'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, about 1 month [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.