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Shoulder impingement

Posted , 6 users are following.

alison2630
alison2630

11 weeks ago I awoke not being able to move my left shoulder it eventually popped and was very painful but had only minimal movement. The doctor thought I had a rotator cuff injury, perhaps a tear. He told me to rest it and take anti-inflammatories for a week. There was no improvement so he gave me an injection . Very very slight improvement. I then had an x ray which after 4 weeks waiting for the results said there was nothing abnormal but I had no improvement in the mean time. Had an ultrasound scan which showed a marked enlargement of the tendon. Before the scan I had physio where she said she thought it was more to do with my neck and nerves. First lot of exercises led to complete agony and very little movement. Gave me other exercises but was then off sick and they missed me off the list for her replacement. Now got another physio who tells me the enlarged tendon is only a symptom and the cause is me tensing because I have been in so much pain. My work is threatening to dismiss me as I cannot tell them when I will be able to return so I decided to pay for a private shoulder specialist as no one has even considered what caused the lack of movement in the first place. The physio thinks I am wasting my money as she says he will operate and I will still have to have the same physio but will take even longer to heal. I am at a total loss as to bother with the shoulder specialist or to continue with the physio. All she has told me to do is practice deep breathing without tensing for the next 2 weeks. Has anyone got any advice or been in a similar position. Thank you

0 likes, 26 replies

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  • aabb
    aabb alison2630

    Posted

    I have had mainly arm pain at the back for about a year. But in February my arm, shoulder and neck was really painful. I was sent to a physio who gave me exercises which have not helped. He said I had shoulder impingement. The physio gave me a letter for my doctor asking if I could get a cortisone injection but my doctor thinks it's calcified tendinitis I have. He has sent me for an X-ray to double check. Feel as though no one can really tell what the problem is. Fed up with it! I hope you feel better soon. I just wish I had advice for you but unfortunately I don't. 

    Aabb

    aabb

    • alison2630
      alison2630 aabb

      Posted

      Hi. Sorry to hear about your problems. I was having the same problems getting a diagnosis which is why I paid to see the specialist. He diagnosed a neck and nerve problem which has caused the impingement. Having seen the physio she has told me the top 6 vertebrae are completely out of line which has caused problems with my nerves. If your x ray doesn't show calcification perhaps you should get them to check your neck just in case. Hope you get answers soon.
  • wall1409
    wall1409 alison2630

    Posted

    I am having same issues. I already have oa in cervical spine with bukging discs and bine spurs. I can hardly move my keft arm, can't shower, dress or sleep because of the severe pain. Gp sent me for ultrasound as initially bith shoulders were hurting ultrasound only showed bursitis in right shoulder so gp injected left shoulder as that was more painful assuming i have same issue in left shoulder as nothing showed on ultrasound. Injection has not worked and i am worn out. I think the culprit is my neck and i need to see a neurosurgeon. Will find out today when i go back to gp, gp told me my left shoulder is showing impingement. Unfortunately i have oa of lumbar and cervical spine also both knees and wrists so everything is now getting agrivated

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