New FS procedure- Hydroplasty, My experience...

I think what you are talking about would be a much better option, the MUA with the hydrodilation. The other option my doc talked about was another surgery to remove the adhesions and do the manipulations while I was under, but he felt that was too aggressive at this stage (right now I'm wishing we would have just done that- but that's probably just the pain talking). I'm glad you have such better movement tho! Keep moving, hopefully your progress will continue to build

Yes, but I'm not sure of the exact type that he used off hand, or if it would have any type of reaction similar to prednisone?

In my research I did find that the cortisone was used to help reduce the inflammation, perhaps in your case they could omit that- just a thought.

Honestly, I can't say for certain. But I can tell you not nearly as long as the typical FS patient; and there are a couple of reasons for that. I have secondary FS - it was brought on immediately following my shoulder surgery (And i was only in a sling for 2 days) and have no known immune disorders that would attack an injury like that, and secondly I can't work without my arm. Being an EMT requires heavy lifting and I've already been out of work for several months- and I'm anxiously awaiting to get back to it. My surgeon agreed that having me out, just giving it time, wouldn't benefit anybody, so we opted for a semi aggressive treatment plan. The only thing more aggressive would have been surgical removal of the adhesions. I really just want to get back to doing what I do. Another 9-24 months out of work would be more than depressing- and I really don't want to find a new career, I love what I do.

Ive had FS since September 2017 and have had X-ray, cortisone shot, PT, and really no response. Waiting to see a shoulder specialist.  This has been debilitating and a negative impact.  

Any more info you could provide - I’m all ears!   

Stef, I'm not sure how much more I can add. I chose to let it take its course which was a full 3 years which pretty much deformed my upper torso. When it thawed I still did not have full mobility, as  the three years of contortions while trying to function really left me a mess. I did try everything I could think of to no avail. Chiropractic was a waste of time as was PT. Massage provided temporary relief, particularly acupressure, but the knots and spasms continued for 12 years. I just assumed I would have the problem for the rest of my life. Had tried acupuncture previously, but my reaction was extreme in that I passed out. The acupuncturists become very nervous, so I gave up. Visited a  3rd  acupuncturist who used herbs for another problem. That seemed to prove successful, so I asked her if she would be willing to try acupuncture on me. I felt if my body was that sensitive to it it may prove to be my salvation if someone could administer it properly (for me). She was willing and she cured me! I went for 5 or 6 visits and it was actually quite painful, which people say acupuncture is not the case, but I am sensitive to it. 

Needless to say, I am a great believer in acupuncture and recommend it to everyone. I would go more often, but the cost is too high. I did return when my other shoulder started to feel as though it was freezing. A few sessions seemed to do the trick, or it is possible it was just a milder "case". Healing is sort of a nebulous thing. Never quite sure if the body is doing it on its own or if it is the medicine, etc.

Appreciate the the info once again!!  I am hopeful!

Hi StefO, I agree with you on a natural, holistic approach. I currently have two frozen shoulders, the left 11 months in and the right just about 7 weeks.  After doing some exercises that made it worse, I stopped and have been doing whatever regular movements I can do without pain.  The left shoulder has had a significant decrease in pain and some increase in ROM.  The right shoulder is in the freezing stage and, as you know, hurts a great deal!

I'm wondering if you followed through with the acupuncture and if so, what your results have been.  Hoping you, and all of us, heal quickly and completely!

Since my post 5 months ago, I am now in your same boat.  My right shoulder started "freezing" about 2 months ago, while my left shoulder appears to be "thawing,"  because I have less pain, and ROM is increasing.  Still can't reach behind back very well, but do not have the constant "ache" at night. The orthopedic recommended a few options; physical therapy, cortisone shot into the joint to "open" up the capsule, manipulation, and surgery.  He wanted to give me the shot at the initial appointment, but I was hesitant, since I had a shot from my PCM and I saw no change.  I opted for physical therapy, and after several weeks at $30 a co-pay ($90 a week!), I realized I could do most of the exercises myself and quit.  The PT would massage and "work" my left shoulder/arm area until it was really sore, even causing a bruise at one point, so I didn't go back.  I was supposed to get dry needling (Ortho recommended) but the PT said it wouldn't help, so I never got the treatment.  So, I do exercises myself and also use a lacrosse ball as a way to "foam roll" my pecs, scapula area, and arm area from shoulder to elbow. This allow self-myofascial release therapy and has provided relief and seems to help with ROM.   I should probably be doing these daily, but am only doing about 3-4 times a week.

