1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

Is this normal for frozen shoulder or rotator cuff tear?

Posted by lilybell @lilybell, Apr 12 8:44pm

I had to carry some heavy boxes for a few weeks and got bad pain in my right shoulder and in my biceps. Then my shoulder froze. I saw a PT who said I have frozen shoulder, or worst case rotator cuff tear? Does anyone know how to tell the difference? (I am not able to get a scan right now.)

I have the typical symptoms of not being able to raise my arm above my head or behind my back. But I also noticed, I can’t put my hand in the side of my waist/on my hip, if you get what I mean?

When I try, my elbow points backwards and my hand bends inwards and not even by force can I manage to get into this position. Is this common for frozen shoulder?

My left arm moves fine, so far.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

happilyalive | @happilyalive | Jul 11 5:15pm
In reply to @pb50 "I had impingement syndrome and had my bursa removed to free up some space in the..." + (show)
@pb50

I had impingement syndrome and had my bursa removed to free up some space in the capsule. Afterwards i had frozen shoulder. Couldn't reach behind my back or raise them over my head. I had some PT but as suddenly as it froze, about 15 months later, it thawed just as suddenly. Never another issue with it.

Jump to this post

Thanks for letting me know that it got better after 15 months. There is hope for full recovery for me then. I appreciate your post. Let's hope it never comes back for any reason.

REPLY
happilyalive | @happilyalive | Jul 12 9:58am
In reply to @josephanthony "Thank you for taking the time to respond. Much appreciated! I have been to an orthopedic..." + (show)
@josephanthony

Thank you for taking the time to respond. Much appreciated! I have been to an orthopedic surgeon who recommended PT. An ultrasound did show a tear, so that is the status at this point.

Jump to this post

I think pt is almost required before insurance will pay for surgery. I won't lie, the initial appointment at pt left me in tears. It hurt a lot during the first stages of pt, but worth it by the end. I wish you the best and a very speedy recovery. Tylenol became a good friend while I was trying to recover. I still have a ways to go, but keep working at it every day. May the healing go quickly for you. 🙂 Keep us updated.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.