What has helped you live with intermittent chronic shoulder pain

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.

@cindy76 do you use an arm sling? I have heard that helps ease pain and pressure, even if somewhat.

@rashida I have a brace that keeps my elbow straight while I sleep, it does help some with the pain and numbness.

Massage 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.