Just diagnosed Both Shoulders

Hi Brent 28997, we've all been through this period of trying to get our head around what on earth is going on in our body, and trying to cope with new pains and limitations etc - all with few explanations and no easy answers. I'm still recovering from double frozen shoulders and I can recommend this site as a place of solace and information from others who've experienced the same symptoms. There is an element of the unknown in the freezing stage - how much range will I lose.... how much pain will there be... how long will this last.... will I really get better? This is a long ride, but there is light at the end which will begin to glimmer when you finish freezing and then when you begin to thaw. Seek all the information and support that you can and just do what feels right to you along the way. This is a challenging health condition but you are not alone. Good luck and take care of yourself along the way. 

Hi Brent,  FS in both shoulders! I have it on just 1 shoulder and that’s bad enough without having it in both! I’ve had a FS since Last April and only now its getting better after 10 months! I spent a fortune on PT and went private for a cortisone injection, which did stop the spasms! Eventually my doctor sent me to see a specialist, only to be told it came on it’s own, and will go on it’s own! He also told me that no amount of money spent on PT will do anything! I just took co codamol when the pain was unbearable and plenty of hot water bottles helped loads! Only now I’m able to touch my head as my arm just wouldn’t move 1 bit. Hope you will be ok and it doesn’t get worse. 

Hi Brent:

I have Rotator Cuff Tendonitis in my left shoulder since early Dec and it has gotten worse I'm sad to say, but mostly because I didnt' take it seriously enough early in the symptoms. Now I have some pain down my arm and into my hands. Just recently my right shoulder is suspect of similar symptoms. I hope like you, that I am "lucky" and can continue with most normal day to day activities. My range of motion is very similar to yours and I am doing everything I can to prevent it from developing into full blown 'Frozen', if that can happen? I'm not sure. Still learning. I'm also learning to sleep on my back, bought new pillows, ice packs, etc. and lots of gentle exercises until I can meet with a PT.

Wish you all the best,

Nancy

Hi Brent, welcome! This group of people is wonderful (I'm still pretty new myself, but not new to these lovely shoulder problems). I can't imagine having FS in both at the same time- one is bad enough!

As for me, personally, I have done a ton of physical therapy, ice, heat, OTC medications, pain medications, cortisone injections, and a hydroplasty procedure. To date, I've gained about 5° of ROM (so nothing impressive). My FS is secondary to a shoulder surgery I had due to an injury, so it didn't just come out of nowhere like yours did.

These wonderful people that share their strife are a great resource with what has worked for them and what hasn't (our bodies all respond a little different) and best of all they REALLY *GET*it. The pain and general frustration with FS doesn't fall on deaf ears, so to speak.

So again, welcome, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon.

It dose not get any better,it just seems to get worse, you can get a tens unit which will help with the pain.

Hi Again,

I just wanted to add that I am also new to this website. My Dr. said I did not have FS because if I did I would have very little ROM so that is why I was given a rotator cuff tendonitis diagnosis for now. No imaging as of yet. Has anyone else started slow like mine and then developed into full out frozen? I guess like Brent, I am wondering how bad this will get, and worried about the symptoms in my right shoulder. This interrupted horrible sleep is the worst. I wait for the sun to rise because I Want to get upright, even though I'm exhausted.  I'll try extra pillows! I really appreciate all the sharing from all of you. It helps to read other's experiences and ideas,  and I am hopeful that this will pass in time. Thanks everyone and wishing everyone well.

Nancy

I'm thinking mine was caused by stress. My wife had brain surgery last year for Trigeminal neuralgia and I have been the caretaker for the last 7 years or so. I had a very very stressful year last year and that is the only thing I can think that may have caused this.

When I went to the orthopedist I assumed it was my rotator cuffs but my DR was quick to diagnosed it as FS. I would rather it be my rotator cuff as that is an easier fix.

