Potential rotator cuff injury - worth seeing a doctor?

[Andromeida59]

Just that really. I was practising yoga, nearly two weeks ago, at home. Near the end of the session, I heard a crack in my right shoulder. Since then it has been extremely painful. I take Tramodol but have resorted to finishing my Oramorph as the Tramodol doesn't touch it.
Swelling around my shoulder blade. Pain in my arm, down to my wrist and fingers. Arm feels heavy.

DP thinks that it will heal on it's own. If it is a rotator cuff injury, can this just heal without medical attention? I have been taking Naproxen max. dose.

As you are still having pain after two weeks it will be worth seeing GP for a physio referral. Physio cured my rotator cuff injury.

See your GP. You need a physio referral, at least. In some areas you can be referred to a musculoskeletal single point of access outpatient clinic where you will be triaged, & referred to the correct team, e.g physiotherapist or orthopod for example, & tests can be requested if needed

You definitely need a physic

physio

Yes yes yes! I needed surgery on mine as I became unable to lift it laterally. Definitely needs checking!

I was really getting into the gym when I damaged my rotator cuff, I couldn't even fasten my bra, I had tears tuning down my face
Go referred me for physio, luckily I had Bupa through work
If had 6 sessions with Bupa before my initial bus assessment came through
Physio was painful but now it's 100% back to normal

It took me almost a year to convince my doctor that I needed to see a consultant about my shoulder injury. I did it turning over in bed, I dug my elbow in the mattress to turn over & felt this awful ripping sensation & horrendous pain, it frightened me to death, I ran 111 in the middle of the night who advised me to take painkillers, I couldn't lie down & ended up half sleeping propped up with my bad arm on a pile of pillows. I couldn't do anything that involved reaching out in front of me, like reaching in the washing machine. The doctor refused to do anything for 3 months before half heartedly referring me to physio who said there was nothing wrong, then my GP gave me a steroid injection in the joint that did nothing, I had to threaten to make a complaint before I finally got a referral to see the consultant who after seeing the X rays & scans agreed I needed surgery which I got within a month through NHS choose & book at my local private hospital. I had the surgery, went in for 7.00am, theatre by 9.00am, back in bed before 11.00am & on my way home by 1.00pm with my arm in a sling & 4 plasters over where the instruments went in my shoulder. My whole arm was numb, they had put a nerve block in whilst I was under anaesthetic for pain relief, which wore off after about 8 hours. I had to sleep on the opposite side for about 6 weeks with my arm on a pillow. It took about 6 months before my shoulder was back to normal.

I have very similar symptoms, following a fall onto my outstretched hand in June. I paid for a private scan at my physio’s behest (because no sign of an NHS appointment yet, 4 months after I was referred) which confirmed a significant rotator cuff tear. It isn’t improving and is too painful for the physio to do much with, so she has recommended a steroid injection to settle it down.

Do get seen - I wouldn’t assume it will improve on its own.

Do you have medical insurance? If do you can usually call them directly got a physio. I’m having physio for a rotator cuff injury and it has make a huge difference.

Another yes yes yes!! My shoulder-doc told me these injuries (whatever their cause) don't usually improve without fairly specific physio/hydra-dilation if needed - so i'd at least have it checked out...

I put up with it for 8 years. 8!! Finally went to the GP. Physio made me look and you could see how that shoulder had become small and weak from not being used. Few months after and it is fine now. Good luck!

Yes this certainly sounds like a torn rotator cuff. Physio will make a huge difference to you.

Sounds awful

Thank you. I'll make an appointment tomorrow. I just didn't want to waste anyone's time if it would heal by itself.

I had mine operated on in the end. Physio did naff all until it was operated on.

I still need another op too...

Yes I am rather dreading the prospect of potentially needing surgery (again). When I injured my other shoulder I spent £££ on physio before surgery finally fixed it. But the pain of a shoulder injury is really disabling.

You’re having to take morphine and wondering if you should see someone?!?!? Ffs!! Of course you need to see somebody.

Personally I go to a physio (about £40) because I don’t believe gps get enough hands-on musculoskeletal experience but a gp is better than nothing. Or you could go to a minor injuries clinic if you have one.

I didn’t need an op, but def needed physio. That fixed it. I couldn’t even lift my arm before that.

I once got knocked over by a taxi who decided to mount the pavement on my way to yoga. I kick myself but at time was too shaken up and went to yoga. The class was led by a hideously inexperienced volunteer who made us balance on one arm. Something went in my shoulder and it wasn't the same for years. It clicked and just had the feeling of a weakness or injury. That particular thing seems to have gone now but I now have frozen shoulder from too much phone use. I regret not checking it out at the time.