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What has helped you live with intermittent chronic shoulder pain
I am 12 years post labrum tear in my shoulder, after PT and injection was fine for years. Last 6 or so years increased pain intermittently, while continuing PT both with and without seeing a physical therapist and 2 injections in last 18 mos. So times of relief and times not. Current dx is tendinosis of superior cuff. In my late 50s, female, stay active walking, biking, yoga, pickleball. Realizing I am living with this going forward and seeking tips for doing just that: any wisdom about massage? acupuncture? good books or other resources to understand and be friends with my shoulders?
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I’ll be following this convo. I have had four shoulder surgeries (two each side). I had a general clean-out of bone spurs and repair of a mild bicep tendon tear, right side (2005), clavicle resections on both sides (2010 right, 2019 left) due to arthritis, and a rotator cuff repair on left side (2022). I’ve always been very physically active, with a physically demanding career, but now, at 49, I am in constant pain. Shoulders, arms and hands, mostly. I’m also now dealing with my right arm/hand going numb (I think it’s cubital tunnel combined with carpal tunnel) and suspected tennis elbow on my left side. Anyway, I’m at my wits end and struggling with managing the never ending pain. I’m sleeping somewhat “sitting up”, because it’s the only way I can sleep comfortably.
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5 Reactions@cindy76 do you use an arm sling? I have heard that helps ease pain and pressure, even if somewhat.
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2 Reactions@rashida I have a brace that keeps my elbow straight while I sleep, it does help some with the pain and numbness.
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2 ReactionsMassage has helped me the most. I haven’t been able to have one in over 6 months and I feel it. I try to do it myself but can reach only part of the affected area and it’s just not the same. I was going to do acupuncture but it was that or massage. I chose massage. I look forward to being able to start again, even if only once every 4-6 weeks.
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2 ReactionsDue to an injury and then frozen shoulder that lasted a very long time I went through physical therapy for a year. Shortly after finishing it I ended up in a hospital and was diagnosed with Psoriatic Spondylitis Arthritis. At one of my Rheumatology sessions I was told to sleep with a very thin pillow and not to lie on either side. It helped tremendously and now anytime that I turn onto either side to sleep I wake up in very bad pain. Doing the shoulder exercises when the pain is harsh also helps to relieve some of it. Breaking the habit of side sleeping can be hard but well worth it. Beyond any doubt it won't totally cure shoulder pain but does help alot. I wish you the best. Let us know what you find that may help with the pain.