Newly diagnosed frozen shoulder - advice needed

Sorry that this is rather long but I came upon this forum after researching this painful condition and thought if anyone would understand, fellow sufferers might, as they would appear to be the "experts" in this little understood condition!

I started with shoulder pain about 4 months ago and after eventually realising my problem was getting worse and wasn't going to get better on it's own, I visited my GP a couple of weeks ago and was diagnosed with a frozen shoulder.  He gave me a load of painkillers (with limited effect) and recommended physio.  As we have Bupa via my other half's job, I was able to bypass the 12 week NHS waiting list and organise this straight away.  I was given the name of a couple of local clinics and chose one that specifically mentioned the treatment of frozen shoulders on it's web site.

I went for my first physion session last Monday and was treated by a nice  and sympathetic young woman, who examined me and asked lots of questions.  She explained the condition  and the need to try to get my shoulder working a bit better before doing some manipulation  and recommending some simple stretching to start with, using a hot water bottle to get the blood flowing, etc.  She recommended my next session be in a few days and I was booked in for the Friday.  Unfortunately this physio was on leave on the Friday but she said I'd be fine with one of her colleagues.

When I arrived for my next session there was some discussion between staff about "swapping sessions" - turns out they were referring to me and I ended up with a different physio from the one I'd booked with.  The session started late (30 minute session) and I was then left with my shoulder under a heat lamp for a further 10 minutes.  The physio then returned, checked my movements, did a little manupulation and showed me a couple of exercises.  He seemd very negative in pointing out the lack of movement in my bad shoulder, re-iterated the "stages" of frozen shoulder and the long time each stage could take, saying he wanted to set my expectations.  He said he saw little point in me coming too often for sessions - totally the opposite of what the original physion had said.  After the negative way he spoke, I really felt as if I was wasting my time - and his!  After months of pain and lack of sleep I was feeling rather fragile - I've done enough research into the condition to know not to expect an overnight cure but at least thought I was doing something positive.  He burst that bubble and left me feeling distraught.  Not wanting to show myself up infront of him, I managed to keep myself composed and managed to make it back to my car before bursting into tears.

My hubby was furious and said I should complain to both the clinic and Bupa - after all, the treatment is being paid for.  I do have an appointment in a weeks time with the original physio, who seemed nice - but I'd be very uncomfortable about going back to that practice, if I'd complained about one of her colleagues.  Meanwhile I have also been reading about the Niel-Asher Technique (NAT) and found a clinic not too far away who have physios trained in this and am wondering if this might be worth a try.  Bupa originally authorised 5 physio sessions but said they'd consider more, if needed.  As I've already used up 2, I'm wondering if it is better to change at this stage or if I might be jumping from the frying pan into the fire!  Any experience of conventional physio vs the Niel-Asher Technique would be particualrly welcome.  Any other tips on managing this condition would also be welcome.

Thanks in advance for any advice, Maria

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