Shoulder Rotator Cuff Injury
Discussion
I injured my right shoulder 15 years ago in the Police, the pain has worsened over the years with it now being constant. I had a steroid injection 6 months ago which really helped but my GP won't perform another...something about the steroid causing degradation to the cartilage?
I have a referral for a scan, physio etc.. I just wondered if anyone else has had similar, how treatable is it, & how quickly was the recovery? I have been training regularly down the gym, and swimming lots..which I know is aggravating it. I have made good gains in the gym..so having to stop and rest the shoulder is frustrating!
I have a referral for a scan, physio etc.. I just wondered if anyone else has had similar, how treatable is it, & how quickly was the recovery? I have been training regularly down the gym, and swimming lots..which I know is aggravating it. I have made good gains in the gym..so having to stop and rest the shoulder is frustrating!
Absolutely see a good sports physiotherapist. Corticosteroid injections can be helpful short-term, to reduce inflammation. Even so they're not a solution and not a long-term therapeutic choice as they only provide symptomatic relief, doing nothing to address the underlying pathology.
Many shoulder injuries can be rehabilitated fully: with your long history it is possible you will have some degenerative structural changes, even so the outlook is far from bleak. The fact you've been training successfully up to this point is positive - even so you should rest the joint until you've been properly assessed.
Many shoulder injuries can be rehabilitated fully: with your long history it is possible you will have some degenerative structural changes, even so the outlook is far from bleak. The fact you've been training successfully up to this point is positive - even so you should rest the joint until you've been properly assessed.
I've had a rotator cuff problem in the past, however it doesn't sound as bad as yours. I simply do a couple a light weight exercises and stretches before any work out and whilst it's not completely sorted the issue it's made it far better to live with.
There are a wealth of video's on Youtube which will cover this.
There are a wealth of video's on Youtube which will cover this.
Dejay1788 said:
I've had a rotator cuff problem in the past, however it doesn't sound as bad as yours. I simply do a couple a light weight exercises and stretches before any work out and whilst it's not completely sorted the issue it's made it far better to live with.
There are a wealth of video's on Youtube which will cover this.
Fascinating. With your vague description of your own injury, your incomplete recovery, and absolutely *no clue* what's wrong with the OP (who states it is rotator cuff but does not elaborate as to which structures are affected, whether it is a tear or an impingement syndrome, limited Hx etc.) you're happy to recommend self-treatment with 'videos on YouTube'. ...FFS.There are a wealth of video's on Youtube which will cover this.
MurderousCrow said:
Fascinating. With your vague description of your own injury, your incomplete recovery, and absolutely *no clue* what's wrong with the OP (who states it is rotator cuff but does not elaborate as to which structures are affected, whether it is a tear or an impingement syndrome, limited Hx etc.) you're happy to recommend self-treatment with 'videos on YouTube'. ...FFS.
Where did I prescribe self treatment? I merely suggested that doing some simple stretches and exercises before he works out may help, but thank you for your opinion on the matter, Doctor. Dejay1788 said:
MurderousCrow said:
Fascinating. With your vague description of your own injury, your incomplete recovery, and absolutely *no clue* what's wrong with the OP (who states it is rotator cuff but does not elaborate as to which structures are affected, whether it is a tear or an impingement syndrome, limited Hx etc.) you're happy to recommend self-treatment with 'videos on YouTube'. ...FFS.
Where did I prescribe self treatment? I merely suggested that doing some simple stretches and exercises before he works out may help, but thank you for your opinion on the matter, Doctor. 
Think he's been watching too much "Doc" Martin......
I would respectfully suggest you need to brush up on your bedside manner MC, even though you offer good advice..
op:-
You will find out a lot more info after you have undergone a MRI scan.
Cortisone injections, as the "Doc" says are only of short term limited value.
Personally, I would tone down the gym for a while, this is probably not helping matters.
Thanks for the advice chaps, common sense has prevailed and I have eased back on the weight and the exercises that aggravate the condition until I have had it scanned. As I said, it's just frustrating.
I do always warm up thoroughly though and strangely enough during my workouts there is very little pain, it's when I stop that I pay for it. Night times are the worst, I can't sleep on my right side at all now.
I will update once a professional has assessed my shoulder.
I do always warm up thoroughly though and strangely enough during my workouts there is very little pain, it's when I stop that I pay for it. Night times are the worst, I can't sleep on my right side at all now.
I will update once a professional has assessed my shoulder.
