Frozen shoulder after elbow surgery
Posted , 7 users are following.
10 weeks ago, I underwent open tendon release surgery on my elbow after 2 years of persistent tendonitis. I was in a cast from my shoulder to my wrist for 8 days, followed by a jointed metal brace that I wore for 6 weeks. The brace was calibrated to allow my elbow only slight movement while it healed. I did PT for 3 months prior to surgery without much success, which is why I reluctantly agreed to surgery.
Currently, I've been in vigorous PT, twice a week for over 2 hours a session. The pain in my elbow from scar tissue is really bad, but worse - I now have frozen shoulder in that arm. Doing PT is almost unbearable. My orthopedic surgeon has offered me the option of a cortisone injection in my shoulder or manual manipulation under anesthesia. Neither option appeals to me, as I am a bit surgery-phobic now, and injections prior to surgery never did anything.
I'm a 59 year old woman, in good health and I've always tried to stay active. I am in constant pain, can't sleep well and I'm very discouraged. To any of you who've experienced frozen shoulder, what do you recommend? Shots? Surgery? Or, is it possible that with time/PT/ home exercises it will resolve itself?
Thank you for reading this.
0 likes, 10 replies
debbie38108 kay1359
Posted
I am almost a year into frozen shoulder. Have had two opinions. Never had PT and did not do surgery or MUA. Pain was terrible and I barely slept. Used advil, aleve and nothing helped. It was like a miracle about 2 months ago. The pain has lessened so much, I can sleep and move my arm higher and higher. Bottom line there is light at end of tunnel and I am so happy I did nothing. Who knows if it always the right answer to do what I did but for me it was the right decision.
kay1359 debbie38108
Posted
Thank you so much for your reply. I'm sure looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel! Glad you're improving.
karin1126 kay1359
Posted
Get the Manipulation Under Anastesia.You will be surprised how much better you feel.You have to break and release the scar tissue.I did it 2 years ago and best thing I ever did
kay1359 karin1126
Posted
Thank you for your reply. Being less than 2 months out of elbow surgery, I'm reluctant to try the MUA procedure. I just never expected all of these painful issues post surgery. I'm glad you're feeling better!
gilly_64426 kay1359
Posted
I'm about 6 months in with frozen shoulder and sleeping is still the hardest part of my day😣I think get a shoot of c,injection my be the best solution. My coworker had it done and she is pain free
kay1359 gilly_64426
Posted
Thank you for your reply. I've tried injections before in my elbow and unfortunately, they didn't help which is why I ended up having surgery. Ahhh, to be able to sleep soundly once again ... Take care.
judy1970 kay1359
Posted
It will be a year since I developed frozen shoulder on Dec.1st 2017-the pain was unbearable-I received a steroid shot which really helped me-eventually I had Pt and home exercises- which I was on ice packs off and on all day and night.I decided to quit the exercising and the pain is almost all gone-I will just wait the frozen shoulder out-no more PT or home exercising but everyone is different-Do what works for you! Good Luck!
kay1359 judy1970
Posted
Thank you, Judy. FS is truly horrible. I haven't had luck with injections. I still need PT to regain mobility in my elbow and so far, that's improving slowly. If my shoulder didn't hurt so much during PT, I know I could push myself more. I've found that doing my home exercises less aggressively, but more often may be helping. I'm glad you're doing better!
jon73953 kay1359
Posted
Hi, I had mua 3 weeks ago and the movement is so much better. There is still pain but it is slightly duller, you have to stretch out the joint every 2-3 hours with exercises that I will admit are really painful and have frequent physiotherapy but the additional movement is phenomenal as long as you keep exercising and breaking the capsule and any scar tissue. If you can cope with the exercises then I would recommend mua, I personally wanted to shorten the whole thing as much as possible and mua was advised.
Good luck.
kay1359 jon73953
Posted
Thank you very much, Jon. I've been put on a 5 day course of a steroid for pain and inflammation and my ortho seems to think MUA is my best plan of action. I'm leery about doing yet another procedure and the uncertainty of the level of pain afterwards, but trying to stay positive. I'm glad you found relief!