomorrow.
Is there anyone who could further comment on the post op progress??? How long this could take or any advice to help me through this physio time... I am happy with the operation taking the chronic pain away but the ability to use the arm/shoulder to normal use is now the stage where I am at.
To all out there, I HEAR YOUR PAIN...
How do you know what stage you are in? How do you confirm it? How come in this day and time that modern medicine cannot help us? I have been to two doctors. No help, no pain management. Ive tried the PT. Cortizone shots. Nothing has worked. Not sure Im willing to do surgery if the doctors still cant figure this one out.
I have frozen shoulder in left shoulder for past 2 years - better but still painful. Now I believe it is in my right. The only help I have found to sleep is with a small travel pillow. I hug the pillow and it helps support my shoulders when I lay on my side.
I was injured in 2006 had surgery and ended up with frozen shoulder. Then I had Manipulation under anesthesia. Helped with movement put the pain got worse then after 2years and many physical therapy appointments and a good chiropractor. I can with stand the pain that I still have with pain reliever/inflammation meds. Watch out who does your surgery because I also ended up with neck injury to the muscle and cervical spine.
I am 68, and for the third time in my life, I again have a frozen shoulder. It was caused by trying to shove all my carry on luggage into overhead bins on an airplane trip last week. The pain got progressively worse over this past week, so I finally went to dr. He gave me exercises, said to take Advil, 400 mg., 3 times a day, plus gave me Vicodin if I needed to sleep at night. Yesterday I forced myself to do the exercises, for 30 minutes, and it was unbelievably painful....but today it is at least 50% better than yesterday! I am amazed. I truly thought I was going to have to get a cortisone injection, but now I have hope. My suggestion: don't "baby" your arm, do the exercises several times a day and force yourself to go a bit beyond your limit each time. Take the Advil with meals, so as not to irritate stomach lining. For exercise I passed a ball behind my back, over my head (as much as I was able) and extended my arms and brought them back to my chest 15 times. Force yourself to use the frozen shoulder arm as much as possible.
11-9-08. I just read all the blogs on FS. After 6 months of suffering, I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago and am having the manipulation procedure in the morning. I have been suffering with all the same symptoms, PT treatments, injections, etc. as most of the bloggers. Sounds like we all have a lot in common. I am hopeful for some great relief (can't get much worse), and will keep you all posted on the outcome.
i have fs started with being adjusted by chiro, pain so bad i am becomming a b---h sleep ha ha whats that nights are the worst starting pt this week i hope it helps some pt told me they are going to try ultra sound and electristy on my shoulder i pray this works i'll let you all know
I was the NZ Expat in the Middle East comment. Thank you to all that replied.
Well, it has now been 3 weeks since the operation and I am making little progress. The most painful now is getting or rotating the shoulder to get the hand behind the back. I think I moved an inch and the physiotherapist managed to bring tears to the eyes with certain manipulations done each session. I have a further 3 weeks PT but back to work half day but terrible concerned about my contract as this could take an unknown time.
By the way, I am 44 and very much concerned about how I will progress from this. My heart goes out to you all and thank you for replying. It is nice to have others who understand and support.
11/18/08
I am a 26 year old female whose doctor states my symptoms sounds like frozen shoulder. I have much pain as many others have stated and am finding my ROM greatly decreased. Today when at the doctor I swatted her when she moved my arm as it hurt soo bad!! I thought it would be like when you bump your elbow but from what I am seeing on the postings it does not heal like that. I start PT in a few weeks and have been started on steroids, codeine, icing. I do have several streches I am going to try. Anyone know of any good resources on strechings? I pray for you all in finding healing.
Well......I'm a 2'fer; had a frozen shoulder and arthroscopic surgery on my left shoulder 10 years ago. I made about a 95% recovery but was told that I would probably develop a frozen shoulder again. And the doctor also told me that I had to have p.t. for about 8-12 weeks after surgery, but one day I would wake up and the pain would be gone. I thought he was nuts, but it actually turned out to be true.
Earlier this summer, I injured my OTHER shoulder so I went to the doc for shots and physical therapy - but to no avail.
This shoulder problem is much worse than the original one (probably because I'm dominant right handed) - I couldn't sleep, I hurt non-stop and when I had the MRI, it showed lots of adhesions.
I opted for surgery last Tuesday and will be starting physical therapy on Monday. I have already started using the pulley's I have at home to help reduce the swelling. It's no picnic at my age (50'ish); it hurts a lot but it has to be done. And you WILL get better!
I looked up some physical therapy exercises for "frozen shoulder" on the web, I figured that I'd save some money in co-pays by doing it myself. I did these exercises without fail once a day for a few weeks with remarkable improvement in my pain and range of motion. I confess that I slacked off a little and now my pain has returned. So now I am back on the exercise wagon and hoping that the pain will again subside. I am hopeful, but at the same time I am bummed at the thought of doing these exercises for the rest of my life. Will blog another time with the results :)
I had surgery 8 weeks ago to repair my bicep tendon and remove some of my collar bone that was pushing on my rotator cuff. Pt was started 1 month after surgery...well I really have a problem now. PT has been telling me that I would have to get the manipulation if I could get it moving soon. Well the bad news came today from pt I still have very little movement and I need to have it done. I am scared. I have not been sleeping already from the pain. On top of it all the dr has not even touched me since my surgery and stopped my pain pills 2 weeks ago. I have been crying every pt appt. I am so upset and dont know what to do. This has been the worst thing I have had to deal with. I am getting very depressed now. Anyone have anything to help me throw this.
Hey all, I'm a very active 22 year-old who was just diagnosed with frozen shoulder. The pain is unbearable and I have yet to see ortho. It seems as though all suggestions lead to either manipulation or surgery. What medications is everyone taking? I'm on Tylenol with Codeine but it barely takes the edge off and I still can't sleep at night. Thanks and good luck to you all!
I have had this for almost 2yrs now.
I'm male, 47 yrs old now, WOW! was i really only 45 when this trouble started??.. It doesnt say much for the UK's National Health system, does it?
Around August 08, having had this pain since Jan 07, I saw a rhuematologist expert who diagnosed Tendonitis.
I then went to see a surgeon to solve this, it was in Oct 08 when i was told i had been mis-diagnosed and indeed had Frozen Shoulder.
I should have been given Physio so much earlier, now the pain is so severe i have to undergo a "procedure" to blast air into the shoulder capsule and then some type of freezing agent, in order it will relieve my pain so that i can attend physio to try and solve this 2yr long pain.
I have been taking Diclofenac anti inflammatory pills for almost 20 months now, and have in the last 3 weeks been given, Co-codamol x8 daily, dihydrocodeine x4 daily..... after a two week trial i found the mixture to be somewhat effectivem, but it limited my normal daily work, i slept a lot during the day... also, i did not get relief at the most crucial time (night time).
A different doctor, some two weeks later, altered my medication to, my normal 3 x Diclofenac, staying with the 8x daily co-codamol but withdrawing the dihydrocodeine for one 10mg of amitriptyline nightly.
Now, some may worry that amitriptyline is for treatment of depression, but my doctor suggested, that in a small 10mg per night dosage , would act as a sedative and, hopefully give me some night time relief.
Whilst i still awake to a lot of pain, the amitriptyline is at least giving me a number of hours of interrupted sleep, for this i am truly thankful.
After two years of this, i was about to crack.........
With some decent sleep i can cope with the rest, the codeine keeps the pain at bay for the best part of the day at least, and the new meds are helping me night time.
Meanwhile, i just have to slog it out and hope, early next year, I will have this procedure, and physio will at least solve the pain issue, even if it means i have limited range..
Give me limited range and freedom from pain any day!
Good luck all, feel free to mail me @ hill_st_blues@hotmail.com if you find any of this useful, or if you want to share your thoughts or experiences with this condition...
ty
Col
I have been suffering from frozon shoulder since 7/08. I too was misdiagnosed. I had a cortizone shot which made me feel weird, but did nothing for the pain and the inability to move my left arm (I'm right hand). My husband dressed me for work each morning and had to help me undress after work each day. The pain was unbearable. I have been going to pt since 8/08. I have found that if you sleep with a pillow under you arm and bring it level with your shoulder, it reducees the pain somewhat. I have more ROM than I did when I started, but my pt wanted me to see an orth. I still have limited ROM, can barely touch the top of my head. I go to pt 2-3 times a week for 45-55 min. I am scheduled for manipulation in Feb 09. I have taken hydrocoden, oxycodene and the arm still hurts. I understand everyones pain and I still have hope that this next treatment will work.For those suffering, continue with the pt, don't hope for immediate results, be realistic, but keep with the hard painful work. As you work the shoulder, the pain does subside (does not completely go away). I'll keep you posted on the progress.
I had surgery over a year ago to partially replace my shoulder due to arthritis. it was bone on bone but the frozen shoulder pain I have is 10x worse than the previous pain. And the range of motion that I had is gone. I do not recommend shoulder surgery for anyone. Had a hip replaced 7 years ago and it's great but the shoulder is shot.
I was diagnosed with frozen shoulder about 2 months ago (after suffering night and day for 6 months). After several physicians, including pain management and orthos diagnosed me with a torn rotator cuff I finally got the correct diagnosis from another ortho. The PT is done twice a week and the improvement has been nothing short of a miracle. My ROM has improved so much and I can now lift my arms above my head and behind my back. It is a very, very painful problem, and I would advise PT prior to any surgery or forced manipulation to "unlock" the joints. Prior to my PT I couldn't even take a cup down from a shelf or wash my own hair.
