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frozen shoulders

Posted , 25 users are following.

chickabee
chickabee

I am a 76 year old lady who developed two frozen shoulders after trimming the hedge with an electric trimmer about 5 months ago. Having read all the comments on this Forum, found 'Frosty's' 'helpful hints' full of common sense and by far the most helpful...thank you Frosty! This person obviously fully understands the frozen shoulder syndrome. On seeing my GP, I refused cortisone injections as I read these were not always successful, and could be damaging. After waiting a while for physio, was disappointed to hear him say, 'there was nothing he could do, and he didn't have ultrasound equipment...even if he advocated it...which he didn't'. Pain led me to seek another opinion with a private physiotherapist. She not only advocated ultrasound, but also had the equipment. Every session freed up the joints a little. Some weeks were better than others, but there was progress. Had a set back when an unruly dog nearly knocked me over, causing me to shoot up my 'good' arm. The pain was excruciating. After several physio sessions, this helped, but not as good as it was. I do sympathise with all sufferers...keep persevering and don't lose hope!

1 like, 50 replies

50 Replies

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  • mymaude
    mymaude

    Posted

    Hi Browner. Hydrodilitation did not quite go to plan i`m afraid. It hurt like **** and the radiographer had to stop after 3 attempts so didn`t get much in. I did have a bit of relief which I suppose was from the cortisone but a week before the 3rd physio session it started to tighten up again and by the time I went I had lost some movement and the pain had increased, so much so he wouldn`t do any more with me until I had been back to the specialist. Went back to GP to get better pain meds which has helped. Had Bowens last week and going again tomorrow, if nothing else it helped me relax for a while so definately felt better afterwards. Keeping on with a few gentle stretches and have adapted a lot so I can keep on working so it hasn`t seized up completely. How are you bearing up? Have you had any more proceedures? The only up thing about it is that we all know it will eventually sort itself out so keep plugging on everyone and good luck.
  • Sheila_J
    Sheila_J

    Posted

    Although I certainly don't claim to be an expert, I don't believe that frozen shoulders happen from injury. I think at 76 it is unusual to get a frozen shoulder. I wonder if what you have are 2 injured shoulders but not actually frozen. They often diagnose people with frozen shoulder when in fact they have bursitis or tendonitis or rotator cuff tears etc…

    If you can sleep at night with your shoulders relaxing back into the bed without horrible shooting pain down the arms, my guess is you have something else. What do you think? Is that possible?

    Sheila

    • chickabee
      chickabee Sheila_J

      Posted

      Hi Sheila,

      I spoke to many people about his difference of opinion, but ultimately do believe FS is the correct Diagnosis. For 7 months I could not sleep with shoulders resting back...had to prop myself almost bolt upright with pillows under each arm to relieve the pain extending to the elbow, and painkillers (eventually relying on 'Kalms - sleep' to enforce rest).  It was the worst pain I had ever experienced in my life.  It seemed as if it would go on forever, but did eventually resolve.  In China they call FS 'the over 50's disease', and they say due to wear and tear.

      Am hoping the hips will resolve likewise!

      Blessings

      chickabee

  • jackie_mac
    jackie_mac

    Posted

    dear patients

    hope you won't mind me letting off steam, I am so hacked off, 2nd shoulder has just frozen, pain building and now getting a resurgence in pain my first shoulder !!! what ? any way dihydrocodeine gets me through. anybody else had that ? first shoulder becoming painful again ?

  • rolobolo
    rolobolo chickabee

    Posted

    Well I also have a frozen shoulder, had xray to confirm and then the antibiotic and steroid injection and for the first time in 6 months I actually managed to get some sleep, am able to drive AND blow dry my hair.  Don't hesitate to take these injections as they are fantastic, they are not sore as such having them done just uncomfortable for 20 seconds or so.  I have now had 3 months pain free living and boy does that help.  I am to have physio this evening which I am told is painful so not looking forward to it.
    • james80413
      james80413 rolobolo

      Posted

      Hi robolo, How did your xray confirm your frozen shoulder . Can't find any literature saying this is possible. Why did you have a antibiotic, the doc must have thought you  had an infection. I presume you are aged between 40 and 60 as frozen shoulders only happen in this age group. The medical profession seems to call almost any shoulder problem a frozen shoulder which is unfortunate as the treatment for each condition may be quite different.

       

    • rolobolo
      rolobolo james80413

      Posted

      Hi James, Sorry I meant an anti inflamatory.  The xray was to confirm a few things but it showed a few things that were going on also the doctor made me do certain moves and this confirmed to him what it was.  Had some Physio last night, ouch a tad sore but felt a lot better for it.  As for the steroid injection it was brilliant had it done at end of April and touch wood its so much better since.  You are right re age I am a young 50 lol
  • dancermom8390
    dancermom8390 chickabee

    Posted

    Dear Nicoryan,

    You wonder if anyone suffers from a frozen hip. I believe that I am. First, my left shoulder was frozen. I did have the procedure hydrodilation that some have discussed on here. My PT was doing a study on it, and I had it. He said I was his worse frozen shoulder and in severe pain at the time. While it was not a miracle cure, I did gain some limited movement. More importantly, I think I am in middle of thawing as I only have pain about 1/10th of the time I used to. Now my left hip is frozen. It is at the height of its pain. It very much is following the path that my shoulder followed. I can barely walk at times. And yes, I cry. I am hanging in there because I have hope that it will go the way of my shoulder and eventually get better. Someone posted some excellent tips on this site, I will be applying those and those from Frosty.  I hope things are better for you now.

