Shoulder Pain

[Misky]

I'm hoping someone has experienced this and can give me some advice. I can't put my right hand behind my back without pain in my shoulder and upper arm. It's not a frozen shoulder, as I can stretch my arm out to the front, side and over my head. I've seen a physiotherapist twice now and am doing all the exercises I've been given, but it's getting worse and I can't reach as far as I could four weeks ago. It makes life difficult when getting undressed and now I worry because the other shoulder is starting to hurt too. I'm sure the problem is sitting at the computer all day at work, using the keyboard and mouse and so I've been making sure to sit up straight and stretch out my arms as often as possible but nothing's made any difference so far. The exercises from the physio don't include any where my arms go behind my back. Does anyone have any advice please?

[Sqad]

No, I haven't experienced that.....

You give a very good description in your OP and it does sound like "Rotator Cuff Syndrome."....no big deal but painful and be difficult to treat.
Google it.
It is known by other names e.g Shoulder impingement Syndrome but basically it is damage to the muscles around the shoulder joint.
You haven't mentioned if you are taking any pain relief e.g Ibuprofen.
There are many causes, but sitting at a PC all day would be one to consider.

Continue the exercises, take Ibuprofen 600mgms as and when necessary up to 2,400 mgms a day and if there is no improvement after another 2 weeks, then see you GP as you will need X-Rays and possibly an Orthopaedic opinion.

[Misky]

Thanks Sqad, I was losing faith in the exercises but hopefully they'll come up trumps. And I'll google that so I know what I'm dealing with. I've avoided painkillers as it was to be a long-term thing but if I'm allowed, I'll get stuck in now. Thanks very much x

[midagetrolop]

I had this last year, I went to physio every week for ages and thought it would never get any better, but eventually it went as nearly quickly as it came. Do the exercises, and I know it's painful but keep trying. Do as Sqad says, he's usually spot-on. Hope it starts getting better soon. June X

[gness]

Most may disagree with me, Misky but acupuncture is worth a try. I had one session a few weeks ago for severe shoulder pain......waking me up at night was more than a nusiance......the relief is bliss......

..and not a practitioner who will say you will need X number of sessions.... I only ever have one........and a top up if I feel it's needed.....x

[Misky]

Thank you trolop and gness - just to know I will hopefully not be stuck with it forever is a relief! There's a place near where I work does acupuncture but I think I'll try the exercises for a little while longer before I try that...x

[midagetrolop]

Misky - I forgot to say that I had acupuncture also, you can only try it. Funnily enough my husband is going through the same thing, has been to physio this morning and she also does acupuncture so he has tried it. He also uses the Salonpas pain relief plasters. Hope this helps.

[Misky]

My next physio appt. is on Wednesday - I might ask what he thinks. Otherwise I might plod on with the exercises for a while before I decide. Thanks for the info ! x

[gness]

My GP did acupuncture, Misky......now it's my first port of call for pain relief. Getting rid of the severe shoulder pain made it easier for me to do the exercises I need to do to prevent it happening again......good luck....x

[Misky]

Thanks gness - I'll check with my GP when I go next, but to be honest, I don't hold out much hope there...