NZ Expat in Middle East here... After I posted a note in Nov, it is amazing to see how many almost similar experiences there are out there. I hope you are all doing well.
Unfortunately, after the operation 7 weeks ago, I don't feel much better and some days feel worse. I have been compliant with 6 days p/wk with PT and 2 and half hours of exercises and 40 minutes of currents, and I still cannot fully get the arm stretch in the air or move my arm behind my back. PT is sometimes excruciating when the therapist moves or stretches my arm bringing plenty of tears - it is so painful. Still little sleep, and am mentally exhausted.
Stressed as my work is now in jeopardy but I am back at work half days but feel terrible but deal with it. I now have terrible aching pain in the arm pit, along with the continuous pain on the upper arm and behind the shoulder blade or back side of the arm pit. I still cannot straighten my arm without pain or bend it without pain, doc reckons its all tied to the elbow and the wrist is just exhausted from the exercises.
I am no medication, not aloud, as doc did not want me reliant on any meds so dealing with everything as best can. There is talk of further manipulation, but from what I hear it just makes more adhesions, so continuing my PT and forcing myself to mentally get through this.
Take care everyone
Teresa
sorry if this sounds depressing...
NZ Expat in Middle East again...
Now adding on, a few days ago I pulled a back muscle so now add this to my shoulder/arm problem. The Doc gave me a muscle relaxant called Muscadol and a few days down and my swelling in my arm has gone down substantially and I feel so much better - not as tense and tight. Not sure if it was the little relief provided but can't think of anything else that I had done different and must be that.
Now, I was recommended by friends a homeopathic remedy - tablets and gel which you can get in the UK. Am going to try this out, I hear realy positive relief things about this, so worth a go thats for sure. Its called Arnica. Any comments on the product, has anyone used it? I have a friend bringing it to me from the UK and will keep you posted how and if it works even with the slightest relief of pain...
Take care everyone...
I out 5 am 52 years old. About 5 years ago, my shoulders froze up on me. It took a while to happen. It became unbarable hardly able to get dressed or even reach up to comb my hair. I went to an Orthpod and he started with cortozone shots. That was horrible and didn't help at all. I went into a surgery which is called manipulation under anesthesia. The Doctor "manipulated my shoulders" and shattered the adhesions. He said that "it would be something that I could not endure while I was awake. When I came to I was shaking uncontrolably from the pain. I procedeed home with a regimine of heat, ice and stretching. I have almost full range of motion now but still on ocassion get flare ups where my shoulder burn like heck. I take a pain pill and it goes away immediatley. I really believe that it was due to stress that exhacerbated it. Now, when I am stressed, my shoulders burn real deep. Good Luck!!
I am 51 years old and 2 years ago had a frozen (non dominant) left shoulder. After suffering a lot of pain and sleepless nights I had the procedure called 'manipulation under anesthesia.' It made an enormous difference. Following the procedure painless daily exercises helped restore complete range of motion for my arm. Unfortunately I was just diagnosed with a frozen right shoulder, given a cortisone shot and advised to go for physical therapy. If the 'manipulation' procedure is offered as an option I wouldn't hesitate to undergo it again. Frozen shoulders can last as long as 18 months and the manipulation can greatly shorten this time.
I had a labral repair to my left shoulder in July, 2008. Soon after that I developed a frozen shoulder-very painful with both the labral repair & frozen shoulder. I went for endless hours of P.T. with no results. I finally had a arthroscopic capsular release done on January 5th, 2009. Wow, I was expecting it to be very painful afterwards, but it wasn't. I have gained almost all my motion back & am working on gaining all motion & strength with the left arm. I have a continuous passive motion machine that moves my arm in my house for 6 weeks. I go to therapy 2x/week, but also I do home therapy about 3 hours/day because I want full motion. I am so happy I had this procedure done-I was extremely apprehensive about it after going thru the previous surgery with extreme pain, but this was awesome!! I would recommend this to anyone. The key is to start motion immediately after surgery.
I am going to pt for rotator cuff tendonitis and now the doctor has also diagnosed bicep tendonitis. He now ordered that I have ultra sound treatments on my biceps. Problem - since the ultra sound treatments have started the pain has become worse. Exercises that I have been doing and finally doing without pain, I can no longer do pain free. Anyone please have any explanations.
ddk 2/9/09
I suffer from the same problem. I will wake up in t he middle of the night with my shoulders in pain. I use ibuprofen for most aches and pains but it has no affect on the shoulder pain. I try using ice packs but the are small an hard to keep on the area. I stretch the shoulders buy raising my arms above my head and crossing my hands and pushing against my hands. If I forget to do this over a period of a couple of days it comes back. I will try the iced rice, I think that is a good idea.
It was helpful to read others' experience, thanks. Here's mine: I "twinged" my shoulder reaching over the front seat carelessly to lift a heavy computer bag I needed to get into - this seemed to start the problem. Within a month I noticed that certain ordinary motions would seem to catch something near the tip of my shoulder with instant 10 level pain. You know the feeling, I'm sure. I went in to the orthopedist, who checked my ROM which was pretty good, almost normal, ordered an Xray, and found a bone spur. He injected me with cortisone and said come back in a month. Well, the cortisone did NOTHING for the sensitivity - I continued to twang it at least daily, usually while drying my back or reaching for something. Back to the doctor, who gave a second cortisone injection. This time, the joint area felt immediately "full." It was like the cortisone took up all the remaining room in the joint, and I lost more ROM and still twanged it often. Steadily for about six weeks, I lost ROM and the entire joint got more painful. I went in again and the Doctor scheduled me for manipulation under anaesthesia followed immediately by sub-acromial decompression surgery. This went well, and he proudly showed me the pictures he took, showing how much room I had now in the joint.
OK, PT was to begin within a week. I went in, hopefull that this was all going to be resolved very soon, only to find that the surgical site (where the spur was removed) was still extremely painful, and would not allow me to re-acquire the ROM. I got a little of it back, but the PT seems to want to have it all back NOW. So Tuesday, he really wrenched on me, pulling me up off the bed in spasms, and I went home with ice packs and had to skip my home exercises (standard stuff and I made a pulley) for the next two days. I felt he had set me back two weeks.
So, now it's been nearly a month since the surgery, and I went to see the surgeon today and he said, "your shoulder has frozen, I want to schedule you for a manipulation under gas." I managed to convince him to give me one more cortisone shot, as my perception is this pain is mostly residual from the surgical site. Still, I'm sitting here right now, very pain free at the moment, but I don't have the ROM back, even with the shot and the Vicodin I took. Bottom line: I'm starting to question these doctors. Reading here, I wonder if I let them manipulate me that it will actually make things worse, and, now that I've had the surgery to correct the bone spur, I should just tough out the loss of ROM and stiffness and let the FS heal itself over time. From what I've read in other forums, FS is actually a self-healing condition 99 per cent of the time, and most of the expensive treatments do little that the passage of time wouldn't do. I'd be interested to hear from any of you who are in similar positions as I am. Right now, my mental state is pretty anarchic, I'm pretty fed up with PTs and MDs, and thinking I'll forego the manipulation as well as the PT, and just self treat this with exercises and some TLC of my poor shoulder.
It is better than before surgery, and I CAN sleep pretty much through the night, for which I'm grateful.
My heart goes out to those of you who are suffering from this condition. My god, why is our medicine so unable to craft solutions that work for individuals? It seems everyone has a slightly different progression and path back to "normal." They want to treat everything as "one size fits all." I felt like telling my surgeon today, "well, when all you have is a hammer, I guess everything looks like a nail."
A bit fed up here, thanks, needed to vent.
Re:ddk's post..In april 08 after rigorous overhead pruning (thick branchs and not the sharpest pruning shears) I noticed that it was difficult reaching back behind me....sharp pain at certain angles. By june 08 it hadn't improved and a trip to the free hospital physio diagnosed me w/ tendonitis (they didn't actually say which tendon.) I couldn't lift my arm above 90 degrees sideways ( abduction) w/out feeling the very sharp pain in my shoulder and extending down my arm.They gave me strengthening excercises which i never did cos I went to pick strawberries for 3 mnths. When i got back i realised that i couldn't raise my arm straight above my head which got me worried enough to pay for a private physio who said it was subacromial bursitis and gave me stretching and isometric excercises. Until then the pain had only been in the deltoid region (on the side of the shoulder)..w/ the stretchs the pain stared to extend to the front of my shoulder and ultrasound showed that my bicipital tendon was swollen...nothing else..bursa fine. Gave up on the physio(seemed a matter of ego that her misdiagnosis be right)..went to a Sydney shoulder specialist who diagnosed frozen shoulder. I told him about my experience w/ the physio and the pain spreading to the biceps tendon and he shrugged it off saying that it would have happened anyway...as if it were a course that the development of frozen shoulder takes. So maybe that is what's happened w/ you. Getting a correct diagnosis is hard...a friend of mine seemed to have similar symptoms, but the chiropractor she sees diagnosed her w/ supraspinatus. With my shoulder specialist's diagnosis, I went to the local hospital(cheap) for the suggested physio excercises and they wanted to do their own diagnosis again and came up w/ supraspinatus. (on leaving the specialist's office, i had remarked that my supasinatus-diagnosed friend's symptoms were similar to mine and he said that the symptoms do overlap, but that i definitely have frozen shoulder)...tho' i've got to say, i'm not in as much agony as the people here..just a nagging dull ache that you wish would go away that extends up the neck, down the arm, into the shoulder blade. I get to sleep about 6-7 hours when 8 used to be normal and the pain does become excruciating if i make the wrong move suddenly. Still I'm reluctant to subject myself to rigorous physio..I'm starting more w/ strengthening rather than stretching ..the specialist said to avoid any thing above discomfort. He reckons i'm at the end of the frozen stage but i think my ROM is continuing to decrease.(as one poster already stated, i can barely touch the top of my head.) Anyway, I like to be told to avoid sharp pain...it's hard trying to understand the line between pain that is okay and pain that is bad. I read just recently on a shoulder site that when doing stretchs or strengthening, one should feel tension not pain...it is all very confusing. It's my first and hopefully last FS(i've actually been reading on FS sites that it's not usual to get it more than once and especially to have both shoulders affected at once...but from this blog site that's not the reality.) It's been 10 mnths now since my first awareness that something was wrong...no idea what lays ahead, but if it's still like this in 2 mnths I'd try cortisone injections. And if no improvement in 4-5 mnths , I'd consider the treatment where they inject the shoulder area w/ cortisone and saline solution to distend and break the adhesions. Who woulda thought?!!
