Rotator cuff tendinitis
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I hurt my shoulder in September, 2016 playing pickleball (like tennis for old people). I had the same symptoms - tried icing, rest, etc. Nothing worked. In October I saw an Ortho Dr. who did an X-ray which revealed nothing was broken and gave me a cortisone shot. He also gave me some exercises to do, which hurt more when I did them. I still hadn't improved by January and went back to the Ortho Dr. for another cortisone shot. He said, "Nope - not going to work", and scheduled an MRI. The MRI revealed a complete tear of the a rotator cuff tendon. I had surgery on 1/31/17. A tear is not going to heal.0
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CynthiasChoice wrote: »I hurt my shoulder last September. I finally saw a doctor 6 months later because it was worse, not better. He sent me to PT, and the physical therapist I had made it much worse. I'm not sure if that would have happened with any PT, but the one I had was pretty aggressive with my shoulder. The only positive part of PT is that I learned to place a pillow under my arm while sleeping, which reduced the aggravation to the shoulder through the night.
Next step was to get an MRI, which showed a torn rotator cuff tendon. These do not get better or heal on their own, but require surgery which completely immobilizes the arm for 6 weeks, and doesn't heal completely for 6 - 12 months. Those who have the surgery say it's worth it.
I'm hesitating on the surgery because my shoulder has gradually become less painful and more limber over the last 3 months. It's tolerable to do day to day activities, but not exercise. Since I make my living as a pianist, surgery is out of the question for the time being. I would probably miss 2 -3 months of work and can't afford that right now.
My advice: See an orthopedic dr. who specializes in shoulders and ask for an MRI before letting a physical therapist touch you! Doctors don't like to recommend particular physical therapists usually, but ask if any other patients have given good reports about a particular therapist, and the dr. might pass that along to you.
Keep icing and good luck!
This.0 -
I have this and it sucks so bad. Unfortunately for me it comes and goes. It has never really gone away. I suggest a physical therapist so that s/he can give you the appropriate exercises for your case. Cold compresses help out a bunch, so I would do those daily.1
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Sometimes working on a shoulder with a torn tendon (even with a trained therapist) can cause irreparable damage. Consult an ortho dr.0
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CynthiasChoice wrote: »I hurt my shoulder last September. I finally saw a doctor 6 months later because it was worse, not better. He sent me to PT, and the physical therapist I had made it much worse. I'm not sure if that would have happened with any PT, but the one I had was pretty aggressive with my shoulder. The only positive part of PT is that I learned to place a pillow under my arm while sleeping, which reduced the aggravation to the shoulder through the night.
Next step was to get an MRI, which showed a torn rotator cuff tendon. These do not get better or heal on their own, but require surgery which completely immobilizes the arm for 6 weeks, and doesn't heal completely for 6 - 12 months. Those who have the surgery say it's worth it.
I'm hesitating on the surgery because my shoulder has gradually become less painful and more limber over the last 3 months. It's tolerable to do day to day activities, but not exercise. Since I make my living as a pianist, surgery is out of the question for the time being. I would probably miss 2 -3 months of work and can't afford that right now.
My advice: See an orthopedic dr. who specializes in shoulders and ask for an MRI before letting a physical therapist touch you! Doctors don't like to recommend particular physical therapists usually, but ask if any other patients have given good reports about a particular therapist, and the dr. might pass that along to you.
Keep icing and good luck!
This.
Easier said then done! My husband had been waiting almost a year to see one!!!!
I really wish I knew what did it and what is causing the pain. I tried to get into a dr today, no luck. I'll call in the to see if I can get into a walk in but I may be stuck for 2 weeks till I'm on holidays to actually get in to see someone!
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Being totally honest with you you need to see Orthopedist to get a diagnosis. Don't ask people for their opinion on this website they don't know what they're talking about1
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I had rotator cuff injuries from tennis. at my worst I couldn't lift my arms above my shoulders or reach behind my back. Resting is key, no overhead weight lifting, I stay away from anti-inflammatories. But at the end of the day, physical therapy is the ONLY thing that really worked for me. Strengthening the muscles around rotator cuff with resistance bands. Rotation, abduction, extensions.. See attached image. I did these diligently and I could not believe how effective they are. Zero residual pain right now. Trust your body - it will heal without all that crappy supplements and medications. Connective tissue injuries require rest + surrounding muscle strengthening.
