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Shoulder problem, advice please!

(20 Posts)
phoenix Wed 29-Jun-16 18:29:39

Hello all,

I have had a problem with shoulder and arm, and the physio has decided that it is a universally unstable shoulder joint. He prescribed a resistance band and a set of exercises. He also said that I should ensure that my shoulder is in the correct position at all times, which is actually easier said than done!

I have had a quick look on Amazon at shoulder braces, wondering if one might help (obviously in addition to, not instead of, the exercises)

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated!

I

Luckygirl Wed 29-Jun-16 18:37:46

I often have trouble with my shoulder and a quick steroid injection seems to do the trick. I cannot play my flute when shoulder is playing up. Hope you get some relief from it soon.

tanith Wed 29-Jun-16 18:39:40

I've had problems with my right shoulder for a couple of years finally went to see a chiropractor I've seen for back problems he told me I have quite advanced Arthritis in the joint but gave me a good work out and he gave me the some exercises and band stretching and although its not 'better' the aching and stabbing pain has eased quite a lot, he said that if I keep up the exercises it may help but surgery is probably looming to 'fix' the problem. I never tried the brace could you ask the physio maybe?
My shoulder blades aren't level because of the Arthritis could that be your problem too? I hold the shoulder in a position that doesn't cause it to 'catch' and makes me yelp with pain its not a pretty sight grin

phoenix Wed 29-Jun-16 22:44:40

Damn, I posted a long and detailed response, which seems to have vanished! Will try again tomorrow.

breeze Wed 29-Jun-16 23:58:40

I just posted one and it popped up twice. Gremlins in the machine! Same as Lucky, I had a quick steroid injection and it worked a treat.

ninathenana Thu 30-Jun-16 00:35:27

I've recently under gone an eight week course of physio for my problem shoulder. This involved stretch band exercises amongst others. There is an improvement, it doesn't ache now but dose make me yelp if I reach behind or to high.
Physio said it was due to posture but also asked if I'd been diagnosed with arthritis. He did strap me up to try and keep it in "the ideal position" but it came unstuck as soon as I put my coat on outside smile

breeze Thu 30-Jun-16 07:25:15

apologies, it was late, I meant a cortisone injection.

Anya Thu 30-Jun-16 07:30:46

I injured my shoulder about a year ago, but didn't go to GP as kept thinking it would get better. It didn't so I started myself on some shoulder and arm exercises using looped resistance bands and it's already much better.

So I'm pleased to read above that I seem to have stumbled on a remedy which is recommended by physios.

breeze Thu 30-Jun-16 07:52:39

which is a steroid , sorry it's early!

Charleygirl Thu 30-Jun-16 07:58:28

phoenix I doubt if steroids will help an unstable shoulder joint. You need to see an orthopaedic surgeon, one who specialises in shoulders and they are few and far between, and go from there. Surgery may well be the only option which I know you were delighted to hear.

breeze Thu 30-Jun-16 09:01:22

May well be the case. I fell and pushed shoulder out of alignment. Saw very good orthopaedic surgeon. Painful, although cortisone jab solved the pain, needed physio afterwards too to get it back in alignment. As Charleygirl rightly said, you need a proper diagnosis. If it was caused by an injury, could be will heal with ongoing physio and something for the pain but if inherited or gradual decline, may need to be corrected. Hope you get it sorted out soon.

Greyduster Thu 30-Jun-16 09:13:18

I have every sympathy with you,* Phoenix*. Last year I had a course of physio for an awful frozen shoulder. I saw two physios and the second one looked at the exercises the first one had given me, said "Oh, they'll be no good for you at all - they're too hard" tore them up and threw them in the bin!! I have to say, she was brilliant and really helped me, but she did say that poor posture wasn't helping. After eight weeks (which is all the NHS will give you!) of her exercises, including using the stretch band, I had about two thirds of the movement back (I could fasten my bra at the back!) and then I continued with the exercises and swimming, which she recommended. I think the swimming really helped. I had a cortisone injection in my shoulder years ago and it worked a treat. I really didn't want another one this time but would have considered it if the exercises hadn't worked.

shysal Thu 30-Jun-16 09:30:36

I have an ongoing shoulder injury. The resistance band, despite being yellow, the easiest, is too tough for me. My physio gave me stretches to do using a rope pulley which attaches to a closed door. This gives me better control.Rope shoulder pulley
I hope you improve soon.

Nana3 Thu 30-Jun-16 09:32:07

phoenix I had physiotherapy but had very little improvement. She then gave me ultra sound treatment once a week, it worked like a miracle. I have posted this on a previous thread about shoulder injuries, don't know if you can still read that thread. All the best.

annodomini Thu 30-Jun-16 10:04:03

If there is arthritis in the joint that might require surgery, it's as well to get a firm diagnosis sooner rather than later. Mine was misdiagnosed at first with the result that when the bone spurs were recognised it was too late for keyhole surgery and I needed a partial replacement. Insist on an X-ray or scan, phoenix.

silverlining48 Thu 30-Jun-16 13:54:35

I had a problem shoulder following a fall. I couldnt even put on a cardigan, very limited movement with a lot of pain. When I saw the consultant he said I would probably need an operation to shave the bone which was impeding movement and causing the pain. The alternative was to try exercises, and a steroid injection, and then another injection to no avail. In the end I conceded and had the bone shaved off via a small cut. I was terrified the shoulder would freeze so did the exercises, and have recovered movement loo% now and am pain free. When I spoke to a friend about this operation (which I had never heard of) she told me her son had had it a few years ago following injury from rugby. Good luck.

GandTea Thu 30-Jun-16 14:58:03

I can't comment on shoulder braces, but ...

I had a problem with neck pain (spondylitis).

The NHS physio said it was made worse by my posture, stress in shoulders, she trussed me up like a chicken with 2" sticky tape, forcing my shoulders down and back. Stayed like that for 2 weeks, worked perfectly, no more pain unless I get stressed and now I know how to relax my shoulders to relieve it.

ninathenana Thu 30-Jun-16 19:09:43

How did you get dressed without it coming unstuck GrandTea ?
My tape lasted about 10 mins then pinged off when I put my coat on.

phoenix Thu 30-Jun-16 20:00:41

Many thanks for all the responses.

I have no problems with movement, just the throb and tingle down the arm! Although using a dustpan and brush can bring on a swearing fit blush

I do the exercises (red band, for those in the know) but wonder if one of those braces might help to keep the shoulder joint in the correct alignment when sitting at my desk, walking around etc.

I have been complimented on my posture, straight back etc, but it is all too easy to let the shoulder move from the ideal position when doing everyday things, hence wondering about a brace.

GandTea Thu 30-Jun-16 21:47:36

Nina, no way would it come off they used yards of it, round the front of my shoulders and diagonally across my back, like a sport bra in reverse. And yes it did hurt when they took it off.