14 feb 09
re: NZ expat in middle east and arnica...
I'm using it currently in a topical lotion called "anti-inflamme" and it's made in NZ..very soothing and smells sweetly of peppermint. Also contains extracts of hypericum (st johns wort)and calendula..and some parabens, unfortunately.
That and some homeopathic arnica tablets which did give relief from that bruised, raw feeling in the muscles and shoulder joint..though the label indicates not to take them on an ongoing basis...maybe they lose their effectiveness.
I also tried a homemade comfrey leaf massage oil and was disappointed when that had no effect.
Heat, the topical cream and general activity (getting the blood circulating and a form of mental distraction)are my ways of coping w/ the pain ..which doesn't seem as bad as the others here(touch wood!)
I've seen sites which sell the wrap-around shoulder sleeves which can be hot or cold.
Some of you sound as if you've been through the mill and back! I am a physical therapist and certified hand therapist with experience in frozen shoulder treatment. I have a special affinity for these patients as I was one myself and know how painful it can be.
The first most important thing you can do for yourself is educate yourself on the condition. Don't rely on one source, but begin to gather information and start to see what is sticking or cropping up frequently regarding any particular aspect of frozen shoulder. Unfortunately there are some marketers out there that will simply regurgitate information. I do recommend certain products but only because I have reviewed them
There are so many things that I see wrong with some of these treatment courses. A manipulation should be the last course of action, period. Therapy should only be approached with a skilled clinician specializing in this condition. There are ones out there. And believe it or not, there are ways to gain motion in your shoulder without "cranking and yanking". This drill sergeant mentality is unfortunately common in the PT profession with stiff joints. Yes, there are sometimes windows of opportunity to gain motion back, but cranking unforgivingly on the arm is not one of them. You can mobilize a
joint without irritating the cuff or surrounding structures. Skilled PTs know
this.
Feb 25, 2009
I had rotator cuff surgery 6 weeks ago. Went to doctor last week and he thinks I may have frozen shoulder, go back in 2 weeks. I started PT 2 days after surgery, had it laproscopically. I'm miserable. Pain shooting down the front and back of my bicep, and PT is soooo painful even with 2 pain meds before I go. When I lay down or even sitting back relaxed, when I go to get up, my joint in my shoulder makes me scream. I'm an upbeat person, trying to make the best of this. How long will I be in misery? I have home exercises for the rotator cuff and PT 3X a week...but both are excrutiating.
I'm praying my shoulder soon gives and starts to move better, don't want more surgery.
For the individual who said they had to stop PT due to not having insurance, I do all of my exercises at home. I only go to the PT once a week to have ROM checked.
Therefore, I suggest that you continue on with PT on your own at home, since you already learned what you needed to do while you were actively in PT.
I am a little perplexed at doing 10 exercises 5 times each, 3 times daily.
By the time I do the heat, exercise and do the ice, it takes an hour. Therefore, to complete this daily process is a 3 hour ordeal.
I want a life other than PT. I can't get anything accomplished, since this is taking up all my time.
If I have to leave the house and do things, then I am up until the wee hours of the morning to complete my required PT for the day.
What do people do whom work? They obviously can't invest 3 hours a day doing this.
What is everyone else experience regarding time spent doing PT at home daily?
For me, it's not the pain that gets to me, it's the fact that I can't sleep due to the pain! In addition, I can only lie in one position without inflaming the shoulders. This is almost impossible to do. I notice if the shoulder is even slightly touched, the pain will be worse, and the arm will be stiffer the next day.
Anyone know of any good resources on strechings? I pray for you all in finding healing.
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Everyone's ROM is different. Therefore, everyone needs a specific exercise program designed for just themselves. I would suggest you see a PT to at least be evaluated and learn what exercises are proper for you. Then you can do it all at home, and eliminate seeing the PT.
However, I would recommend that you do see the PT from time to time to monitor your progress, as your exercise regimen may change over time.
For those of you whom have had a hard time getting a diagnosis, I would suggest you try your primary MD, who will then recommend you to a orthopedic specialist.
Although, I am sure others can diagnosis adhesive capulitis, I would trust an orthopedic specialist more.
I remember thinking last time that I would hang myself if I ever got this again (not really, but it sounds so dramatic, doesn't it?),
+++++++++++
I think we have all been there at one time or another, figuratively speaking of course! I know exactly how you feel!
Give me limited range and freedom from pain any day!
_____________
Exactly!
I had surgery for my left shoulder five weeks ago. I had a bone spur, a small tear on my tendon and also a frozen shoulder. I went to an orthopedic surgeon. Before surgery I could only place my left arm across my chest with my fingertips just to my right armpit and that's with pain. However now I can place my left arm across my chest passing my right arm, about 6 inches further.
The orthopedic use the lazier to breakup the scarred tissue (I believed that's what he said). I had what physical therapy called, aggressive physical therapy, the day after the surgery. Three days in a row a week. The physical therapy was brutal. The therapist said I have regained 98% range-of-motion (ROM). I usually don't like the word, surgery, but I'm so glad I had and life is so much better. I definitely believed my physical therapist in Daly City surely knows what-the-heck she's doing. Not looking forward to physical therapy, for some of you, is not looking forward to a life with fulfillment, but that's my opinion. I'm still going to physical therapy but twice a week now. Also, I do do my physical therapy homework as the therapist recommended. My therapist also said I had progressed very, very well.
Best Wishes to all of you guys.
I am hoping someone will be able to tell me what is happening with me. I have unbearable pain from armpit to left elbow. It's also dull, but if i sneeze or more the wrong way it becomes shooting pain that has me on the verge of tears daily. I have been taking Vicodin for 4 months and it no longer helps. I'm at a lost but can't stand the suffering any longer.
March 4, 2009--Feeling better in daily said: Also, I do do my physical therapy homework as the therapist recommended. My therapist also said I had progressed very, very well.
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How many exercises, how many sets, and how many times daily are you doing them?
As I said, I am doing 10. They have to be done at least 5 times each PER session. I have to hold them for 20-30 seconds. I have to do this 3 times a day.
Heating first, then exercise, then icing takes 3 hours a day! This is all I live and breathe all day long. It's ridiculous! I can't get anything else done if it takes any considerable amount of time. Not too mention, I can't be in the house 24/7.
It's way too much, especially mentally.
I am hoping someone will be able to tell me what is happening with me. I have unbearable pain from armpit to left elbow. It's also dull, but if i sneeze or more the wrong way it becomes shooting pain that has me on the verge of tears daily. I have been taking Vicodin for 4 months and it no longer helps. I'm at a lost but can't stand the suffering any longer.
Mar 4, 2009 12:21:00 PM
+++++++++
I assume you have been to a doctor since you are on pain killers?
I don't know anyone who has gotten ANY relief from taking pain killer who has frozen shoulder. They sure don't do anything for me.
I think all of us have had a melt down at one point with this. However, now I just don't think about it long term and take it day by day.
The best thing to do is to sleep on your back with a low pillow. This is very difficult for me, especially since I have sleep apnea. The throbbing keeps me awake the majority of the night. If I lay any other way, I will get to a point where the pain is so bad, I can no longer lay down and have to get up.
In addition, I can no longer relax in bed and watch tv, because of the pain. Laying down in the worst thing for it, at least for me.
Try to hang in there. That is all I can say. There is no magic answer or cure, unfortunately.
Don Plotner said...
I suffer from the same problem. I will wake up in t he middle of the night with my shoulders in pain. I use ibuprofen for most aches and pains but it has no affect on the shoulder pain. I try using ice packs but the are small an hard to keep on the area. I stretch the shoulders buy raising my arms above my head and crossing my hands and pushing against my hands. If I forget to do this over a period of a couple of days it comes back. I will try the iced rice, I think that is a good idea.
Feb 11, 2009 6:10:00 PM
_____________
My PT showed me the proper way to do ice. First of all, it has to be crushed ice. You take a plastic bag, not the zip lock type, more the grocery store type, especially the kind you put your vegetables in from the store when you buy select them and bag them up.
You put a little bit of water in the bag. You then take the bag and tie it tightly to where the ice is. You, then take it and put it on your shoulder. It will span out over the shoulder and slight to the sides.
Leave it on for 10 minutes. I have read you can leave it on as long as 20. However, my PT told me 10 minutes. Sometimes, I will push it to 12 minutes but that's it.