Hi I only have 1 FS which is bad enough so you have my sympathies - I stared having problems last May and after an ultrasound was initially diagnosed with shoulder impingement and a burtis sac which then progressed to FS after a referral to a specialist I eventually had a flouroscopy injection 3 weeks ago and I am now pain free most of the time and i can now get my arm to 90 degrees and I can at least sleep now. Progress is slow but I'm hoping it will continue to improve. I could not even lift my arm to eat so it was pretty bad before I had the injection. I have been told that I also now have a tear so they are not sure how much more improvement I will get but I'm just praying over time it will continue to get better. Like you I did not injure my shoulder and was told it was an age thing -I'm only 48!! I would ask you doctor for a referral as the sooner you can get it moving the better as if like I did you leave it for any length of time the recovery is slower. Try a V shaped pillow for sleeping as this helped me as did high dosage of co-codamol for when I went to sleep. Hope this is helpful.

Luckily I am a very good sleeper. I do wake up several times a night in pain due to moving my arms wrong. That's always fun. I can tolerate the pain for the most part. Not much pain anymore on my right shoulder just my left one now. I am hearing some people are getting better within a year so that is what I'm going to put it into the universe. (If I think it enough it will be true right?) Anyone have a good trick for helping get the back of your pants up, or tucking your shirt in the back? These are real concerns for me because I travel a lot for work and need to be able to dress myself. I don't think the hotel maids would be amused if I asked for their help.

I have to chuckle at the image of hotel maids helping you tuck your shirt in 😂. The only thing I can think of is to add a little wiggle? You did say you are pretty active...

I know this is not a funny thing to live with (remember, I'm right here with ya!) But I have to keep laughing where I can. I find leggings are a great choice in pants, men are wearing them these days, I believe they are calling them meggings?? Could you tell your boss you are being trendy?

I'm sorry I'm not much help. Like I said before, I cannot IMAGINE having bilateral FS, one is bad enough. If nothing else, I hope I made you laugh a little, we can all commiserate together.

Hi Brent—I have never sent a note to a blog until now. About a week ago I read about frozen shoulder, and realized it is precisely what I have—and, like you, in both shoulders, since thanksgiving. I bumped my head on the side of a bed in a pitch dark room with blackout curtains (at my daughter’s house) and have been suffering ever since then. The blackeye right afterwards was much better than this frozen shoulder thing I have now! Putting on a coat this winter became nearly impossible. All of my coats are XS, so a few weeks ago, I finally ordered a cheap L coat on eBay, so I can put it on without excruciating pain! Looks ridiculous, but at least It protects me from winter. What blows me away about this condition is the pain factor at night, or even during the day, if I overreach or turn too quickly. I have always led an active life, so having this condition makes me feel so much older than my age. I could never imagine cycling with this problem. Sigh. My question  is:  Did  going to the Doctor help you at all? I am trying to avoid that, since my insurance covers nearly nothing right now. 

Hang in there—-but then again, what choice do we really have, huh? Lol.

Kristi 

My FS - RHS (dominant side) started July 2017. Constant pain day and night,  I could not even lift my hand up to my desk at work  - was virtually using my left arm to carry my right arm around.  Between July and end of December, I had PT, Cortisone injection, and 12 massage sessions (including Chinese and Thai massage) - all of this made NO difference to FS.  At the end of January 2018  I started weekly chiropractor visits,  After 4 or 5 visits I could finally wash my hair with 2 hands.  Could also brush my hair and put in ponytail.  After another 4 visits I could hang washing on the clothesline.   

Just finished my 12th visit, and have good ROM with little pain most of the time.  Still cannot reach behind, or do up my bra - but this will come with time.  Initially my chiropractor suggested it would take 6 months of treatment for complete recovery - I think it will be a bit sooner than that.  I am very impressed with the chiropractic treatment and looking forward to my continued recovery. 

I am 54 years old and unlucky enough to also get double frozen shoulders. The first was my left shoulder diagnosed in October 2017. Did physical therapy and some home exercises that my orthopedic doctor gave me. I would say 8 months later and 2 cortisone injections, I’m about 90%better. Now about two weeks ago I start getting pain in my right shoulder. I have not gone to the doctor, but if you’ve gone through a frozen shoulder once, you know you got it. I’m currently doing the home exercises and going to the wellness center to do PT type exercises. It is very painful to go through. 

What I’d love to know is...how does one get this in both shoulders? Very frustrating. Good luck on your recovery!