    Take care!

     

    • Oliveria
      Oliveria dancermom8390

      Posted

      Hi Dancermom.

      Im so sorry that you are going through this debilitating condition. I hope you recover faster then myself. My hip problem started in Aug 2012 but didn' develop into a frozenhip until Feb 2013. I suffer soo much pain but I had MUA (manipulation under anesthesia) this past March. I gain 50 to 60 % of my ROM back, still have considerable amunt of pain but not as bad as before the MUA. I think like you Im hoping Im starting the thawing process since I dont have much pain. My pain now comes from misalignment due to my hobbling around with one leg. I used a walker for a while and change to a cane, maybe a mistake. Now Im just trying to find the right physio or chiropractor to help me with my problem. I feel if I fix my misalignment I will be in much better shape. I'm still not out of the woods, seems like my frozen hip was really bad, is taking too long to heal. Im just praying that Im starting to heal Im not even sure about it since one day I feel really good and suddenly I feel terrible again. I feel like I do not feel a steady improvement. Is almost like I have good days and bad days. I hope yours is not as bad as mine. I really do not wish this problem to anyone. I can't even remember how many times I cry in the middle of the night in pain or in the middle of the day siiting on the stairs. This is a very frustrating condition since is nothing effective against this illness. Not even pain killers worked.

      I wonder how long you suffer from frozen shoulder? maybe for you will be a short one since everyone is different I just wish the best outcome for you. 

      Keep me posted and do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding this problem. I was looking everywhere for somebody suffering a frozen hip since most people suffer frozen shoulder. Until lately I start hearing people with frozen hip. I think is more people out there but is misdiagnosed with something else. I posted all my story here under frozen hip or adhesive capsulitis of the hip hoping somebody will replay and hoping I could get their story or advice since I was very desperate to find answers. I really didn't find many up until lately.

      My best wishes for you Dancermom and please keep me inform so we can exchange our improvement.

      Nicoryan

    • chickabee
      chickabee Oliveria

      Posted

      Hi nicoryan,

      Yes, I did post about FH, and was as suprised as you that there are many people out there with the same thing.  On good days I manage to do a slow walk with the dog, and on bad days use a buggy to get some fresh air and the dog gets her exercise running beside me.  It is very frustrating...so much so, that I even purchased a 'rise and recline' chair to reduce pain getting in and out of the chair.  This will be useful later on when more infirm....but at the moment am still mentally lively enough to hope the hips will improve and life returns to 'normal' as it did with the shoulders.  My sympathy for your plight as a fellow sufferer...and do hope your cycle of pain will reduce in time and with care..

      Blessings

      chickabee

    • Oliveria
      Oliveria chickabee

      Posted

      Hi Chickabee,

      Nice to heard from you, yes you were one of the only ones that answer my post in the past. Im still suffering badly but I have to say not as bad as before. Wondering if you ever suffer miss alignment with this condition. I could hardly walk, now Im walking better with a cane hoping this will improve. I just want to see a real improvement and I dont really feel it. Seems like you are in much better shape. I can't even sit in a soft recliner or chair since I get a horrible hip pain. The best position for me is laying down. If I exercise or walk a block or so I start feeling a terrible tendon pain. I guess is part of the process, I just hope so. I hope everything is better soon for all of us. Pain is not fun. No fun at all. 

      All the best for you chickabee.

    • chickabee
      chickabee Oliveria

      Posted

      Hi nicoryan,

      Not sure about misalignment but I move which ever way I can to avoid pain...which comes in various places, in the hip joint itself, in the quad muscles from hip to knee...sometimes individually, and the tendons and ligaments that support the system.  The pain seems to shoot in all directions from all these points at differect times, so just have to make a move forward and see what needs to be avoided at this moment in time.  Laying flat is of course the best natural position to rest the joint, but then the back pain kicks in, so I then raise the foot of the bed in stages to see where it feels most comfortable.  Having an electric adjustable bed is enormously helpful with this, so the head end and lower leg end can be adjusted to suit.  Are you in the uK?  If so, and you have a disability, the tax is deducted off the price of these expensive electrical things...worth looking into, and it will be a God send that will last.

      Blessings

      chickabee

    • Oliveria
      Oliveria chickabee

      Posted

      Dear chickabe,

      Seems like we do have all kind of pains. I have to add the sciatic pain and discomfort the alignment problem add to it.

      I live in Canada. I will check on to the electric bed.

      Thanks a lot and hope we can get better soon.

      Judith

  • missielliot
    missielliot chickabee

    Posted

    Hi there, 

    I had a problem with frozen sholder a couple times.  The best therapy in my openion is swimming!  Simple movement under water is amazing.  It signifitanly improved my span of motion and lessened the pain.  I did it two to three times and it cleared up completly.  

    I did try physical therapy and it was no where as effective.

    Try it!

  • Floradora
    Floradora chickabee

    Posted

    Chickadee, I can't find the link to Frosty's comment. I've searched Frozen shoulder.but not getting anywhere when I look for ' helpful replies 

    many thanks 

    • chickabee
      chickabee Floradora

      Posted

      Hi Floradora,

      I just tried it and found 'Frosty's comments (helpful hints) on the first page (about the 19th).  Go to internet...tap in frozen shoulder...choose this web site...sign in...go to forums...and scroll down to the 19th comment and you will find it.

      Hope this helps

      Blessings

      Chickabee

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