03/05/2009 Physical therapy is helping very little. Even if I could get rid of the pain, when the arm moves, it only moves to a point and it's like it will not go another inch. I started PT 2 days after my rotator cuff surgery, did the pendelum, and passive movement, but from that first week, I knew there was a problem. I would rather give birth again than go through the excrutiating pain of this. I'm doing all kinds of therapy at home too....try to get it in on my lunch hour at work too...but sooo painful. I go back to the orthopedic surgeon next week and he will tell me if it is frozen shoulder and the plan of attack.. I'm 7 weeks out from rotator cuff surgery which was the worse tear..massive, full thickness.
2 years ago when I was still lifting weights for maintenance purposes I noticed a sharp pain in my left bicep while doing an arm curl.It felt like a pinch. The pain gradually got worse to where I had to stop working out. Within 6 months it had gotten to the point where the pain was keeping me up at night. I went to my Chiropractor and he used a procedure called the Grasston Technique. It worked. He used this process on me twice a month. He was able to manage my pain & I had full ROM. I had to go out of town for 2 months & after the 3rd week of not getting his treatments I could not sleep at night due to the excruciating pain. It was constant day & especially night . I didn't sleep the whole 2 months. By the time I had gotten back to see my Chiropractor not only did I have about a 10% range of motion but the pain was only getting worse. I went to my MD & over the coarse of 2 months I had 2 cortizone shots which enabled my Chiropractor to use the Grasston Technique on my shoulder w/o having any discomfort. I also do the rehab exercises that he showed me how to do once a day & they don't take all together more than 15 minutes. The Grasston Techniqe may take up to a year to nip it in the bud but you wont have to go the unsuccessful route that many have posted on this column.
I am so saddened to hear of so many people suffering the same pain and frustration I have for the last 10 months. I fell at work and fractured my shoulder in several places which then led to frozen shoulder. I have had 7 months of painful PT and the DR. is recommending shoulder manipulation. The last couple of months my range of motion has improved and I am in less pain. Could anyone who has had the manipulation give me some feedback on what to expect. I am afraid it will make it worse and quite frankly don't know if I can handle more pain. Good luck to all of you who have this. It is a long, painful process.
I had a capsular release for adhesive capsulitis approx. 2 months ago and I have full range of motion. I am so happy I had this procedure done-much more humane than just a manipulation.
You had the release 2 months ago? Did you get ROM immediately? How long was it painful? I'm so ready to use my arm again, so frustrated and tired of the pain.
RB here:
Speaking of Ice ... My doc taught me a good method for icing my shoulder. Take a large bottle of Palmolive Dish Soap and pour it into a gallon Zip-Lock bag then freeze it. When you pull it out of the freezer, put the bag in an old pillow case and "mold" it around your shoulder.
Speaking of sleep... I found that laying on my back with my head in a slightly elevated position and putting a pillow under my affected arm (to keep my arm/shoulder in line with my body) seemed to give me the most pain relief.
Good Luck!
I'm going in tomorrow for a MRI. My shoulder has been hurting for about 5 months. Did therapy, did not help ROM. From reading all the blogs, sounds like a big problem for everyone. Will wait to hear what the Dr.says. Sure don't want surgery, and it sounds like I shouldn't do manipulation. Looks like keep exercising it and live with yet another pain situation.
To the 22 year old get yourself a hot water bottle and place it on the shoulder that will help should help soon.
Update from my Feb. 12 post:
Well, I still have frozen shoulder following the decompression surgery, but the pain is better, but ROM is only about 95 degrees vertical, and other motions similarly restricted. I fired the first PT team and hired a more progressively-oriented group, where I've had electro-stim, and iontophoresis patch, which definitely has helped the pain "hot spots," and am now taking a hiatus for a couple of weeks to accomplish some business travel and see how it does. I've read so many articles from official sources that all say this is primarily a waiting game, and it heals by itself in a year or so. Yet my orthopedist still wants to gas me and yank on it. I'm leaning strongly to putting up with the loss of ROM for at least a few more months, as the pain, at least, is much more controllable. I can drive with both hands, carry groceries in, shampoo with both hands, and put a pull-over on without contorting myself like Houdini now.
My fear is the pain os going to return, but it hasn't yet. Maybe the ion patches are helping, I've had three.
Worst thing is my other shoulder is beginning to show symptoms of impingement pain, just like the first one did. I'm being very careful not to overload it, and also doing exercises the new PT gave for it to avoid FS, but it remains a point of anxiety. I don't know what I'd do with two FSs.
Heart goes out to all who are suffering with this. The only good thing is it does in fact appear to be self-limiting, and maybe those who suffer the most are those who the doctors are trying rush the recovery the most for.
One other thing, I haven't seen anything about this here, but I'm posting on another thread about the correlation people seem to notice between joint and muscle problems and the use of statins to treat cholereremia. Just a thought, but I didn't have any problems with FS as well as some other odd maladies until I started on Lipitor. The body needs some cholesterol for a number of purposes, and I just wonder, that's all.
Take care, folks.
3/20/09
I had a sore shoulder and protected it until it froze. The pain was bad and I had sleepless nights. After 3 mos I saw an Orthapaedic surgeon. It took them 3 more months to finally get me to surgery on 3/04/09. I was sent home to do therapy on my own. I went online and found exercizes and called the surgeon's office to see if they were safe to do at that point post surgery. I have done them for 2 weeks now. I can dress myself and reach my eyebrows. I can lift my arm out to the side about 40 degrees. I take muscle relaxers and still some Percocet. I take Motrin for imflamation and use moist heat for relief. I do some of my exercizes in the shower because the heat helps me get through them. I do the pulley over the shower rod 5 minutes, the pendulum 20x side and in front of me, climb the wall 5x holding 10 seconds each, lift bad arm using good arm x 20 and started holding broom behind me and pushing it back from my body x 10. I do these 4x day. I start formal therapy next week. I have talked with several people who had good results with surgery ( mine was arthrascopic under general anastesia). I still have pain, more of a soreness, and I still sleep with lots of pillows. I have found my infant-size pillow to prop my bad arm has been priceless. I somethimes hold it between my arm and side to support my shoulder. I finally can sleep on my good side some if I prop myself behind and tuck my infant pillow under my armpit. I hope to be through rehab in another month. The day after my surgery, I wished I hadn't done it, but I'm hopeful for good ROM and a pain free night again. Best to you.
Well, I've been doing PT for 3 weeks now. I see the PT once a week and do the exercises (PT)at home everyday, 3 times a day.
I'm getting more movement. I still can't move my hand/arm behind my back or anywhere near my back at all.
My PT says that is slow and takes a long time. So, I figure if I can get it to move by itself in 6 months or so, I'll probably be par for the course.
Although, I am regaining most of my upper movement, it still doesn't get rid of the pain at night or let me sleep. However, I've learned some things when sleeping. First is you can't have any contact with your shoulder. You can't even learn towards it, even thought you aren't making contact. A low pillow is best. I put a rolled up towel at the end of the pillow for neck support.
By the way, If I even lay on my side on the opposite shoulder, my other shoulder will start throbbing, even though it's not near anything.
If you lay on your stomach, you are engaging your shoulders, so to speak, so that's a no-no too.
I'm sure some have their own methods that minimize pain while trying to sleep. And I do stress, trying to.
Lastly, since I started PT, I don't have spasms anymore. However, if my arms somewhat is an idle position, the throbbing will start up. But for the most part, the daytime is a piece of cake.
I hate PT, as I'm sure everyone else does, and sometimes I feel what is the point??? But then I think back to the first week when I could barely even do any of it without intense pain, so that keeps me going.
Speaking of sleep... I found that laying on my back with my head in a slightly elevated position and putting a pillow under my affected arm (to keep my arm/shoulder in line with my body) seemed to give me the most pain relief.
+++++++++
That is what I do too, and it does seem to minimize the pain. However, I noticed what works one night, might not work the next. But for the most part, that position has been best. I just have to change positions of my arm regularly.
I have been diagnosed with FS on my right shoulder.Have been going to PT 4 weeks now.Maybe a little better,but not much.Don't know what caused this.I had no injury to it.My ortho doctor said this can happen for several reasons.In my case,I fell into the age group of women in their late forties and fifties.I have been doing some research on this and it seems that post menopausal women are candidates for this.Which would be my case.It has also started in my other shoulder.I'm starting to get a little panicky.It was hard enough to get dressed and do my hair with it in one.Don't know how I will do it with both frozen.I do have a husband who is good about helping me. But i do have a question for others out there.My doctor said this can run it's course and get better on it's own.I would like to know if others out there have been told this by their doctors.My PT said he had never heard this.If this is true I think I would rather wait it out if I can stand the pain that long.I was told it could take a year to a year and a half.I don't like the sound of the surgery and it doesn't sound like it always works.
I suffered for at least one year with this.Had PT forever with no or little relief from the pain. Had manipulation under anaesthetic about three weeks ago started PT the same day as the manipulation and it feels great.
I had a frozen shoulder and impingement diagnosed in November, 2008 - tried cortesone shot (2 weeks of relief, but screwed up my blood sugars) and a month of PT.
Finally saw a surgeon who did acromial decompression and capsular release under general anesthesia with a nerve block.
Started PT the next day, and has now been almost 6 weeks, 3 times per week plus exercises at home. Still have limited range of motion and constant nagging pain, especially at night.
Have not slept through the night since surgery - wake to roll over, take pain meds and re-heat the rice pad that gives some relief. I also have pains and numbness shooting down my arm.