OP - glad you're going to get it assessed. Clinical tests such as MRI can reveal a lot and can inform and guide treatment, even so I'd emphasise the value of a good sports physiotherapist in any treatment pathway. In my opinion it's worthwhile seeking out (and likely paying for) a reputable practitioner, and following their complete treatment plan to the letter before looking into any further interventions. Many rotator cuff injuries can be rehabilitated successfully with a targeted strengthening regime along with appropriate mobility / soft tissue interventions. Regardless of whether this service is paid for by you or not, you must establish with your medical provider / therapist that your aim is not 'good enough' treatment... you actively want full restoration of function to allow you to improve (and not just maintain) your physical well-being. A sports physio will understand this imperative, and may be able to offer alternative exercises, potentially allowing you to maintain your hard-won gains.
MurderousCrow said:
OP - glad you're going to get it assessed. Clinical tests such as MRI can reveal a lot and can inform and guide treatment, even so I'd emphasise the value of a good sports physiotherapist in any treatment pathway. In my opinion it's worthwhile seeking out (and likely paying for) a reputable practitioner, and following their complete treatment plan to the letter before looking into any further interventions. Many rotator cuff injuries can be rehabilitated successfully with a targeted strengthening regime along with appropriate mobility / soft tissue interventions. Regardless of whether this service is paid for by you or not, you must establish with your medical provider / therapist that your aim is not 'good enough' treatment... you actively want full restoration of function to allow you to improve (and not just maintain) your physical well-being. A sports physio will understand this imperative, and may be able to offer alternative exercises, potentially allowing you to maintain your hard-won gains.
Thanks MC, that's exactly what I'm looking for...good enough is not 'good enough' I want to be able to continue training at the same if not a higher level, but not at the expense of further injury of course. I think I'm being referred to a specialist physio dept for assessment and MRI scan, so I'll know more then and can discuss with the therapist. Thanks again for the advice, much appreciated.
I'd strongly advise you push for an MRI ASAP... shoulder pain isn't always as simple as a bit of ligament inflammation.
I suffered from a slight pain in my shoulder for a year or so that eventually became so bad I was only getting 2-3 hours sleep a night. Eventually went to the doctors, and although he wanted to give me a cortisone injection, he agreed to refer me when I told him I had private health cover with work.
Went to the referral, and the specialist sent me for an MRI. As well as the usual rotator cuff junk that needed clearing out, the MRI also showed up an almost severed tendon, which if I hadn't had fixed, would have snapped and caused all sorts of problems. I was in for surgery less than 2 weeks after my 1st doctors appointment.
Recovery for me was a month with my shoulder fully immobilized, followed by 6 months of physio. Took well over a year to get the full range of movement back, but it's tip top now.
I suffered from a slight pain in my shoulder for a year or so that eventually became so bad I was only getting 2-3 hours sleep a night. Eventually went to the doctors, and although he wanted to give me a cortisone injection, he agreed to refer me when I told him I had private health cover with work.
Went to the referral, and the specialist sent me for an MRI. As well as the usual rotator cuff junk that needed clearing out, the MRI also showed up an almost severed tendon, which if I hadn't had fixed, would have snapped and caused all sorts of problems. I was in for surgery less than 2 weeks after my 1st doctors appointment.
Recovery for me was a month with my shoulder fully immobilized, followed by 6 months of physio. Took well over a year to get the full range of movement back, but it's tip top now.
Edited by Chris Stott on Sunday 21st June 19:11
Had a problem with mine for over 12 months. Specialist said I didn't need a scan as he knew want was wrong with it. I have had 30+ sessions of Physio and whilst it has improved I am still unhappy. I insisted on an MRI scan which I had a couple of weeks ago and will see the specialist next week. Very frustrating as I haven't been able to do a lot of stuff and my are shoulder feels weak and occasionally painful.
Chris Stott said:
I'd strongly advise you push for an MRI ASAP... shoulder pain isn't always as simple as a bit of ligament inflammation.
I suffered from a slight pain in my shoulder for a year or so that eventually became so bad I was only getting 2-3 hours sleep a night. Eventually went to the doctors, and although he wanted to give me a cortisone injection, he agreed to refer me when I told him I had private health cover with work.
Went to the referral, and the specialist sent me for an MRI. As well as the usual rotator cuff junk that needed clearing out, the MRI also showed up an almost severed tendon, which if I hadn't had fixed, would have snapped and caused all sorts of problems. I was in for surgery less than 2 weeks after my 1st doctors appointment.
