Shoulder Impingement, anyone?

[John_DiFool]

I damaged my right shoulder in a bike accident (impacted on the elbow, which got a hairline fracture, but the impact jammed the humerus into the shoulder joint), and I now have been diagnosed with “frozen shoulder” (range of motion is restricted). Going to start some therapy soon, hopefully can avoid surgery…

[Enright3]

@lorene

Have you been referred for PT? I had this a few years ago and it was stupid painful. I had many of the mobility/daily activity challenges you describe. Shampooing my hair was impossible without screaming pain.

I went to 12 sessions of PT. It took all 12 to improve. After 10 sessions I was like “this is bullshit” because there was no change. After 11, I noticed an improvement, and 12 was like a magic bullet. It was crazy. But I avoided surgery and have had no problems to speak of since.

@Doctor_Jackson

Enright3, you mention that you went to the Ortho but don’t give his diagnosis. If there is structural damage (rotator cuff or, as in my case, torn labrum) surgery may be the only option. I am married to a PT, but exercise is useless if the damage is more than slight. It’s a painful and long recovery, like 3 months to regain minimal functional use and a year to return to 100%, but now it’s as good as new. YMMV.

I thought “Shoulder Impingement” was the diagnosis I got from the dr.
He didn’t refer me to a PT, but he gave me an oft photocopied of four exercises. Internal/External rotation with an elastic band plus a couple more. I can do the exercises easier than when I first started; but I still have pain. I need to go back to the Dr. I suppose.