Anyone else had this shoulder problem???????

Question

I've been diagnosed with Frozen Shoulder. I never heard of this before i got it. I'm doing physical therapy exercises 3 times a day, and i'm in pain all the time. It's been like this for 4 months now, and i feel like i'm never going to get better. The exercises are helping a little, but i can see this is going to take forever to heal. Anybody got any other things that work for this??? Thanks :-)

Answer 1

physical therapy and ibuprofen will help you..it will take time...and it hurts. I know...you will get better, just do the excercises the therapist teaches you daily...Unfortunately my left shoulder is still having problems I can not lift my arm all the way above my head...even when I lay down it will not fully extend...keep up with physical therapy it will work for you..I was young when it came on, and I did not follow through and I now pay for it...When frozen shoulder occurs, the shoulder capsule becomes inflamed and stiff. The inflammation may cause bands of tissue (adhesions) to develop between your joint's surfaces. Synovial fluid, which helps to keep your joint lubricated and moving smoothly, may decrease. As a result, pain and subsequent loss of movement may occur. In some cases, mobility may decrease so much that performing everyday activities — such as combing your hair, brushing your teeth or reaching for your wallet in your back pocket — is difficult or even impossible.

Answer 2

The description offered by h_carlin if pretty accurate. This is a disorder that is most likely to affect women in their 50s and is also know to have a higher rate of incidence in those who are diabetic.

It is thought to have some type of autoimmune component to it, but realistically, there is still alot we do not know about adhesive capsulitis. Most research describes three stages. Freezing (the first few months when the joint becomes very stiff and painful), frozen (this varies but usually between 4-8 months after onset) when the pain stabilizes but the mobility is at it's maximum restriction and thawing which is from 8-18 months or so when the joint is receptive to being stretched on a prolonged basis.

The important thing to know is that if stretching is begun too aggressively too soon, it will actually make it worse. Considering your stage, PT should be aimed at pain reduction and gentle range of motion. Sometime in the next couple months, you should be able to be more aggressive...but everyone responds a little differently. You may find yourself in and out of these stages a little sooner or later than most.

For pain management in people with frozen shoulder, I have found good relief with a self treatment book by Niel Ascher (www.frozenshoulder.com). I don't necessarily agree with all his research, but i have found that the techniques described in his self treatment book are very helpful for that inital severe pain. My patients usually report a significant pain reduction in the first 2-3 visits.

Good luck...and be patient...full recovery really does take a long time....months to a couple years as opposed to days to weeks.

Answer 3

I had frozen shoulder in both shoulders (at different times). It took at least 18 months to be fine again. Sorry but it takes ages. Patience my dear.
Lots of ice packs.
ps Do NOT try to force it.

Answer 4

You should check out Active Release Technique. I have had some good results using this technique on my patients. Just go onto you the Internet and check out activerelease.com Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Never heard of that. Go see another doctor sounds like you've been given a bad diagnosis.