'My frozen shoulder needs to thaw out!'
Living with frozen shoulder
When my right shoulder first started aching, about six months ago, I didn't think much of it. I've got three daughters and spend a lot of time pulling Barbie dolls out from under the settee, so I thought I'd probably pulled a muscle. But as time went on, it got worse. I couldn't move my shoulder in certain directions, so something as simple as reaching up to a shelf was difficult, and reaching into my back pocket was impossible.
After three months, I asked my GP about it and he referred me for physiotherapy. The physio diagnosed me straight away just by looking at me! I had a frozen shoulder. It's where scar tissue forms around the shoulder muscles and 'freezes' them, making movement difficult. No one really knows what causes frozen shoulder, but I learned that the shoulder will normally 'thaw out' after about two years.
I had six weeks of physiotherapy, where I was taught exercises that I could do. One is where I imagine I'm holding a beach ball in the palm of my hand, and I have to move it around and behind my body. The exercises help loosen up the muscles again, encouraging them to unfreeze.
I take ibuprofen for the pain, but you can get stronger painkillers from your pharmacist. The important thing is not to give up and let your shoulder get lazy. That will only make it worse. Keep active, and it will go away!
Leslie Rampton, 41, Southampton
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nicole, 7 months [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
i am 22 years old and have had frozen shoulder for around 16 months, i struggling with the pain as i have never experienced pain this bad without relief. the pain radiates through my collar bone, my entire shoulder as well as my elbow, i have had the injections with i would not recommend without research these injections can have side effects especially for those with diabetes. i currently have given up on all prescribed medications as i did not get any relief. i take glucosamine 1500mgs everyday which i find more effective than anti inflammatory, but it MUST be taken everyday. i trained to be a chef but i cannot cope with the pain associated with the workload so i now work as a casual. i wear heat patches under my clothes as the pain is constant but does flair up. i find it hard because i am young and this condition is not common for younger people and none of my friends understand, and cant imagine why im in constant pain. when im stressed it gets worse so i try to relax and avoid stressful situations. i cant wait for it to be over! at nighttime it can be so bad that i cannot get undressed. i find when im in the shower dedicating a few minutes everyday to simply moving my arm under the hot water..this helps to keep it mobile. it is nice to read other peoples stories as i have never met another person with this condition. i would like to hear how other people cope with working? thanks for taking the time to read this, your opinion is very much respected.
hilary, 11 months [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
I was diagnosed with tendonitis and now after seeing a sports injury specialist he has said it is frozen shoulder in both shoulders I am a bit depressed as they say it might take 2 years to heal and I have had it since March. I dont like taking painkillers and antii-nflammatories do not seem to work. I have ha dot give up the things I love swimming, (cannot get out of the swimming pool), baths and driving. It is very difficult to get dressed and I cannot get into some clothes. I am 60 borderline diabetic , high bad cholesterol and have been taking thyroxine for underactive thyroid for 6 months so have lost a lot of weight. I imagine there must be some relationship but can you suggest any natural treatments that work or supplements to take. I do take a glucosamine and MSN complex.. I have been suggested acupuncture?
Shurnette Grant, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
I have been diagnosed with frozen shoulder since November 2003. I have tried physiotherapy, steroid injections, gentle exercises and painkillers - none of this works. I am still in constant pain and there does not seem to be any let-up. I am frustrated, sometimes I am angry as I only want the pain to go away or even if there is something I can take that will take the edge off the pain. My moods have changed as I am in constant pain all the time. I do not know what else to do. It can get a bit depressing but as I have a family (single parent) I have to plod on and suffer in silence. Certain treatment works for some but not others (I feel I am in the latter category. Is there anyone who can give me another suggestion? It would be greatly appreciated.
sam johnson, about 1 year [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
Thank you i found this artical helpful, my GP has just informed me that i have a frozen shoulder and will need steroid injections , the cause is that this has been brought on by a previous neck injury i substained in August, my movement is very limited at the moment and i dread the thought of trying to move my shoulder but I will take your advice and keep the shoulder as active as possible ! " ITS VERY PAINFULL I KNOW THAT" ......... many thanks samantha Johnson 39 staffordshire
shereen mellisa, 6 months [Offensive? Unsuitable? Report this comment.]
I AM 29YEARS OLD AND I AM HAVING THIS PAIN FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS,MOSTLY WHEN THE WEATHER GETS COLDER /AT NIGHT.SOME TIMES IT COMES TO MY RIGHT HAND AND SOMETIMES ITS IN MY LEFT HAND.I AM A CASHIER AND AT HOUSEWORK I HAVE LIFTED HEAVY THINGS LIKE WHEN I GO FOR SHOPPING I HAD CARRIED NEARLY 7-8 HEAVY SHOPPING BAGS,SO I WONDER WHETHER IT AFFECTED ME.ABOVE THE SHOULDER BONE THE MUSCLE LOOK SWOLLEN AND IT GIVES CONTINUOUS PAIN.I TAKE IBROPHIN FOR MY PAIN,AND IT HELPS.MY MUM HAD A SURGERY FOR HER LEFT HAND {FROZEN SHOULDERKLAST WEEK AND SHE SAID THROUGH A HOLE OF THE SHOULDER SKIN THE DOCTORS PUT A CABLE,I THING THEY BROKE THE CAPSULE,IT WAS PAINFUL IN THE 1ST DAY AND NOW SHE'S FINE AND DOING EXERCISES,SO I AM ALSO PLANNING TO GO AND SEE A DOCTOR SOON BEFORE IT GETS WORSE.