I have Frozen shoulder and can't get through PT w/o ending in tears from the pain. Is that normal?
Posted , 23 users are following.
I was diagnosed a couple months ago. Got a steroid shot which didn't help. Doing I intensive physical therapy but is it normal to be brought to the point of tears and feeling like I'm going to pass out? It's like I'm being stabbed with a knife in my shoulder over and over. Should I find a better physical therapist or is this normal?
2 likes, 39 replies
hope4cure amy729
Posted
i origionally had Xiaflex injections and a few days later the doctor manipulate the shoulder and frees it up. Xiaflex is a protien that targets the collagen tissue in the shoulder responsible for restricting the ROM.
that was 8 months ago and have full ROM .I hope that your in the US Xiaflex is approved for FS soon to be approved in other countries.
Dee1963 amy729
Posted
Hi Amy I've had surgery for mine but prior to that my Dr, Physio and now surgeon said never ever reach any pain level as the shoulder is already inflamed and built up with scar tissue and you don't want to keep aggravating it anymore
hope4cure Dee1963
Posted
Xiaflex will break down the scar tissue. If it's available to you it will be soon. Sorry to hear that your still suffering its no fun.
See online for for more details.
jo61894 amy729
Posted
Hope this helps.
amy729 jo61894
Posted
jo61894 amy729
Posted
Alyoop jo61894
Posted
This is interesting. I'm just starting my second FS ... I, too, had physio that was agonising with the first and eventually gave it up. I've recently had a cortisone show (by the tendon, not inside the joint) and the pain is pretty bad. With my last FS, after about 9 months, I had a cortisone shot in the joint and it worked wonders. I am still in shock that I'm going through this hell all over again. (Different shoulder)
barb50217 Alyoop
Posted
This is my second FS as well....also a different shoulder. Was yours caused by an injury? My first (4 years ago) happened after surgery for a bone spur. The second one began about 2 months ago after an injury at the gym. I had a cortisone shot this morning and it helps somewhat with the pain, unless I move a particular way and then I get that stabbing pain that I'm sure you are familiar with. How long did your cortisone shot last for you? I'm replying to a post that you made 5 months ago. Wondering how you are doing today? Is your shoulder still frozen? How long did it take to regain your range of motion during your first frozen shoulder? I too gave up on the PT the first time. I exceeded the number of visits allowed by my insurance company and it became too expensive to continue.
Oceangirl amy729
Posted
Only work within your ROM without pain, to the edge before pain
I would be seeking another physio
Hope you find relief soon
amy729 Oceangirl
Posted
richard43586 amy729
Posted
Hi Amy
You will find a range of opinions on here. I am no expert, but it sounds like you are still in the initial, freezing, stage of FS. PT will be very painful during this stage. Personally, I think PT is of little use during this stage; just do very gentle exercises and keep using it for 'everyday' tasks if you can, to try to keep any ROM you have. When the FS has reached the 'frozen' stage, you can increase the PT, as it will be less painful, but I don't see any point in being in agony. If your therapist won't agree to this, find a different one. Have you seen a doctor to discuss options such as manipulation under anasthethic or capsular release?
amy729 richard43586
Posted
Thanks Richard. I'm getting a lot of feedback along these lines. I've had many injuries from sports -- torn ACL, torn meninscus -- so I'm pretty used to what the pain of PT feels like. This type of pain is on a different order and seems to not be doing any good. I'm going to try a different approach based on the majority of feedback I'm getting. Thanks for your time.
Elainescribens9 amy729
Posted
...my consultant said that chiros and physios r a waste of money for FS....accept after a MUA or hydrodilation....I am 3 weeks after a MUA....heaven. .....practicality sleeping thru the night...first time since June....I had mine done at a Cheam private hospital
Ok I am lucky I have private insuance....
Jay91157 amy729
Posted
hope4cure Jay91157
Posted
in the us Xiaflex was a injection a protien designed to break thru the collagen in the facia tissue and shoulder capsule.
After three days I returned to the dr office where under freeze spray and nerve block injection he manipulates the shoulder to open to total ROM.
That was 8 months ago still doin well. Also manulipation thru nerve block is available in most countries has worked well for me on my first shoulder with FS before Xiaflex was on the market.
Many heeling blessing sent your way.