Recovery for me was a month with my shoulder fully immobilized, followed by 6 months of physio. Took well over a year to get the full range of movement back, but it's tip top now.
The 'almost severed tendon' sounds a bit scary! Really hoping I haven't done anything quite so bad to my shoulder, but I am worried as the pain has become constant. There is no comfortable position for my arm, and at its worst the pain radiates down my arm. Not a good sign. Night times are as you described..disturbing. I'm fed up with it tbh, the sooner I get it checked..the better! I suffered from a slight pain in my shoulder for a year or so that eventually became so bad I was only getting 2-3 hours sleep a night. Eventually went to the doctors, and although he wanted to give me a cortisone injection, he agreed to refer me when I told him I had private health cover with work.
Went to the referral, and the specialist sent me for an MRI. As well as the usual rotator cuff junk that needed clearing out, the MRI also showed up an almost severed tendon, which if I hadn't had fixed, would have snapped and caused all sorts of problems. I was in for surgery less than 2 weeks after my 1st doctors appointment.
Recovery for me was a month with my shoulder fully immobilized, followed by 6 months of physio. Took well over a year to get the full range of movement back, but it's tip top now.
Edited by Chris Stott on Sunday 21st June 19:11
craig1912 said:
Had a problem with mine for over 12 months. Specialist said I didn't need a scan as he knew want was wrong with it. I have had 30+ sessions of Physio and whilst it has improved I am still unhappy. I insisted on an MRI scan which I had a couple of weeks ago and will see the specialist next week. Very frustrating as I haven't been able to do a lot of stuff and my are shoulder feels weak and occasionally painful.
I'm surprised they didn't want to perform the scan..I think like you, I would prefer they didn't assume, and checked it for sure with the scan! Waynester said:
The 'almost severed tendon' sounds a bit scary! Really hoping I haven't done anything quite so bad to my shoulder, but I am worried as the pain has become constant. There is no comfortable position for my arm, and at its worst the pain radiates down my arm. Not a good sign. Night times are as you described..disturbing. I'm fed up with it tbh, the sooner I get it checked..the better!
Worst case was mine would snap, and instead of pin hole surgery to screw a tiny pin in to sew it back to, I would need the shoulder opening fully up to locate it and then have it reattached.Towards the end, mine was so painful I couldn't even hold a glass in my left hand or hold my left arm in the same position for more than a minute at a time. The pain was constant... 24/7. I ended up smoking marijuana as it was the only thing that reduced the pain enough to get a few hours sleep.
Hope yours works out... my advice it to push hard to get a diagnosis and not just accept the (cheap/easy) NHS solution.
OP - don't panic yet. Nothing can be excluded at this stage without a. a full clinical assessment by an experienced professional and b. possible further investigations e.g. MRI. MRI is arguably the most reliable test for diagnosing both complete and partial ruptures of the rotator cuff. Even so a known disadvantage is highlighting seeming abnormalities which in fact have a very limited effect: don't be disheartened if your MRI results seem terrible (e.g. degenerative changes, wasting etc.), as working with and restoring your real-world functional capability is the most important factor.
MRI can help to establish candidacy for surgical interventions, but I'd stress that most chronic (and many acute) shoulder injuries can be successfully managed conservatively with rest, ice, NSAIDs and a targeted rehabilitation program once pain is controlled. Bear in mind on the basis of probability you're unlikely to have a ticking time bomb in there. NICE recommends referral to orthopaedics on the basis of a number of different criteria - which you may fulfill. Even so in the absence of red flag signs (including those pointing toward an acute rotator cuff tear as opposed to an impingement syndrome) it is likely your care providers will try conservative management and physiotherapy first. Generally, if this is not making headway within three months or so, further interventions such as surgery may be warranted.
Every case of painful shoulder is different - there's little value in comparing yourself to others, even those with similar symptoms. Be positive and determined in your approach to getting better, and comply as best as you can with the recommendations made. If the therapy prescribed is unsuccessful you are then in a strong position to demand further investigations / interventions - or look elsewhere.
HTH,
Luke
MRI can help to establish candidacy for surgical interventions, but I'd stress that most chronic (and many acute) shoulder injuries can be successfully managed conservatively with rest, ice, NSAIDs and a targeted rehabilitation program once pain is controlled. Bear in mind on the basis of probability you're unlikely to have a ticking time bomb in there. NICE recommends referral to orthopaedics on the basis of a number of different criteria - which you may fulfill. Even so in the absence of red flag signs (including those pointing toward an acute rotator cuff tear as opposed to an impingement syndrome) it is likely your care providers will try conservative management and physiotherapy first. Generally, if this is not making headway within three months or so, further interventions such as surgery may be warranted.