When I saw the surgeon yesterday, he said that pain at night that interfers with sleep is the biggest problem, but didn't have any suggestions.
I slept in a recliner for 2 weeks, which wasn't great, but gave some support. Now I use pillows and a rice heating pad, which help me fall asleep, but not stay asleep.
I am post-menopausal and type I diabetic. It is discouraging to see that some of you have been in pain for so long.
I feel like I have been written off, with these younger therapists not understanding how totally painful PT is. Is the PT supposed to hurt like it does? Is the purpose to push past the current range of motion or just to exercise within it?
By the second week of PT, I regained 90-95 percent of my upper movement. I can even 'hang' for something by my hands. My PT says this is definitely not typical.
I still have problem with the arm across the chest, and I definitely am getting no where with the hand/arm to the back. After doing about 6 of the belt lifts behind the back, I can go a little higher until I get to 10. Then I do 10 more of where you take your arm and slide it from your rear to about your waist. However, as soon as I am done, nothing! Five minutes later, if I try the exercises again, my ROM starts right from one.
The night pain is no longer as intense. At least, not for the last 3 nights! It still wakes me up, but it's like heaven compared to before!
I've only been in PT for 3 or 4 weeks. My PT cut me to every other week, which I don't understand, as I can't possibly stretch the shoulder the way he can. If it's working, then why cut it down? I was only seeing him once a week. I do my PT at home. 11 exercises, held for 30 seconds, 10 sets an exercise. I beefed it up to the 10 sets about a week ago.
Although there is so much involved to AC, the worst part is adapting mentally. The first weeks or two is so devastating.
We can't change the pain, so we can only try to adapt mentally and try and not let us take us down.
I urge all of you, no matter how little you can move, do the PT. And if you can step it up with your sets and holds, do it! Be religious and faithful with it, and hopefully it will help some of you like it has me.
We all know the pain meds don't do anything, so this is your best ticket.
Good luck everyone!
I had a frozen shoulder and impingement diagnosed in November, 2008 - tried cortesone shot (2 weeks of relief, but screwed up my blood sugars) and a month of PT.
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Oh no!!! I know why it screwed up your blood sugar, but why a month of PT? Was it due to your blood sugar rising?
I haven't taken any shots, because I've been afraid it will do something that will make me be unable to do my daily PT, and I don't want that to happen and have to start back from day one, when even one stretch was killer and almost impossible.
I feel like I have been written off, with these younger therapists not understanding how totally painful PT is. Is the PT supposed to hurt like it does? Is the purpose to push past the current range of motion or just to exercise within it?
++++++++++
There is definitely going to be some discomfort with the PT. Everyone's pain tolerance is different. I have a high tolerance.
I recall the first time I used the pulley. Wow! It was pretty intense with the shooting pain. So, I would think, no pain, no gain. However, tolerable pain.
I was told if you over do it, you will do more damage, so to speak. It will definitely get more inflamed, and it will cause a set back.
So, if one has to start out with baby steps, do it! But at least keep working it.
My doctor said this can run it's course and get better on it's own.I would like to know if others out there have been told this by their doctors.My PT said he had never heard this.If this is true I think I would rather wait it out if I can stand the pain that long.I was told it could take a year to a year and a half.I don't like the sound of the surgery and it doesn't sound like it always works.
++++++++++
All of the research I have done indicates that is definitely the case. In addition, I've read other blogs where people just let it run it's course. However, PT is supposed to make it pass through the stages quicker.
My PT told me his wife had it, and never even saw a doctor or did PT. However, it didn't keep her awake at night either! Now, that is very odd, as she is the only one I have heard that didn't have it more intensely at night.
He said it ran it's course with her in 18 months.
Personally, I say do the PT for a while. It stopped the spasm almost immediately. I felt like giving up right away too, because I felt it was pointless that I was getting quick upper ROM, but was 'dying' at night in pain. I couldn't even lay down to watch TV. However, even thought I felt it was worthless I kept at it and just started having less intense pain at night. The position you sleep in has a lot to do with making a bad situation even worse.
I slipped on ice in December 08 and fractured my right shoulder which I luckily did not require surgery. I was in a sling for 5-1/2 wks, then suffered through the torture and brutality from P/T for 3 months. The orhopedic surgeon says I have an impingement from the inflammation, but he doesn't really come right out and say its a 'frozen shoulder'.
I'm very frustrated with the P/T and told my Dr this just yesterday. His words were "fire the therapist!" and get into water therapy. I called my local YWCA and they have a 'joint effort' water exercise class that I will begin on Friday. I continue to do my stretching exercises at home and have a regimen of Tylenol every 8 hrs, with Motrin in between the Tylenol for the inflammation. At night I still take 1 Darvacet with 1 tylenol for the pain so that I can get a good nights sleep. But sometimes I still wake up with stiffness in my shoulder during the middle of the night.
My ROM is good, I can raise my arm over my head, but cannot put my arm behind my back. Nor can I put my right hand on my hip without pain. My Dr says to give it time, my age is 51 y/o and I am going through menopause. Don't know if this is a factor in the pain or not, but I am trying to hang tough!
Sometimes, the physical therapist can push you too much, as in my case and I had to 'fire him'.
Hi folks. I must say that it is helpful to read about others going through what I am dealing with. My FS is bilateral and has been going on now for 5 months on the right side and 2 months on the left. The best article I have read so far is: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/326828-overview
and the subsequent articles to that one. I have seen a general practitioner, orthopedic surgeon, and am now in physical therapy. Since the article indicates that in about 90% of cases this resolves itself eventually (1-3 years), I plan to finish my 12 sessions of PT and then continue to do the exercises on my own. I have had some relief and some increase in range of motion with the PT. I find that Extra Strength Tylenol (best)or Naproxen (2nd best) during the day and Darvocet at night make it much easier to manage the pain. When I sleep, I prop 3 pillows up against my headboard and sort of lie on my back or side diagonally with my upper body elevated and leaning against the pillows. It works pretty well (as long as I take a Darvocet!). By the way, this came on me very unexpectedly after prostate surgery - no real injury to the shoulder. Good luck and God bless to all of you! And by the way - this is not in your head, and I hate it when someone suggests that! I don't think there are many doctors or PT's out there who really understand this. It is an ideopathic disease - progressive, painful and debilitating. But hopefully it will run its course in my case as in so many others and within a couple years I will be free of it! :)
Oh, I soooo agree with you about the pain being progressive, painful and debilitating. And I've only gone through this for 3 months so far! My physical therapist acted like he was the orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor and therapist all rolled into one, with a Huge ego. He actually tried adjusting me like my chiropractor does. He then told me that I should be doing my stretching exercises 6 times a day!! I ended up pulling rib muscles on my right side...ouch! Crazy advice...now everyone should understand why I 'fired' him.
I find sleeping on my back using a heating pad underneath my right shoulder reduces the pain at night too, along with the extra strength tylenol and darvacet. I still use a pillow to prop my entire arm when I wake up from the pain at night. And during the daytime I will ice my shoulder if the inflammation worsens from stretch exercising.
I have been going to my chiropractor once a week for the neck pain associated with the shoulder pain.
In time I know I will recover completely, but the P/T acted like he had a race against time! Give your body a chance to heal and keep your pain management under control and you are over 50% of the way there. Take care everyone.
I will keep you all posted about the water therapy, it sounds Fun!
Thanks for the posts, and especially the recent link from anonymous to the excellent eMedicine article. I am convinced more than ever that there is no ONE course of treatment for everyone, but I am also convinced that there are a preponderance of doctors and PTs that over-rely upon aggressive treatments that don't work for many. My doctor still wants to gas and manipulate me, and, barring a return of the severe pain or loss of ROM, I am going to resist this strongly. They are very persistent; my last office visit, he measured ROM and immediately scheduled me for surgery. He did finally admit "it's your shoulder," for which I was grateful, lol.
Once again, I must say I suspect statin use has at least contributed to my FS. Since quitting Lipitor a week of two ago, I've noticed numerous improvements in several areas of general health that had me scratching my head for years, and I repeat my request that any of you who are on statins should weigh in here: did your FS start within a few years of beginning statin treatment? Do you have any other new issues since taking it, such as sores that don't heal, other joint or musculature issues?
I think this is perhaps a key association, although I can't prove it.
Best of luck to all.
Has anyone had bad/negative results from cortisone injections?
I have suffered from frozen shoulder now for almost 12 months. With physical therapy and cortizone injections not helping or alleviating the pain.
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I researched cortisone shots, and it doesn't reduce the pain, only the inflammation. Therefore, it's purpose is not as a pain killer, but to reduce swelling.
For those of you whose MDs are all for surgery, you are lucky to have the option, as from what I have learned, most MDs make you suffer it out.
I'd rather have had the surgery, did 3 mos. of PT and been done with it. However, surgery isn't something my MD is going to permit for me.
These orthopedic MDs are clueless, because they have never had a frozen shoulder.
had frozen shoulder with bouts of terible pain for more than two years with numerous visits to my GP without any results,finally on the advise of my husband who had sucess with back problems I went to a chiropractor who did the usual manulations,heat therapy,electric stimulations without any improvement,finally he asked if he could do acupuncture,at this stage I was willing to try anything,after just two treatments I was able to raise my arm above chest level without pain for the first time in more than three years.I have no idea how or why acupuncture worked but am truly thankful.
