Rotator cuff tear - any advice?

Has your GP discussed steroid injection?

No, only saw GP once before physio and she said paracetamol. However, physio did say she would e mail GP with diagnosis and if my pain increases I could arrange a steroid injection. She also mentioned she was more concerned that as the pain was waking me up at night it would cause my shoulder to get worse which I didn't really understand. Again I am to contact GP for tablets to take at night if I feel I need them? So it feels as if it's up to me to decide on pain management. I rarely take any tablets so not sure what to do - I suppose if it gets worse will get back to GP. Thanks for input.

I've been told I probably have a rotator cuff problem, after 15mths of shoulder/arm problems. It started after a vigorous window cleaning session!

I've had six months of physio treatment, and a visit to a specialist physio who gave me a steroid injection. Despite that, its growing steadily worse and so I have to go back to the specialist next month to see what they say.

The local physio thought it was simple tendon problems to begin with but she now suspects it is a rotator cuff issue.

When I was having a lot of pain in my right shoulder, my GP diagnosed a possible rotator cuff tear and gave me a steroid injection which worked like magic. That was three years ago and I haven't looked back. It may, after all, have been tendonitis.

I can sympathise with you cos that's just what seems to be happening to me, only I have only had it since Sept, but as I said instead of improving it's getting worse. Not funny really, but I tried a dress on last week, managed to get it on over my head, slipped into it - too tight and couldn't pull it back off as couldn't lift my arm up. In the end had to stretch it further than it should have been stretched over my hips to escape. Was hoping there was to going to be a quick fix but from your experience doesn't sound it. Hope you get sorted.

Yes I had mine fixed in 2013? I was waking at night with terrible twinging pains in my right arm and it hurt when I just moved my arm. I was offered phsyiotherapy but I thought that if it did not work I would have to be in pain for months more. Surgery was a good decision as they could then see the extent of the tendon damage.

I had arthritic bone spurs on my right shoulder and the biceps and rotator cuff tendons were frayed like a piece of rope. The surgeon took a photo of the inside of my shoulder. It was fixed by attaching the tendons to a metal anchor in the shoulder.
My shoulder was strapped up for six weeks before I could start to move it. The physiotherapy was painful and you do have to take your pain killers and do your exercises. I got very discouraged until it started improving but it did get better and I can now move it 180 degree from lying by my side and it is fully functioning with an odd twinge. I am very pleased with the result. If you go for surgery you must do your physiotherapy religiously.

Thanks nelliemoser think I will persevere with the physio a bit, but interesting to know what could happen if no improvement.
anno will definitely ask for a steroid injection if pain increases.
Thanks.

Eek, Nelliemoser! That sounds very incapacitating, at least temporarily. The physio suggested surgery might be required but I need to be able to drive for when my latest grandchild arrives later this year.

Sorry for hijacking, GlamourousGray. I hope your shoulder starts to improve.

I had an awful lot of relief from having injections caused by a rotor cuff tear and this continued for over 3 years until I had that dreaded fall in June 2015 and completly smashed the whole rotor joint out of the socket making it unrepairable I am still waiting after many CT scans for the joint to be come strong enough to take a replacement socket I go for another CT scan mid February and have all my fingers crossed things have improved.It has been a long and drawn out saga to say the least.

I had a torn rotator three years ago and it healed with analgesics and Physio but now it's back again ?
I had a dreadful reaction to intra joint injection for tennis elbow years ago so desperately trying to avoid that option. It's keeping me awake at night despite painkillers so I guess something will need to be done.

? to all fellow sufferers x

I had a full thickness tear of my supraspinatus a year ago. It was extremely painful to start with, but physio and acupuncture gave some relief. After a few months it completely siezed up and the physio said she could do no more for me, it was a question of continuing the exercises. Well, a year on I am getting back to normal, although dressing and undressing is still awkward.
For the exercises I find a pulley useful, only around £6 from Amazon, demonstrations can be found on line.
I hope you find some relief soon, I was too cowardly to ask for an injection.
www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_15?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=shoulder+pulley&sprefix=shoulder+pulley%2Caps%2C223&crid=3ABB7DT6IXT9V&tag=gransnetforum-21

I think that's what I've got in my right shoulder, from a fall in 2011. I've had 2 cortisone injections, it's not painful now, but I'm very weak in eg lifting a cup to my lips, brushing/combing hair etc.
Not getting worse, but not getting better either. I should be doing exercises.

OH had a shoulder problem 18 months ago. GP referred him for physio. That did no good so he went back to the GP who said steroid injections would fix it. I intervened and said how on earth can they treat something that has not been diagnosed properly. So to cut a long story short he was referred to an excellent consultant who only deals in shoulders and knees. A scan revealed A full thickness supraspinatus tear. 2 weeks later he was operated on. The recovery was tough and the exercises painful but now he has full range of movement more or less, is pain free and sleeps well. Back on the mountain bike and doing weights and stuff in the gym.

All on the NHS I might add.

Thanks for all the comments folks - interesting to read the diffferent experiences and treatment options and has given me some idea of what to expect. Hope those still suffering are improving.

My H is waiting for date to have op for this , when he saw consultant he asked "which shoulder do you want me to operate on first" ? !! , he has chosen the right one as this is the worst one, the pain H is in is horrible to see , he has had physio and injections but have made no difference to mobility or pain , looks like it will many months of recovery for him

Hi,
Rotator cuff injuries occur most often in people who repeatedly perform overhead motions in their jobs or sports. Examples include painters, carpenters, and people who play baseball or tennis. The risk of rotator cuff injury also increases with age. But choosing powerful rehab techniques is safe & effective instead of any surgery. I would highly recommend Malin Method for eliminating any chronic pain fast. It combines powerful, all natural rehab techniques and a custom strength and mobility program to fully heal the entire shoulder/rotator cuff complex.

It works really great for me. This system works great for any kind of shoulder impingement, chronic shoulder pain, tendinitis, arthritis and any new or old shoulder/rotator cuff injury. For more information, you can visit - malinmethod.com/shoulder/

I hope it will help!

Thanks!

I had a torn rotator cuff as a result of an accident. It was so painful that I couldn't drive (essential for my work) but, because I was working, private healthcare was one of the perks. I had an operation and was off work for two months, but wasn't allowed to drive for another 4 weeks. Recovery was painful, my arm was strapped to my waist for weeks and I needed an injection to allow physio.

However, it was worth it because I now have full, painfree movement.

I've had a similar injury before so I can safely say that the best thing you can do is stick with your physiotherapy exercises as much as possible. It may not seem like much, but consistent strength training can help your muscles compensate for the injury and reduce the risk of pain recurring.

Unfortunately, recovery takes time and patience. It's not something that will happen overnight, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results.

In terms of self-help tips, I've found that taking it easy and not overdoing it can be just as important as doing your exercises. Make sure to rest your arm when needed and try not to lift heavy objects or do any strenuous activities that could further aggravate the injury.

Here’s a great article if you want to learn more about your injury
www.melbournesportsphysiotherapy.com.au/blog/rotator-cuff-related-shoulder-pain-and-physiotherapy-rotator-cuff-tears-tendinop

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

After a fall onto my shoulder causing a RotatorCuff injury it was keeping me awake at night, even with Paracetamol.
The doctor gave me one steroid injection which stopped the pain and gradually I have got back full movement, it did take nearly a year though, so a quick fix is not likely.