Every case of painful shoulder is different - there's little value in comparing yourself to others, even those with similar symptoms. Be positive and determined in your approach to getting better, and comply as best as you can with the recommendations made. If the therapy prescribed is unsuccessful you are then in a strong position to demand further investigations / interventions - or look elsewhere.
HTH,
Luke
MurderousCrow said:
OP - don't panic yet. Nothing can be excluded at this stage without a. a full clinical assessment by an experienced professional and b. possible further investigations e.g. MRI. MRI is arguably the most reliable test for diagnosing both complete and partial ruptures of the rotator cuff. Even so a known disadvantage is highlighting seeming abnormalities which in fact have a very limited effect: don't be disheartened if your MRI results seem terrible (e.g. degenerative changes, wasting etc.), as working with and restoring your real-world functional capability is the most important factor.
MRI can help to establish candidacy for surgical interventions, but I'd stress that most chronic (and many acute) shoulder injuries can be successfully managed conservatively with rest, ice, NSAIDs and a targeted rehabilitation program once pain is controlled. Bear in mind on the basis of probability you're unlikely to have a ticking time bomb in there. NICE recommends referral to orthopaedics on the basis of a number of different criteria - which you may fulfill. Even so in the absence of red flag signs (including those pointing toward an acute rotator cuff tear as opposed to an impingement syndrome) it is likely your care providers will try conservative management and physiotherapy first. Generally, if this is not making headway within three months or so, further interventions such as surgery may be warranted.
Every case of painful shoulder is different - there's little value in comparing yourself to others, even those with similar symptoms. Be positive and determined in your approach to getting better, and comply as best as you can with the recommendations made. If the therapy prescribed is unsuccessful you are then in a strong position to demand further investigations / interventions - or look elsewhere.
HTH,
Luke
Thanks for the advice and reassurance Luke, much appreciated. I'm keen to get it looked at as soon as possible, but being NHS it may take a while. Im hoping it's something that can resolved through physio alone. MRI can help to establish candidacy for surgical interventions, but I'd stress that most chronic (and many acute) shoulder injuries can be successfully managed conservatively with rest, ice, NSAIDs and a targeted rehabilitation program once pain is controlled. Bear in mind on the basis of probability you're unlikely to have a ticking time bomb in there. NICE recommends referral to orthopaedics on the basis of a number of different criteria - which you may fulfill. Even so in the absence of red flag signs (including those pointing toward an acute rotator cuff tear as opposed to an impingement syndrome) it is likely your care providers will try conservative management and physiotherapy first. Generally, if this is not making headway within three months or so, further interventions such as surgery may be warranted.
Every case of painful shoulder is different - there's little value in comparing yourself to others, even those with similar symptoms. Be positive and determined in your approach to getting better, and comply as best as you can with the recommendations made. If the therapy prescribed is unsuccessful you are then in a strong position to demand further investigations / interventions - or look elsewhere.
HTH,
Luke
SHutchinson said:
Just out of interest, what type of exercise have you been doing?
Usual gym work, free weights/cable..bench press, incline D/B press, flys etc.. But since the pain has increased I have been trying to swim more than lift, mainly breast stroke as the front crawl hurts like hell. I think now though, until I get my shoulder checked out I need to avoid the weights. Waynester said:
SHutchinson said:
Just out of interest, what type of exercise have you been doing?
Usual gym work, free weights/cable..bench press, incline D/B press, flys etc.. But since the pain has increased I have been trying to swim more than lift, mainly breast stroke as the front crawl hurts like hell. I think now though, until I get my shoulder checked out I need to avoid the weights. Waynester said:
I'm surprised they didn't want to perform the scan..I think like you, I would prefer they didn't assume, and checked it for sure with the scan!
But this is how the NHS works, limiting specialist care - I'm surprised most people are still not aware of it. Criminal but true. I'm sure they will get a few billion more next year to continue...I have been battling with other similar stuff and only after meeting a common-sense GP I'm getting a SPECIALST referral now after a year plus. Physio is NOT a specialist at all usually means 'excercise' and a bit pointless if you are not aware of the actual condition. Obviously it often can lead to worsening.
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