Running out of options. Shoulder pain but no orthopedic issues

Hi @hilda2020, welcome to Mayo Connect. I moved your message to the Bones, Joints & Muscles group because it is more closely related to your question. Your situation sounds very similar to the discussion @nenahurts @sandytoes14 @cipaul were having a while back. See it here:

- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) but is it something else? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/frozen-shoulder-adhesive-capsulitis-but-is-it-something-else

Like you, I'm in my 50s and I work out regularly doing high intensity training and weight lifting (not overly heavy). A year ago my dominant arm started growing weaker and then I lost significant range of motion and was in pain (for months). It's been a long year of physiotherapy, massage and rehabilitation. Only now after 12 months am I able to get most of my range of motion back. I'm almost pain free and am slowly building up strength again. That's my story, which may not be yours. I don't have fibromyalgia.

Does this interview with Dr. Christopher Camp, an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, describe your shoulder issue?

I would go see a rheumatologist.

It could be frozen shoulder, I had a similar problem like that. I first had it in my right shoulder. I have to go to MY and also hydRocortisone shots. It took about a year to heal. A couple years later I started getting it in my left shoulder, wasn't to bad. I started the exercises that I learn in PT. After awhile it healed

I too have had a very similar situation and your description of the upper arm pain sounds exactly like mine. I am in your age range, have fibromyalgia and had stopped taking Cymbalta for a period of time. I was referred to a physiotherapist who determined it was a bilateral strain of the biceps and possibly the deltoid/rotator cuff muscles (the latter likely due to compensations). I did the prescribed exercises and massaging of the area for a few weeks. It started to feel better and after a while I abandoned the physio. But it has not disappeared completely yet. I still have some range of motion stiffness when reaching backwards. I'm finding that time is easing the situation but it has felt like a long time. I will be going back on Cymbalta at some point soon so perhaps that might help a bit. In any case, I thought perhaps my physiotherapist's identification of the ailment might shed some light on your situation.

Did you get an MRI on your shoulder and neck? could be referred pain from your cervical spine.

Research SIRVA (Shoulder Injury Resulting from Vaccine Administration). I’ve been diagnosed with SIRVA , been in physical therapy for almost two years for two separate instances. The vaccine was given incorrectly by giving it too high on my arm and dispersing vaccine into my bursa. This caused great pain and inflammation within my shoulder.

I could only raise my left arm to 4 o'clock when about your age. A good physical therapist would warm the shoulder with a pad for about 20 minutes, then move it gently. After a few treatments, I was floating in shallow warm water and was able to get it up to 3 o'clock . It rose faster after that. After 12 treatments it was normal.

Good morning @katherineanne and welcome to Connect. I see that this is your first post. You have had a little time to get acquainted.

First. I think your use of the clock to measure flexibility in your arm is great. I am not very good with all the degrees and angles.

Secondly, I now remember those warm moist pads that begin the treatment session. And then the PT comes and gently moves the shoulder more freely.

How long did it take you to complete 12 treatments. Did you have them weekly with at home follow up?

I am currently evaluating the benefit of twice a week MFR therapy treatments. That may be a better way for me. If I have less pain for fewer days maybe I won’t nap all afternoon because I need relief from pain. Do you have pain under control?

Would you share with me your shoulder treatments? Have you had surgery or because it is your shoulder, maybe you have had more than one.

What are those options that have worn out their welcome? Are you in pain of unknown origin right now? We are not medical practitioners or providers. What we have is our own shared experiences.....we've been there.

May you be content and at peace.
Chris

hilda2020, look into a thiamine deficiency as a possible answer.Thiamine requires magnesium to activate it.and magnesium malate may also aid the condition while activating thiamine. Then research glutathione, the master antioxident in the body. Here are some links to refer to. Always consult with your heath care professional before using any supplement.
http://www.hormonesmatter.com/thiamine-fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue/
https://www.krispin.com/magnes.html

Many symptoms with our body can be traced back to what we eat. I know a person that had their thyroid gland removed, only to find out later that their symptoms were caused by "Gluten-Intolerance." I suggest that you cut meat from your diet (especially pork, which can cause joint pain) for a period of three months. See at that time if your symptoms get better. Other than that, have you ever been to a foreign country where mosquitoe-born illnesses are prevalent? My father had shoulder pain, and no-one could figure out what was wrong. After much testing, it was discovered he had "Filarisis," which he contracted while serving in the military overseas during World War II. Of course, it is doubtful this is what you have, but you have gone through the gamut of tests, and this does cause joint pain.