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I'd go get a physiotherapist to look at it.0
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Eschew the advice of the fitness gurus and supplement salesmen and seek competent medical advice. The shoulder is an extremely complex joint. Don’t complicate a potentially debilitating injury by trying to exercise the injury away. Not wise to trade a cortisone shot for an expensive & painful surgical procedure. Make a medical appointment.2
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STEVE142142 wrote: »Being totally honest with you you need to see Orthopedist to get a diagnosis. Don't ask people for their opinion on this website they don't know what they're talking about
Yes obviously! I did see a dr and would always go with what a dr suggests. I just like to ask others what they did still while injured exercise wise as I may not of thought of something that still would be ok to do. That's all it's looking for suggestions! I am not asking one to diagnose me and test me! Lol
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I did.Have you tried taking an anti-inflammatory? Not sure what's up with my shoulder but a couple of Voltarin really helped.
Yesterday it seemed to really help, today not at all. It's like my arms dead. Very weak, numb and the pain.... I'm going to see if I can get into quick care tomorrow night
This would indicate a real possibility of a herniated disk with a pinched nerve...probably in your C6/7 which is where mine was. I originally thought it was a shoulder issue as well, but the pain in my shoulder was actually caused by a pinched nerve in my neck/upper back and multiple trigger points. My doctor sent me into get an MRI to verify and then to a PT.
I spent about 6 weeks working with a PT and once the nerve was released, the shoulder pain went away. I still had to limit my activity for another couple of months to make sure I fully healed and kept up with my rehab work at home.0 -
Yes I seeked a drs help. Went Saturday. Of course told to rest it which I try to do but I self employed so taking time off jeans no $$$. I'll do my best to rest it, they did prescribe a med with a pain killer and anti inflammatory and a muscle relaxant. I've notice little improvement but nothing huge yet. He said it can go as quick as it came or several weeks. He gave me 2 weeks worth of meds... so we will see0
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cwolfman13 wrote: »I did.Have you tried taking an anti-inflammatory? Not sure what's up with my shoulder but a couple of Voltarin really helped.
Yesterday it seemed to really help, today not at all. It's like my arms dead. Very weak, numb and the pain.... I'm going to see if I can get into quick care tomorrow night
This would indicate a real possibility of a herniated disk with a pinched nerve...probably in your C6/7 which is where mine was. I originally thought it was a shoulder issue as well, but the pain in my shoulder was actually caused by a pinched nerve in my neck/upper back and multiple trigger points. My doctor sent me into get an MRI to verify and then to a PT.
I spent about 6 weeks working with a PT and once the nerve was released, the shoulder pain went away. I still had to limit my activity for another couple of months to make sure I fully healed and kept up with my rehab work at home.
He did the push test on my head to see if there was any sensitivity as thought neck too but I was fine. I could turn to the right no prob but not the left and I couldn't touch my chin to my chest. He said it's more then likely all muscle issues.
I know many suggest orthro de but it's very very hard to see one here. My husband is been waiting almost a year already !
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I'm another one that had a rotator cuff tear. I have no idea what I did to tear it, I'm guessing it happened over time. I had no one moment where I went "ouch!" it just started hurting and didn't get better. See an orthopedic surgeon and get it diagnosed. It may be something simple that just needs some rest or physical therapy. It may be a tear and that will not heal on it's own. I had surgery to repair a complete tear last Aug. I was in excruciating pain for months prior. It's a hard surgery with a long recovery, it's a year at least for full recovery, but it's been worth it as I'm not in horrible pain any longer.
It is indeed a HORRIBLE surgery and HORRIBLE recovery. I am just starting my 7th month after surgery repairing a full thickness tear. Though it's getting better, I still have days when I wonder if the surgery was worth it. Again my recommendation is to see an Ortho Dr. Don't risk an injury that could be irreparable.0 -
I'm another one that had a rotator cuff tear. I have no idea what I did to tear it, I'm guessing it happened over time. I had no one moment where I went "ouch!" it just started hurting and didn't get better. See an orthopedic surgeon and get it diagnosed. It may be something simple that just needs some rest or physical therapy. It may be a tear and that will not heal on it's own. I had surgery to repair a complete tear last Aug. I was in excruciating pain for months prior. It's a hard surgery with a long recovery, it's a year at least for full recovery, but it's been worth it as I'm not in horrible pain any longer.
It is indeed a HORRIBLE surgery and HORRIBLE recovery. I am just starting my 7th month after surgery repairing a full thickness tear. Though it's getting better, I still have days when I wonder if the surgery was worth it. Again my recommendation is to see an Ortho Dr. Don't risk an injury that could be irreparable.
It's a long recovery to full strength/range of motion. I had little issue with the recovery other than the time. Was doing some computer work from home as soon as I recovered from being knocked out (same day as surgery) and worked from home for a week (didn't want to drive on the interstate with arm in immobilizer). Only used a couple of the pain pills I was prescribed. Was able to sleep in my bed from the first night.
Your experience may vary.1
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