Shoulder Pain

[cats whiskers]

Hi All

I'm not looking for medical advice just some practical suggestions from the lovely people on here who may have been in a similar situation.

I am currently having a lot of right shoulder and arm pain. I think this may be the start of frozen shoulder. I say this as I have had it a few years ago in my left shoulder which I eventually had surgery for and the symptoms are the same.

I have been to the GP who was not in the least concerned, did not even examine my shoulder just wrote me a prescription for anti inflammatories even though I said they done little to help last time. He asked if I had private medical insurance (which I don't) as there was a 3 month wait list for physio and did I want to go on it.

Basically the main problem is that the pain is keeping me awake at night which is leaving me tired and irritable during the day. I know I could cope getting through the day if I had enough sleep at night. Also knowing that the symptoms may well get worse before thye get better and may carry on for 18 months is making me feel bit depressed to say the least.

I have bought a TENS machine but don't seem to find it a great benefit. I also have a wheat and lavender bag that I can pop in the microwave to warm up which I find soothing but the heat does not last for long.

I really cannot afford to pay for a private course of physio at the moment so if anyone has been through this can they let me know how they coped.

Many Thanks
Cats

[louidog]

Try some accupuncture perhaps....I find it does help with pain.

Hope you feel better soon!

[Garnet_Gem]

Go back to your GP and ask for a physiotherapy appointment. It may take a few weeks to come through but it's the only way to help it. If he/she doesn't agree to this, ask for valium, morphine and sleeping tablets then they WILL refer you......sorry - joking when I understand how this is so painful for you.

[sleepymans]

Hi
I sympathise with you as your symptoms and sleep disturbance etc sound exactly the same as mine.

I let it go on for 6 months till I could bear it no more and then went to my GP. I took anti-inflammatories when things got really bad. I was referred to my local hospital for NHS physio.

I waited about 6 weeks to be seen and have now been for 3 appointments. The exercises have been tough and three times a day a bit of a bind BUT It has improved and the first thing that improved was the pain at night. I can now get a full night's sleep. Other than that I've regained about 10% of the lost mobility.

I would urge you to get on the waiting list for NHS physio.

While I was waiting for the appt I did hear a very good radio 4 programme in Dr Mark Porter's series on the subject of frozen shoulder and it was very interesting. Perhaps you could get a transcript from the BBC?

I'd be happy to explain the simple exercises with you if you p.m. me.

Best wishes
Sleepy'
:A

[jesster]

Hi - really sorry to hear you're having so much pain. Here's a link to a transcript of the Dr Mark Porter programme. Incidentally, i know you'd have to go privately, but my friend had hideous shoulder pain and went for some Bowen technique sessions which she says have really worked, more so than her NHS physio. But the two are not incompatible so no reason why you can't try each separately.

here's the link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/casenotes_tr_20070313.shtml

[beechescomposter]

Pester your GP if it lasts more than a couple of weeks. He should take it more seriously if you go back. It is not unreasonable to wait and see initially but if symptoms continue it would be worth having an x-ray (for calcific tendonitis) or possibly an ultrasound for rotator cuff tear. The shoulder can also be injected- either by a skilled GP or an orthopaedic surgeon.

[*zippy*]

The Bowen technique can help in some cases, results of a trial done in link below

http://www.thebowentechnique.com/content/frozen.htm

[nappentass]

The Bowen technique can help in some cases, results of a trial done in link below

http://www.thebowentechnique.com/content/frozen.htm

I second this suggestion - either Bowen or NST ( www.nsthealth.com )
I've had injuries to back, neck & shoulders and after the GP & physio had done as much as they could.
Bowen sorted it - also if it's going to work for you you'll pretty much know straight away and it should not take loads of sessions either so is worth trying.
FWIW I'm intolerant to anti-inflammatory painkillers so it was a godsend to me and NST has worked brilliantly after other injuries/lifes problems (same kind of work)
HTH
Jill

[terry kavanagh]

This is my first answer I hope it proves useful. I have had "frozen shoulder" twice now 1st time I saw nhs pysio and got some exercises which eventually worked but was extreemly painful. 2nd time I just did the exercises and at night put on a pain relief patch from Boots after a shower, They seem to freeze the shoulder while you get a good nights sleep, they work out about £1 per patch. Within a week I stopped using them. I hope this helps.

[cazziebo]

You have my sympathies! I had frozen shoulder for a year and a half. I would wake up in agony during the night and have to take ibuprufen, and mornings were terrible Physio seemed to work a bit, but I think it just went away by itself. I had some shiatsu treatments which really eased the pain for a good few days (and what a welcome relief, even if it was temporary) I also found sleeping with a pillow under my arm helped.

Hope you find something that works for you

hugs

Cazzie
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