I had shoulder manipulation the end of February as a result of FS stemming from a strained rotator cuff. I only had 10 - 30% ROM. I have been going to PT since and had my last session today. I now have approx 90% ROM and still have pain. Not just active pain, but the same passive pain I had before the manipulation. I still have to take the Hydrocodone and ice up at night...still waking multiple times in agony. My PT recommended another appt with my Ortho to see about an injection to reduce the inflamation....he thinks I have some impingement going on. So, that appt is next Tuesday. I am extremely happy about being able to wash and brush my hair, put on a coat without wanting to scream at the top of my lungs...but the pain is so exhausting. We'll see where this goes. Best to all out there...its nice to know that it isn't all in my head!!
My PT told me that they won't do the manipulation under anesthesia because it is far too easy to break the shoulder. The line between 'just enough' and 'too much' is too thin.
I'm in my second month of PT. I'm making slow progress and my overall pain is down, but it still sucks.
To: Liz C ~
Thank you so much for posting this info!! I can't tell you how relieved you made me feel. I had fallen on the ice in Dec/08 and broke my right shoulder, endured 3 long months of PT and then the therapist informed me that I may need the manual manipulation under general anesthesia. I instantly got sick to my stomach thinking about it and all the pain I would have to RE-endure. My intuition told me NOT to agree to this procedure. My husband was against it all the way, he was also afraid the Dr may re-break my shoulder during the manipulation.
I am in water exercise classes 3 x a week now, I quit going to PT after my orthopedic Dr suggested this kind of water therapy after I told him how frustrated I was with the PT. It has been a week since I started and my neck muscles are sore enough to have to go to the chiropractor and I still have pain in my shoulder from the inflamation, but I'm going to give it more time. I find the water to be just enough resistance to work my shoulder muscles which feels so good, but then my neck muscles need to recover as well...after all, it's all connected!
Good Luck to you and keep us posted on your recovery.
I started withpain in my right
arm about October,2008. By December I couldn't lift my arm,
pull up my pants, and take care of other personal hygiene needs.Even
combing my hair was painful. I had to hold my arm as I walked due
to the pain. I went to my ortho doctor in January and got found my
shoulder (rightarm) was frozen and that I only had a 20 degree movement. I opted for manipulation
which I was put to sleep and had a pain block in the arm and Q-tube that lasted about 48 hours. I now believe I have about 80 percent ROM
after 8 Weeks of intensive PT. Although I can move my arm quie freely, I still suffer tremendous pain up and down the arm. It is continually radiating probably still from my bicep to my wrist, I am still doing PT at home and have regained free movement of my shoulder but my arm is so painful I am still using heat, ice, and painkillers. 3 months later. I am seeing a pain management doctor
this week and my family doctor says
we will try this for 2 months, then do an MRI if it then doesn;t
calm down and back to the ortho. he
says the ortho may have to go in to
scape it. It is definitely the worst pain I have ever had in my life and the funny thing is my shoulder doesn't hurt. I take 6 ten mg. percocets a day just to get through. Sleeping is still a
problem. I have been told that it will probably go away but that is if I don't cut it off myself. I have no other health issues but I am a woman between the age of 50-60 which they say is common at that age. I will keep you posted.
My frozen shoulder began with my upper arm feeling like I had been punched, then the shoulder joint pain began. When it hurt, I stopped reaching. After 4 months, when I could no longer raise my arm and dreaded going to bed, I consulted my doctor. I was given two options: one, manipulation under anesthetic, waking with excruciating pain, OR physical therapy. I chose therapy. When my insurance ran out, I invested in weights, my husband made a pulley, and I continued daily exercises at home. It took a year to recover 99% reach.
hi, i am on my second frozen shoulder, first dominant arm then the other...it's been 3/1/2 years so far. Starts with pain in arm, then lack of mobility, and of course, no sleep. Cortisone shots didn't help either time, just finished second physical therapy. Still frozen..Believe for me that exercising every other day really helps pain level more. Had a special pain relieving massage...lordy, i think she put pliers in my armpits..but you know after two weeks it helped with severe pain. now i have dull chronic pain. sleep with a pillow supporting your bad shoulder when on your side. ice is your friend,
any time of the day. advil pm every so often helps sleeping. easy to get depressed and feel overwhelmed with the time committment. also, always feel that's all i talk about..but it will defrost one day...my mother had two frozen shoulders too. at least it's not at the same time!!!
just hate that underarm flaps are appearing due to muscle atrophy but exercising one day will help get back the pretty arms..don't get too down...you can always find someone worse off and then realize your life isn't that tough
For me, PT is the best pain reliever. Although, my internal rotation is still pretty frozen, my external came back to 95 percent right away. After 5 weeks of PT, the nights aren't even half as bad!
Keeping the arm moving is what helps with the pain. At first, I was like, yeah right, and I didn't see the point. But I did it any ways, and pushed on and on. As I said, now I just have night pain, and it's nothing like it was!
I work the shoulder/arm for about 3 hours a day, but only twice a day at this point, instead of 3, as I had been doing before. I do each exercise 20 times and hold for 30 seconds.
The say not to push, but if I had not pushed it to the point of pain during PT, I'd probably still be back on first base!
My PT and orthopedic MD can not believe my progress.
I had FS two years ago and opted for the shoulder manipulation after suffering with the unbearable pain for almost a year. I went immediately into PT the next day. It was very intense for six weeks. I cried and I hurt and swore everyday that I wasn't going back, but I did. Even after my PT was over, I did my exercises at home for a while and the thing that took the longest was getting my hand behind my back..but in time it finally happened. Now, like a nightmare, it's happening again!! That same old familiar restrictive pain not allowing my movement of my arm to take my curling iron all the up to curl my hair was the first sign. I know I don't have to tell any of you how gut wrenching the pain of just knowing what lies ahead of me is. I will once again make the trip to my Ortho dr. and hopefully he will perform another manipulation and it will go as well as the last one!
I'm on my second FS. Recognized the pain very quickly with the second and called my dr. He got me into PT within the week and I've been at it two weeks. First FS lasted about 8 months totally and I have to say is fine now. PT is the key. PT pain is really bad but it works. There is hope. As some one said ice is your friend! And I too found that supporting your FS arm on a pillow on your side helps the pain at night. Hang in there with the PT pain. It does eventually work.
I am not being told I have frozen shoulder but the pain I experience is mainly in my bicep and triceps when I try to put my arm behind my back or move it the "wrong way" It is sudden pain like I have been punched, it lingers then disipates. Does anyone else feel more pain in biceps and triceps rather than in the shoulder itself?
That last comment was a typo. I AM being told I have frozen shoulder. Sorry - should proof read first.
Does anyone have pain that goes from the arm/shoulder to neck? My neck pain is awful, too. Neck pops and cracks...
My frozen shoulder symptoms began on 2/10/09.............went to my primary care physician who told me to do the arm climbing excercises and gave me vicodin. After a month, no relief. Went to the ortho. surgeon on 4/16/09 who scheduled me for the manipulation under anesthesia on 4/20/09. It's been almost a week....about 90% ROM back, still having pain up and down arm, but not near the excruciating debilitating pain as before. Thank God, I can at least put my hair in a pony tail again, and fasten my bra!!!!!! Taking percocet at night to sleep. I am diabetic as well.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Does anyone have pain that goes from the arm/shoulder to neck? My neck pain is awful, too. Neck pops and cracks...
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My orthopedic Dr. asked me that question each time I visited him. I hadn't experienced it, except when I slept wrong, therefore, the pain was originating from the neck and not the shoulder.
So to sum it up, what you are describing is common.
I'm back for an update. I'm the physical therapy guru. I sure wasn't when I started, but I just keep on progressing!
My shoulder is really starting to loosen up! My internal exercises are getting easier to do and taking less time. In addition, I am getting good results. I can know put my hand on my hip.
After a good 'work out' I am also able to take the palm of my hand and put it on my lower back.
Even if you can't move on your own after the physical therapy, over time it loosens the shoulder and eases the pain!
I started physical therapy on Feb 26th. Therefore, I've been actively doing it for 2 months now. I even got 'kicked' out of physical therapy two or three weeks ago, because they said I was doing well enough on my own.
I've progressed WAY BEYOND what 'the books' say. And much quicker too. The orthopedic MD has no explanation for this, and is basically at a loss himself. Therefore, it just goes to show you that they really don't know too much about it.
Anonymous said...
I am not being told I have frozen shoulder but the pain I experience is mainly in my bicep and triceps when I try to put my arm behind my back or move it the "wrong way" It is sudden pain like I have been punched, it lingers then disipates. Does anyone else feel more pain in biceps and triceps rather than in the shoulder itself?
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Sometimes, you will (at least I did) feel the pain in a different place other than the shoulder. From what I am told, this is the norm. It could be in the elbow, the back of the arm, and the places you describe. However, it's all because of the shoulder.
Just like some people who have hip problems. Before, they know it's the hip, many will have knee pain;therefore, not even relating it to the hip.
I know someone who went on like this for 6 months before they finally got the proper diagnosis that it was a hip problem and not a knee problem.
Liz C said...
My PT told me that they won't do the manipulation under anesthesia because it is far too easy to break the shoulder. The line between 'just enough' and 'too much' is too thin.
I'm in my second month of PT. I'm making slow progress and my overall pain is down, but it still sucks.
Apr 9, 2009 8:11:00 PM
________________
However, it sounds as if you are doing better than the norm, so that's a good thing. Keep at it, and update us from time to time.
Oh, and by the way, I find that the BEST exercise for the internal rotation (for behind the back) is to do the sleeper's stretch.
