An Accidental Alternate Solution
I was scheduled for reverse total shoulder replacement after a fall which caused a fracture of my humerus. The piece from that fracture tore my rotator cuff tendons, and two different orthopedic doctors said the X-rays and MRI indicated physical therapy and steroid injections were not likely to be a viable solution. I was doing PT while waiting for the surgery and getting some improved range of motion and some relief of pain, but I reached somewhat of a plateau and couldn't get any better. I ended up at a dermatologist because of getting hives, and she said the best relief of the swelling and itching was a steroid shot. Within 24 hours of that shot given in my hip, my hives were much better, and so was my shoulder. A couple of days later, I noticed greatly improved range of motion and almost no pain. With 6 weeks of physical therapy, I now have 40 degrees of improved range of motion - as good as my other shoulder and no pain. I still have a little less strength in that shoulder, but it is also improving. None of us know if this will last, but who would have guessed that having hives could be such a blessing.