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Pain after Frozen Shoulder Manipulation

Posted , 16 users are following.

shirley98857
shirley98857

I had shoulder arthroscopy and manipulation for my frozen shoulder 3 weeks ago.  I am in regular PT and I am gaining range of motion slowly. I expected the PT to be painful based on both what I have read and what my doctor told me, however, my resting pain is as bad and worse at times than before the procedure.  I am curious as to what others that have been through this has experienced concerning pain after the procedure. 

This is by far the most painful condition I have ever dealt with. The pain in nonstop. Pain meds help take the edge off, but as soon as it wears off, it gets really bad again. I have tried ice for pain &  heat for the muscles. 

2 likes, 20 replies

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  • Miarch23
    Miarch23 shirley98857

    Posted

    Trust me when I say this.... the pain will eventually subside.  I actually felt as though the manipulation surgery was worse than the rotator cuff surgery I had 6 weeks prior.  What helped me was taking a week off from PT, per my surgeon's instructions.  Not only was I in constant pain, but I also was dealing with constant nerve irritation in my hand as well as forearm.  My physical therapist also eased up on my sessions because she said pain doesn't equal healing.

    I also had a few sessions with a therapeutic massage therapist.  After one hour with her, she had my arm doing things that I hadn't been able to do since my initial March 6th rotator cuff surgery! Look into some sessions, if you can .

    • shirley98857
      shirley98857 Miarch23

      Posted

      Thank you for responding. It's good to hear from someone who has been where I am. My PT has started putting days between sessions because of inflammation and pain holding me back.  Is a therapeutic massage different from a regular massage? What did you ask for? Very interested in pursuing this. 

    • scott10949
      scott10949 Miarch23

      Posted

      I see it’s been a year since you posted this, but I came across this and your situation is strikingly similar to mine.  Had rotator and labrum repair done.  about 9 weeks later I had MUA because I simply didn’t have very good ROM.  I’m about 5 days post-MUA and in pain a lot.  I also have pain in my forearm and wrist, which I believe to be nerve irritation.  I’m seeing my PT 3 times a week  and doing exercises/stretches at home about 4 times a day.  It’s all very painful.  I see my doctor in a couple days and so I’m wondering if taking a week off from PT helped you?  I’m worried the shoulder might freeze up again and/or I’ll lose my range of motion gains that I’ve seen.  Any advice would be greatly appreciate. 
  • julie76228
    julie76228 shirley98857

    Posted

    I am 1 mth post manipulation. PT has told me to do exercises at home. I have 90 percent use......but I still cannot sleep comfortable. My arm aches. Did yours get better.
    • shirley98857
      shirley98857 julie76228

      Posted

      I am 6 months post op and I am finishing PT this month. I have regained about 85% usage of my shoulder/arm.  I still have tightness and pain from time to time.
  • terry96519
    terry96519 shirley98857

    Posted

    Everyone's case is different. It will take time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Use the pain meds. I had surgery in 2012 for fractured Humerus and another arthroscopy surgery in 2014 to clean scar tissues.  6 years later I have limited ROM. I named the pain "Resistance". You have to focus on the things that are going well in your life and  focus less on your pain. You might feel better in 6 months as many do. I am doing lot better than the year I had surgery. Just remember when you start feeling any better, please keep up with your stretching exercises at home. Good luck!

    • Dlsirish
      Dlsirish terry96519

      Posted

      How depressing! I'm 4 months out from my humerus fracture and am so tired of being in pain! Especially at night.

  • sheila43293
    sheila43293 shirley98857

    Posted

    How long did it take for your Dr. to recomend surgery? I totally relate to the pain, I have been dealing with mine for 14 months now. Extensive pt and have had three cortizone injections with little to no relief. I am getting desperate for some relief even if it is just some. Pain meds arent making much difference and exersizing and hot and cold compresses are only temp relief.The thought of surgery does make me nervous though.
  • julie76228
    julie76228 shirley98857

    Posted

    I didsteroids...dry needling. ..and chiropractor. .....finally went to ortho....week layer they did it. I fought it for 6 mths. I'm 3 mths post op. Finally feeling back to normal. Still sore but move it alot.

    • sheila43293
      sheila43293 julie76228

      Posted

      Which surgery did they do? If it relieves the pain from what it is now I would be happy. I'm just hoping for managing it.

  • cheryl61440
    cheryl61440 shirley98857

    Posted

    Had a MUA in November 2017 . I have a fair amount of ROM but the pain continues.
    • cheryl61440
      cheryl61440 sheila43293

      Posted

      The pain, at times is terrible, other times manageable. Reaching out to my side to pick up an item is still a problem and sleeping on my side or shoulder is still painfull.
    • tina9100
      tina9100 cheryl61440

      Posted

      I had my manipulation a week ago and each day since has gotten worse. Just moving my arm makes my muscles burn and now it’s going numb a lot and the nerves are beyond my control. The inflammation is insane even though I’m icing it 5 times a day.  Having my ROM back is nice but if I’m struggling to cook a meal how can I go back to work. I don’t know what to do with it. I’m still doing pt 3 days a week.
  • julie76228
    julie76228 shirley98857

    Edited

    My pain is more sore than pain. Like after you work out. Right after the mua it is very painful but I promise there is daylight at the end of the tunnel.
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