Shoulder pain

[SCI-Nurse]

And Diclofenac gel, it can help a lot! 2-3 x a day.
Keep injections on time because it will keep inflammation down, once flared up and have to wait- seems like starting all over again.
And with this virus, wait for appointment may be longer.
CWO

[rollin64]

Yep I have the the gel it doesn't help at at all.

[SCI-Nurse]

Some people swear by the gel, others have the response that rollin64 has. It is certainly worth a try. And the positive is that with applying it to thea area that is bothering you allows for targeted relief.
ckf

[fuentejps]

I have been using the gel as well and it does seem to help

[Patrick Madsen]

I started taking the gel yesterday and seems to help so far. Didn't realize I used to have an rx for it when it needed a prescription. Will see how it goes cause the shoulders and torn biceps sure have been a pain lately. I found Aspercreme helps too.

[Lavender lady]

This is more of a temporary help, but I buy lidocaine patches on Amazon they are 4 percent lidocaine, patches are about 3x5 I cut in half at times. Sometimes I use a heating pad to help get in to my shoulder. It help my spasms at night so I can sleep

[triumph]

Tom2018: You asked about the exercises I do. I made a list of about 25 from Googling numerous chair exercises, then eliminating those done by non-paralyzed persons sitting in a chair; also searched You Tube and found some good ones by paralyzed persons. I would suggest doing such a search so you can only pick the ones that are safe and helpful for you. One of the ones I really like is clasping the fingers behind the neck/head then very slowly bringing the elbows together in front of your head, then outward, and repeating this about 5 times. I feel that I'm stretching both shoulders in a gentle way. Another one is shoulder shrugs - slowly shrug both shoulders upward, and feel the light stretch; shrug shoulders forward and back - and by lightly I mean definitely lightly, and I would not repeat this beyond maybe 5 times or less, as tolerated. I also pick up each leg 5 times, as that's what I must do daily for dressing - I try to incorporate what I need to do for daily living into my exercise routine.
I suggest being very cautious about over-doing exercise even if it feels good. I am cautious about any "over stretching" as in reaching for something that's a bit too far - such as on a refrigerator shelf. I have "reacher" tools all over my house - about 4 of them.
It has been difficult for me to accept that I must use caution with my shoulders, but for several years now I would say I have made good progress.
I would say my focus is on slow strengthening and gentle stretching my shoulders.

[rollin64]

Thanks for all the responses. I need to find me an exercise routine for sure. I really screwed up my rotator cuff is what the ortho doc guesses. I heard some bad crackling when transferring now i can't even get in a position where it don't hurt.

[SCI-Nurse]

Steroid injections, ibuprofen, Naproxen or Tramadol and Diclofenac gel, physical therapist who will teach you the exercises and increase your range of motion are the typical treatment. It sometimes will heal unless a severe tear. Not continuing to repeat the cause is difficult but the PT should look at your transfers and see if repetitive injuring. CWO

[rollin64]

Thanks CWO, I'm gonna see another better ortho doc and get an mri or ct scan, whichever to find out what's really going on. I think i keep hurting it.

[Patrick Madsen]

I just received my second tube of Diclofenac Gel for my shoulders. I noticed on the side of the box it said not for use on body area, hip or shoulder. Is it okay to use on shoulder?

Treatment areas recommended are hand, wrist,elbow, foot, ankle and knee. For temporary use only. Is this because it's an anti-inflammatory.?

[SCI-Nurse]

I don't see that in the on-line instructions. Apparently it's use for hip and shoulder were NOT studied in the clinical trials, so they cannot officially recommend it for such use. You should stick to the dosage limits though:
"The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not apply more than 16 grams of diclofenac per day to any single joint of the lower body (such as knee, ankle, foot). Do not apply more than 8 grams of diclofenac per day to any single joint of the upper body (such as hand, wrist, elbow). No matter how many joints you are treating, do not use more than a total of 32 grams of diclofenac per day." (KLD)

[Patrick Madsen]

Thanks KLD.

[rollin64]

I didn't know that either. Guess ya got to read them labels.

[rollin64]

I'm really getting worried now. Tomorrow will be 3 wks since i hurt it and still pain and weakness. Transfers are tough but manageable. Don't see ortho doc til the 9th of march. Been exercising and stretching to keep pain and weakness down. Gotta keep pushing, lol.

[rollin64]

I looked up symptoms of tendon rupture and this is exactly what happened. Dunno how bad it is.

Ruptured Tendon Symptoms

• A snap or pop you hear or feel.
• Severe pain.
• Rapid or immediate bruising.
• Marked weakness.
• Inability to use the affected arm or leg.
• Inability to move the area involved.
• Inability to bear weight.

I can still use it and move it, lift my arm over head but there's painful areas and i can't bear much weight on it. The PT said from a therapist view point it would heal. My Home health is going to do OT for a month. Do i need physical therapy also to learn some exercises to strengthen it? That's what the ortho doc mentioned.

I go see him again next week. I'm used to being self sufficient not needing so much help.

[baldfatdad]

Go get the Modena vacine. I don't understand it but a month ago I got the shot in my right arm and it hasen't hurt since. Monday I got the booster in my left arm on purpose to see what would happen. It stopped the pain in that shoulder and I abused it Monday afternoon and Tuesday. Not on purpose, but stuff happens. I figured I wouldn't sleep last night but I was fine. I'll keep folks posted.
I don't believe it either!!