Therefore, start out with that and keep doing it until you can get your arm low enough to touch your fingers to the ground. Don't try to push it, expect it to take about 20 sets of it to soften it up enough to get it down lower.
When I started doing that, that is when my shoulder really started to loosen up.
I then do the belt exercise. Which is, taking the belt behind the back and hoisting it. Start slow and work your way comfortably. Don't just do 10 and say that is okay, unless that is all you can really do.
I recall when I literally had to take my shoulder and put it back in place, so to speak, as it would get stuck like that, and the shoulder would be very, very tight.
I, then, take the arm and with my other hand, pull it across the back of my waste. I know can get it up a bit higher.
Of course, this is just my experience and not medical advice, since I'm only a 'patient' and not a MD.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
I am not being told I have frozen shoulder but the pain I experience is mainly in my bicep and triceps when I try to put my arm behind my back or move it the "wrong way" It is sudden pain like I have been punched, it lingers then disipates. Does anyone else feel more pain in biceps and triceps rather than in the shoulder itself?
_____________
I forgot to ask, who gave you that diagnosis, and did you have an MRI?
In addition, how long has this been going on for?
Does the pain you are describing 'sound' more as if it is pulling or a spasm?
I was just diagnosed with bursitis,arthritis, a spur and frozen shoulder. Have no insurance so I go to charity hospital (which I still hve to pay for. I was given a cortizone shot. It is not helping. Neither is the pain med. Any one have any suggestions. I am open to anything.
It has really helped reading your comments. I feel like I am not (entirely) crazy. I would like to offer something that helped me ALOT! I put a chin-up bar in my home and hung on it several times a day. At first it really hurt and I couldn't put much weight on it, but now I can see how much it helped (and I can hang with all of my weight). I still can't do chin-ups, but......at this point, does it matter? I too have tried the cortizone injections, with no help. The last one was an "aggressive" one, which I thought would kill me. Physical therapy helped some, but I can do the exercises at home.
I was diagnosed with FS a couple months ago - Dr. told me I could do PT or if I chose not to, that eventually it would clear up on its own. So far I've done nothing. Yesterday I noticed that when I go to straighten out my arm that I can't fully straighten it as I have new pain in the muscles in my arm where it bends in the middle by my elbow preventing me from fully extending my arm with no pain. Anyone else experience this? Is it part of the joy of having the Frozen Shoulder? Just wondering ...
I have had Frozen Shoulder for over 1 year now. From your comments, I think I am in the "frozen" phase where the pain is slightly reduced but the immobility worsens. I have had two Cortizone shots which have helped somewhat. I had excrutiating pain for months as many of you have. I tried Physical Therapy but could not tolerate the pain. I have been trying Accupuncture for a few weeks and have noticed a little improvement. I can reach my arm up a bit more without pain. But the progress is slow. I am scheduled for the Manipulation Surgery next month, but am now thinking of canceling because I don't want to make it worse. And I prefer the more natural approach to treatment. I think I have an underlying tendon issue that would not be fixed with the manipulation anyway. I am hoping that the "thawing" stage. If so, I may soon be able to handle Physical Therapy and my own exercise and stretching routine. Oh, and prescription anti-inflammatory medication has helped me. My Accupuncturist has also recommended a natural supplement to help build soft tissue, called MSM (is a form of Sulfur). Your comments have helped me more than most medical sites or doctors and surgeons. Thank you. And please let me know if you have any other bits of advice.
I posted the following comment on 4/27/09. I would strongly suggest having the manipulation under anesthesia done. I was extremely depressed before the procedure as it hindered my quality of life dramatically. After the procedure, I am almost a new person. I also have a little nerve pain, but the procedure was well worth not having the excruciating pain before. On a scale of 1 to 10, my pain threshold is a 1 compared to a 10 before. I don't need percocet at night to sleep anymore.
Posted on 4/27: My frozen shoulder symptoms began on 2/10/09.............went to my primary care physician who told me to do the arm climbing excercises and gave me vicodin. After a month, no relief. Went to the ortho. surgeon on 4/16/09 who scheduled me for the manipulation under anesthesia on 4/20/09. It's been almost a week....about 90% ROM back, still having pain up and down arm, but not near the excruciating debilitating pain as before. Thank God, I can at least put my hair in a pony tail again, and fasten my bra!!!!!! Taking percocet at night to sleep still.
Hi. I am in UK. Had frozen shoulder release surgery 2 weeks ago after suffering months of agony and restricted movement that was almost total. I have to say that although the range of movement is good now, my pain is still excruciating. Not only do I take pills to sleep, I take them to just get through the day. I cannot lay down in bed and that is my worst problem - after a night spent in an armchair let me tell you, you feel like there's no God left in the world! Would love to hear from anyone who has suffered in this way and got through it. I need to see light at the end of the tunnel!
Just touching back in here after a month or so since last posting. I fired my orthopedist, as he kept pushing me for manipulation under anesthesia, and I really want to give my body a chance to heal on its own.
My shoulder was pretty frozen BEFORE the surgery in January for decompression (spurs). He manipulated it then, and, of course, if re-froze during the convalescence for the decompression. But since then, it's been much better as far as pain, and it seems the ROM is slooowwwwlllllyy coming back. I hope so.
I think the manipulation under anesthesia works better for some people than others. If it's getting better, I'd probably pass it up. If pain is severe and not improving, I'd look for a surgical solution (remove the bursal sacs, decompress if needed, drain the fluids, etc.). I just do not see this as "one size fits all."
I had manipulation under anesthesia and would not recommend it. The pain before manipulation was only at night but after it was 24hours a day. For the first six weeks I could not move arm at all without severe pain and laying in bed was impossible. The only way I made it through the nights was sitting in a recliner, taking pain pills and a heating pad. I found a good physical therapist who has patiently been working with me for eight weeks and am finally back at where I was before the procedure. Am now trying shoulder distension when seems to be helping return movement and lessen aching. I believe the real key is having your physical therapist work your shoulder without causing pain as pain tends to inflame everything and just make the problem worse.
I am getting better after eigh weeks so hang in there.
Hi all, thanks for your comments. It sure does seem like there is no one solution for everyone. And since I am getting slowly better, I'd like to try less agressive treatments and hold off on the surgery for now. But aside from PT, which I cannot yet tolerate, my Doctors (two Orthopedic Surgeons) have not mentioned other options.
Jerry, you brought up that you are trying Distention. Can you tell me more about that? I've seen it described a few different ways (hydraulic, arthrographic, and another name I can't recall). Are they all the same thing with the saline injection to increase the space in the capsule? Do you need more than one injection? Have you had this done yet? Just wondering if it works better in the beginning stages of frozen shoulder versus stage 2 (frozen) which is where I'm at. Thanks!
Anyone else experience this? Is it part of the joy of having the Frozen Shoulder? Just wondering ...
May 9, 2009 2:53:00 PM
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Unfortunately, it's one of the joys of having frozen shoulder.
I was reading of many whom have taken pain pills, especially to sleep. Pain killers, nor sleeping pills worked for me in regard to the pain. Therefore, those of you that have been helped by then are very lucky!
I figure I have at least 6 more months of this 'joy', if I am lucky.
By the way, I've posted regularly on here. I'm the PT guru. :)
I would like to offer something that helped me ALOT! I put a chin-up bar in my home and hung on it several times a day. At first it really hurt and I couldn't put much weight on it, but now I can see how much it helped (and I can hang with all of my weight)
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That is one of the first things I did too! It worked wonders. Yes, the pain was shooting, and works I can't even think of to describe it. However, it worked wonders and quickly!
Blogger helplessinlouisiana said...
I was just diagnosed with bursitis,arthritis, a spur and frozen shoulder. Have no insurance so I go to charity hospital (which I still hve to pay for. I was given a cortizone shot. It is not helping. Neither is the pain med. Any one have any suggestions. I am open to anything.
May 1, 2009 12:51:00 PM
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Unfortunately not. It's something you just have to wait out. In the meantime, all you can do is take SAIDS, pain killers and do some PT. However, chances are that one, if not all of it, may not work.
Frozen shoulder has got to be one of the worst, non life threatening, things a person can have.
In addition, most people have never even heard of it. Unfortunately, most find out by experiencing it first hand.
Help. My shoulder hurts and burns. I am to go for an MRI soon. People do not understand Frozen Shoulder. You can tell them it hurts but it is hard to explain. I have type 1 Diabetes and I know that can cause this. I have got to work. It is just so painful at work. I wish it would go away.
What a relief to find such a large group of people suffering as I do.The pain of this is only to be believed when experienced.It almost knocks me to my knees with the slightest wrong move.I had an xray lasy week which determined I have "a little bit of arthritis"!! I cried when I heard this..because I could not imagine that I could live with this pain ,everyday for the rest of my life!The doctor ordered vicadin which I have taken once.I have been taking Aleve and an anti-immflammatory.Froxen shoulder was brought up by a PT tech that I know personally.He showed me some exercises to do..and is going to show me more on Tuesday.This came on out of the blue.The only thing I might attribute this too is ,I cross stitch.Alot. 3 hours a day during the week and 6 to 8 hours a day on the weekends.The FS is in my left shoulder,,,I hold the embrodiery hoop in my left hand..thus holding that shoulder in that position for hours at a time.That is the only possible reason I can find for this.Has anyone else heard of that happening?In researching this on webmd,,one of the common groups this can affect are woman ages 40 to 70.I am in that group.So...I just thought ,,ok,I have a frozen shoulder..I will do PT and reduce the immflammation and it will go away.Well,,,y all know how depressed I was when I thought it was arthritis...imagine how I feel right now,,having read all these blogs and finding NO hope.
