Shoulder impingement pain

[lemonyellows]

I have developed shoulder impingement on both sides. I think this has stemmed from fairly recent back pain (disc problem) and being told by physio to only sleep on my back. One of my arms I have difficulty raising very high at all.

Anyone with any experience? I am trying to do exercises but they hurt so can only do them gently. Sleeping is a nightmare. Any pillow recommendations?

When I had this I needed laser therapy as well as exercises, it made a massive difference. The physio did it.
I hope your pain improves soon.

I suffered with this and a grade 3 ac joint tear. I ended up having surgery for it. Which hasn’t totally fixed it.

V pillow is a godsend. Stops me rolling over onto my bad shoulder. Ibuprofen and prescribed zapain spaced out throughout the day and ice packs. Heat made mine worse. I have also realised any clothing that sits on my shoulder or collar bone makes it worse. Dressing gowns, Bras and hoodies in particular.

The physio exercise I found that give me the most relief are arm swings, forward and back.

I found laying on my bank helped. I think the idea is to keep as straight as possible.
I also found a very flat pillow helped - you need just enough support your neck. Keep your chin up.
Hope it’s gets better soon - take painkillers when you need them there is no point suffering in pain. Plus if the painkillers are working they will help you to keep moving.
I found sitting with my back straight on a straight backed chair and rolling my shoulders back helped.
And a hot water bottle.

Both my shoulders are stuffed due an incident with two obese labradors with no training in lockdown as a vet.
Physio is the only thing that really improves things everything else just makes it less unbearable. If I slip in my exercises it just flares back up.
I don't bother with NHS just go straight to my private physio who is fabulous seeing me regularly.

Painkillers and heat. I had physio, steroid injections and eventually a hydrodilation for mine. The hydrodilation did the trick and I wouldn’t hesitate to have it done again. 18 months in mine is finally sorting.

Thanks everyone It's so painful isn't it. Unfortunately I can't take non steroid anti inflammatories and paracetamol does nothing.

How do they diagnose tears? I was just told it was impingement. Does MRI help to see what is actually happening? I've had one cortisone injection which improved the opposite arm even though that makes no sense.

I'm going back this week so I will see what he says. I might go private if I get nowhere. I can't live like this and terrified the other shoulder/arm will get as bad.

Has anyone tried turmeric or curcumin tablets?
My mum suggested magnetic therapy but I really don't know if that works or just a myth

Hi @Bimblesalong I saw my physio yesterday and he is now referring me to orthopaedics for hydrodilation.

Can you tell me anything about the procedure you had?

Dh had it for a frozen shoulder. Local anaesthetic then surgeon injections including steroid guided by ultrasound. Relief was very quick , plus some physio to regain range of movement.

I had a guided injection by a specialist who manipulated my shoulder, popped the needle in and injected some sterile water with a bit of steroid in. I was pleasantly surprised as I was anticipating a lot of discomfort and it was actually fine!
I felt my shoulder was freed for the first time in months and this set me off on my recovery. The physio used the window of the liquid being present for me to really work on my exercises. It didn’t cure the issue but enabled me to work on it.
18 months down the line from the initial shoulder freezing I do feel it is finally thawing but the hydrodilation enabled me to have much more movement at an earlier stage.

That's really positive. Glad it helped you.
I have my appointment through for June.