        I have not gone back to the Ortho to get the shot or to get the diagnosis on the right shoulder - I know what it is, so I am just trying to deal with it.   I am going to go back online this weekend to research acupuncture, as I really, really want to try that route - I had seen Groupon's for places before, so hopefully, I can try it without breaking the bank.

       I have found relief for the pain at night with a product from Doterra Essential Oils - it is a proprietary lotion called "Deep Blue" and soothes the pain to help me sleep. I apply just a dime size and spread allover right shoulder area to the elbow, as my pain right now is there. If you are not familiar with that product brand, and are interested, just let me know.  I also purchased a few products to assist me with getting dressed (still can't believe I have to, but it helps) - 1 in particular is "Zip my dress" - I got off Amazon and it is allowed me to zip dresses by myself - very helpful for getting ready for work.

       Seems like we are very similar in our shoulder timeframes for both right and left - kind of interesting!   Please keep me posted on what is working/not working for you - am very interested!

Oh no!  So sorry you are going through this with your other shoulder too!  It makes life so challenging!

The freezing stage in my right shoulder seems to be much more painful than the left was, but that's perhaps because we forget the pain to some degree once it's passed.  

I have finally broken down and am taking some Aleve along with Prilosec to minimize any stomach issues.  I just started that protocol yesterday when it became obvious that my herbal painkiller Akuamma, which has always worked wonders for me, wasn't going to be enough.  I will take it for a week or ten days and hopefully some of the intense pain and inflammation will have subsided by then.

I am using a TENS unit on my trapezius muscles, they have been very tight and achy, I don't know if you are having that experience.  I am doing it twice a day for 15-20 minutes each time and it seems like it is helping.

Thanks for the tip on the Deep Blue, I have used it for other issues but I have run out of it. I have been using a blend of wintergreen and peppermint which helps.  I will order some more of the Deep Blue, so thanks for that reminder.

I have not been doing any exercises at all.  It seemed like every time I did on my left (the first frozen) shoulder, it just hurt so much more.  I have just been using it normally as I can and I am noticing improved ROM and definitely decreased pain.  I have been researching like crazy and feel that for me, no exercises until the thawing stage.  I think I'm getting to that point with the left shoulder, so I may begin to incorporate some self-myofascial release such as you are talking about, especially since you say that it is giving you relief.  I just won't do it on my right shoulder, it's still far too painful and still in the freezing stage.

I read a great blog called My Frozen Shoulder Story.  I'd post a link for you here but I don't think links are allowed.  I think you would find it very interesting.  It's at blogspot dot com after My Frozen Shoulder Story.  If you can't find it, let me know and we can connect outside of this forum so I can give you the link.  Basically, after trying lots of stuff, she decided to do absolutely nothing and it completely resolved itself in 18 months.  It's a good read, and I resonate with it.  Of course, she only had one FS, so there's that.

I'm pretty much going with that philosophy right now, but I am keeping acupuncture in the back pocket.  I have had lots of acupuncture in the past and have not found it particularly effective, so I'm not sure.  It's also very costly as you have pointed out.

Let's keep in touch.  I am very glad that we have connected, I would never have imagined that I would find someone in this same spot that I am in, and who also shares my holistic point of view.  I will definitely keep you updated as to what I am doing, what is working and what isn't.  

I truly hope that you keep getting better and better quickly, and me too, and everyone else who has this strange, painful and debilitating disease!  All the best,  Cynthia