Reading all of your comments makes me so thankful that mine was so short.
I had a lot of pain in my left shoulder blade that ran up to my shoulder and down my left arm. I was in constant pain and nothing would help. I tore my hamstring back in Sept 08 and ended up in a wheel chair for two months then a cane. I finally got insurance and went to the Dr. in July of 08. He sent me to PT for my leg and shoulder. The PT gave me some elastic and showed my some easy exercise's for my leg and arm. Then in Sept my left arm froze solid against my left side. It was as painful as my leg was the day it popped. I could not lift my hand and it swelled up painfully within a few days. I managed to lift my lower arm with my right hand and bent it toward my shirt opening for some support and it helped, the swelling went down, but still could not lift my arm from my side. Sleep was impossible. I ended up sleeping in my lounge chair for two weeks to get some relief. My neighbor told me what I had (insurance was gone again) and told me to put heat on it. I used moist heat everyday and it helped the pain some. I took Motrin only, since I cannot take pain meds (make me sick). After the first week of suffering, I forgot about it for a split second as I went to swat my dog away from something and the pain was horrendous, but my arm moved away from my side. From that day forward I lifted it outward a little at a time, just gritted my teeth and did it. I massaged it and kept the heating pad on it. After almost 3 weeks I could move it again with very little pain, AND my original shoulder/arm problem was gone and I could even lift my arm over my head.
It was a horrible painful experience and happened at the wrong time since I live alone and had to pack to move out at the end of the month. Ended up owing for another month because of it.
Reading all that everyone has gone through makes me very thankful that mine was so short lived. However, now I wonder if it will happen again since some of you have mentioned your 2nd or 3rd time with it. I do not ever want to feel that kind of pain again, especially coming right after the torn hamstring, which is also excruciating.
I wish all of you the best and hopefully someone here can get some help from my experience.
Don't loose hope! I noticed that my arm was hurting when I tried to put a coat or jacket on in Nov. I just thought I could tuff it out and didn't go see a Dr. until March at which time I could only move my left arm 10 degrees. I was sent to an orthopedic surgeon who diagnosed the frozen shoulder and prescribed NSAIDs and Physical Therapy. I did PT for eight weeks and could only get 140 degrees. I went to a local OS for a cortisone shot but he wanted to manipulate it. He did that last Monday morning in the hospital under general anesthesia and gave me the cortisone shot then. I knew when I woke up that it was already feeling better. Don't be afraid to try manipulation. I am only a week out from having it done and I can now move it in every direction almost as good as the other one.
It takes lots of hard work but I did in 10 weeks what they say can take up to two years. It wasn't always pleasant but I did everything my physical therapist told me to do and it worked.
The sound of the word manipulation almost made me ill but it isn't as bad as it sounds. I wasn't sleeping more than four hours at a time and that was by taking two vicodon! I slept six hours the night of the manipulation. What a difference! I was prescribed stronger vicodon for after the procedure but only had to take it twice. I have only been using Tylenol occasionally since.
Hello all,
This thread is old and huge, but since there is life left in it, I thought I'd add to it.
I had gone in for surgery in early May '09 for what appeared to be a significant rotator tear. The surgeon performed arthroscopic surgery and saw that the tear was minor and determined that it did not need to be repaired. Based on my ROM as well as other symptoms, he determined that I had FS. He manipulated the shoulder while I was under.
I'm two weeks out of surgery and a little over a week of PT. Still quite painful, and like others, cannot sleep more than a few hours at a time. ROM is slowly coming back to raise my arm above my head, but external rotation is still severely limited. PT is three days a week, and I'm diligent with my 'homework.'
Pain meds don't work too well on me, as the heavier narcotics give me GI upset, and the lighter ones don't touch this pain.
I'm optimistic as a friend just went through PT with no surgery that had similar symptoms, and he's doing great.
Btw, I'm male, 45, and I'm inching up toward Type II Diabetes with an impaired fasting glucose of 113.
Good luck to all. Try and GET SOME SLEEP! I know, it sucks. Let's stay focused and positive!
-v
Hello Everyone,
I happened upon this thread today and am glad I found this group.
My family doctor recently diagnosed me with Tendonitis in my right bicep. This I was told was a possible spin-off result of Hyperactive Thyroid, which I have had since October 2008 and was prescribed physiotherapy (PT).
I have been doing PT now for three weeks and during the course of this therapy I was told that I most likely have capsulitis or frozen shoulder and not the Tendonitis in the bicep originally diagnosed.
I originally only had intermittent pain in the bicep, but the pain is constant now and shows little sign of improvement. In fact I now include in my repertoire along with the bicep stab a constant throb/burning in the shoulder, neck pain and telegraphing pain down the arm. Sleep is uncomfortable at best, interrupted and not restful. Advil gives some relief. I am not convinced that PT is helping, but it’s probably too early in the cycle to make that determination.
From reading some of the previous posts I would be interested in any exercises being done that provide pain relief and help with motion. If anyone has a link they can share and/or suggestions I would very much appreciate it. I would like to supplement the PT exercises I am getting with more, as it seems this helps others here.
I will report back on how I do.
Thanks!
Jim
I have a chronic kidney disease, so per my doctor, to diagnose my shoulder problem, I can't have an MRI. Consequently, can anyone tell me what other diagnostic procedure can be done.
To anonymous (Posted May 30th, 2009) who has chronic kidney issues:
Just going by statistics, females, diebetics, and people who've had an acute shoulder injury are more apt to suffer from frozen shoulder.
A good ortho doctor should be able to do some maneuvers with your arm to get some indication as to what may be going on with your shoulder.
Give as much information as possible to your surgeon regarding your medical history as well as any injuries you may have sustained to the shoulder.
My frozen shoulder was diagnosed during surgery I was having for a torn rotator...the torn rotator was minor and did not need to be repaired.
Good luck!
From reading some of the previous posts I would be interested in any exercises being done that provide pain relief and help with motion. If anyone has a link they can share and/or suggestions I would very much appreciate it. I would like to supplement the PT exercises I am getting with more, as it seems this helps others here.
I will report back on how I do.
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Jim,
Are you actually seeing a PT? That is the person who knows best in regard to know what regiment you need to do.
What PT exercises are you currently doing?
It's my opinion from my own experience, that PT needs to be done 2-3 daily!!!
Update--3 months now of PT. I can put my hand behind my back to the waist!!! I can't go up above that, but it's just a matter of time.
I swear by the sleepers stretch for the (internal?) rotation. In addition, it's the best way (at least for me) to losen the shoulder before going on the behind the belt exercise, and taking the arm and pulling it straight against the back of the waist.
Although, I was told it didn't matter what order you do the PT in, I find that isn't true. The order is everything, at least when it comes to anything pertaining behind the back.
The first month of these exercises are KILLER. But now they have gotten so much easier! I can get through my routine a lot quicker than I once could.
I have full movement regarding external (arms up, etc.)rotation. That came back within a month, if not sooner.
And I've finally gotten some internal rotation. That is said to take the longest, which I have found to be true.
PT will hurt, but you've got to keep at it! It was get easier, and it definitely will make the pain level subside.
I am on my second frozen shoulder, this time the dominant side. The other was very frozen and I had the manipulation. I had no idea what pain I was in for after the operation. What helped me was not PT but massage by a woman happened to be a PT and loved to work with shoulders. The gentle patient movements that she put me through in a massage setting was far better than going to PT popping a pain pill and trying to push ROM. Far better to zone out in a nice massage studio, good music and have a gentle person begin to expand the ROM. Now am in freezing stage of second shoulder. PT didn't stop it. Am having massage and acupuncture. Saw surgeon the other day and he said that once it starts to freeze, it has a life of its own and you really can't stop it. But if massage gives relief, go ahead. From reading other posts I realize how down and suppressed I am by this. It's a miserable process... I keep thinking I'll be able to go paddling and camping for a week. Am I nuts when each night I have to erect a special pillow crib all around me! Imagine that in a tent...
Oh well and summer in VT is so short.
June 24, 2009
My painful stage began last Aug or Sept. I waited 3 months to see an Ortho and he talked me into surgery. I refused open method and went for Arthroscopic on March 4, 2009. He left an arthritic collar bone and a spur. My suffering has been painful and tearful, depressing. I asked to do online exercises about 10 days after surgery. He finally sent me to PT after 3 weeks post surgery. The PT and I worked hard for 21 sessions. I finally changed docs and he gave me a steroid shot. It hads helped but I had to quit all PT and home work to be able to sleep. This week I havehad a terrrible cold and all the coughing has aggrevated the shoulder. I plan to try massage therapy. I don't know what stage I am in. The surgery may have set me back on the prospects of thawing. If you choose surgery, see 2 or 3 docs fist. I got a duck for a doctor. He took my money and gave me pain!!
have had fs since 12/08 not much has helped on my 3 cortisone shot and will start pt again (never really followed thru in the past) but going to make a serious effort. There is a cream out on the market (prescription) called Voltaren Gel it is by far the best out there it works immediately and last for hours. Along the Nsaid family so no longer have to take ibuprofen which was hurting my stomach. Also something that has helped is I bought one of those "arm chair" pillows to sleep with and use on the couch, it helps a lot and keeps me in one place when i sleep. Good luck, it's not fun...
hi all
just been told ive got frozen shoulder, i find i can only sleep in a comfy chair with my feet up if i wake during the night i am aware of my shoulder and keep still this way at least i can sleep
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