Symtoms: Can’t raise arm, severe shoulder pain.
Diagnosis: Frozen shoulder.
Remedy: Physical therapy, acupuncture, and … ?
 
Over the summer, while playing with my youngest daughter, I injured my arm. Pearl wanted to hang from a wire secured between two poles near the tack shed. The wire had supported a canvas shade which had torn and had been removed. I pulled the taught wire down, and she grasped it, letting her feet dangle. Then, unexpectedly (at least to me), she let go, sending the wire (with my arm attached) up in the air. The pain was intense! I felt like my arm had been ripped off. But I did nothing. I didn’t seek medical advice, and just used my arm as little as possible.

My arm didn’t heal. In fact, it got worse. I couldn’t sleep on that side, and the pain woke me several times a night. When I couldn’t raise my arm to shave my armpit, I knew I had a problem. I made an appointment with my chiropractor that day.

The good news is I didn’t tear anything. The bad news is I have frozen shoulder. The doctor began treatment, and showed me exercises I can do at home. During my 4th visit, the doctor tried acupuncture. My range of motion improved slightly. I have one more visit scheduled, and if I don’t show progress, he is passing me off to a Physical Therapist. My doctor says my options will not be pleasant: cortizone injections, forced movement, and/or MUA (movement under anethesia). Strangely enough, reports say this condition can go away on its own within a 2 year span.

• Have you been affected by Frozen Shoulder?
• Have you giving anyone the cold shoulder?

Tags: frozen shoulder, physical therapy, rotator cuff injury, shoulder pain