Rotator cuff help please

[Sux2buthen]

I have a tear, it's been a few months but only just diagnosed from an ultrasound
Suddenly it feels like the pain has escalated beyond anything it was before
They have suggested physio and that's fine but what else can I do in the meantime? Anyone at all have any advice?
I couldn't reach to cut my bloody toenail on the bath last night, and sleep is becoming a joke
Any advice will do, thank you

I would go back to your gp and ask for referral to orthopaedics. If the pain has escalated then you may benefit from an injection into the joint of steroid and anaesthetic. You may find if you wait the physio sends you to orthopaedics first as it is difficult to do any exercises whilst in such pain.

I have seen this site recommended by surgeons to patients who are awaiting physio

orthoinfo.aaos.org/globalassets/pdfs/2017-rehab_shoulder.pdf

Thanks I will try that, I didn't really get across the pain when I spoke to him the other day and I'm now bitterly regretting that. It's horrible and I'm not able to lie down at night now

Definitely mention that it is affecting your sleep, that is one of the factors in decision making - they look at if it is affecting activities of daily living.

You can ask your gp for decent painkillers in the interim and I take co-codamol I got from the pharmacy when my hip pain is bad / that might help in the interim?

I feel for you as I have the same injury. I’m woken up by the pain several times a night and my movement is becoming increasingly restricted. Doing up or undoing a bra is now agony.

I first tore mine 3 years ago and I have managed to re-tear it.

I am currently waiting for a steroid injection. It was the only thing that helped last time as physio made no difference at all.

You poor thing. I'd wonder if the tear has now caused frozen shoulder. The only exercise I ever found to help a little bit was super gentle pendulum swings - if you Google it you'll find videos but basically lean against a table and let injured arm hang like a pendulum, completely relaxed, you can either just move your upper body so that your arm gently sways by itself or do a few sways side to side or small rotations.

I'm really tearful this morning it feels like my arm is clamped and someone's pushing down on my shoulder it suddenly gets worse and worse then eases off a bit then comes back
My boyfriend said about co codamol last night I will try
I will definitely try everything suggested
Sorry for others with this as well

I've been prescribed naproxen, I've got my fingers crossed 🤞🏻 it helps

I’ve been prescribed naproxen too. Just off to get it.

Good luck! Hope it works for you

I haven't been diagnosed (can't get a doctors appointment until 10 days time 😩) but fairly sure I have a rotator cuff injury of some sort (day 6). The pain is constant and so painful! I take painkillers for another ailment and find the combo of Naproxen and Tramadol takes the edge off the shoulder/upper arm pain.

Any tips on sleeping? It's a nightmare! Can't get comfortable, in constant pain and my neck is now hurting which I imagine is from the shoulder pain and feeling so tense in the muscles on that side of my body.

I suffered with a Rotator cuff injury for about 18 months, wearing one of these really helped at night, it lets you sleep on your good side keeping your bad shoulder in place.

www.amazon.co.uk/Shoulder-Support-Universal-Removable-Pressure/dp/B09TKFPP1V/ref=sr_1_9?crid=3S61CNBXATTZR&keywords=rotator+cuff+shoulder+support&sprefix=Rotator%2Caps%2C70&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1649452515&sr=8-9

I had a tear; I found physio moderately helpful, along with very regular pain relief.

I did have surgery; turned out the tear was extensive and one of the tendons from my bicep to my shoulder was also pretty worn and torn so they cut that which makes me look as if I have a bicep on that side.

Recovery took months but was transformational - the joy when I could do up my bra for myself!

Anyone else losing feeling in their arm and hand?

Doctor said my tendons are inflamed and I've been carefully taking the medicine plus paracetamol and it's genuinely just getting worse I've been registered for physio and waiting to hear
I've got important slightly physical work stuff (some tomorrow) and it's a new job so I'm pretty worried.
The numbness is more like pins and needles to the extreme but instead of it being in my hand it's all aver coupled with pain. I'm losing my grip as well.
I miss it not hurting 😖😖

Sorry for bringing up an old post but how are you doing @Sux2buthen and @Lighthouseblue ? I’m in agony!

Surgery was the only thing that helped mine.

I had a rotator cuff injury which turned into frozen shoulder,that was agony . I had physio which eventually helped

Mine took almost a year before I could get a sports bra on and so couldn’t run.
When I finally managed I went on the treadmill as my fitness was rubbish.
The back and forth movement of my arm when running made a massive improvement to pain level and flexibility.
PP suggested pendulum swings and I think that’s worth a try. Gentle movement seems to help.
Hope your injury heals soon and well.

I'm shocked no-one has mentioned surgery. Two friends and OH all had surgery.

I saw a physio today who said it’s an acute tear at the top of my bicep muscle and rotator cuff inflammation. Have it taped up and need to wear a sling and ice. So relieved!

@Sux2buthen how did the physio go today?

I had a partial tear, but quite a bad one. I now have steroid injections, but done under ultrasound so the doctor can see exactly where to inject. It has been miraculous. From the awful pain, just like you describe, to basically back to normal within 24 hours. I have the injection redone about every 8 - 10 months.
I asked about surgery, but the surgeon said that, as this is a partial tear, actually even torn tissue is still strong. Surgery would involve cutting the remaining tendon and reattaching, so creating more weakness than my current partial tear. If the tear is complete, surgery is the only real answer.
Hope you have less pain soon. Taking an anti-inflammatory will help too.

@Ruthietuthie Do you know when you did it? For example, did you get immediate pain? It’s odd because I lifted something heavy (and had to swing it up into a bin) but it was a couple of days before the pain started.

The injections sound amazing. How do you go about getting them? Are you referred and they’re done at the hospital?

@Ruthietuthie oh and when did you start the injections and how long did you take anti inflammatories for? I’m already starting to get tummy pains from the naproxen. Thinking of going back to the ibuprofen.
I’m also taking codeine, but it’s causing constipation