Really Painful Shoulders

[Smowball]

I've had really bad knotted muscles in both shoulders for ages now. I've had two deep tissue massages and both said they they couldn't believe how bad they were and didn't understand why. For the past two weeks I've done everything I can to help - I've looked at how I sit, how I read my iPad - I now put two cushions on my lap to raise it so I'm not bending my neck down. But it's getting worse and worse. I've tried deep heat, Ralgex, a freeze gel, massaging shoulders myself, anti inflammatory tabs...,, nothing works. I now can't raise my left arm to brush my hair into a ponytail without being in real pain. And I'm flying off on holiday om Monday. If there is anything else I could try I would really appreciate it.

[lardhelmet]

I use a wheat bag on mine if it gets too bad smowball (which is usually after I've been on the computer all day). It fits around my neck and shoulders and stays in place.

[waterboatman]

I have a TENS machine. I puts a controllable electrical impulse through two pads placed a few inches apart. It works wonders!

[Smowball]

Don't have either of those lol

[ummmm]

I bet the holiday will work wonders. Leave all your worries in the departure lounge and every time you think about home/kids have a shot of vodka :-)

[Patsy33]

I've experienced that in the past. Doctor gave me mild tranquillisers for a week to relax the muscles. Helped a bit. Unfortunately, it's one of those things that takes ages to right itself. I'm sure mine was caused by bad posture in bed, too many pillows, feeling stressed and all scrunched up trying to sleep! Hope it settles soon for you.

[Smowball]

Thanks patsy. Ummmm excellent medical advice- I shall try that : )

[Sqad]

That sounds very much like "frozen shoulder" and i doubt very much that vodka and sunshine will be of any help.
You need a shot of hydrocortisone into the shoulder joint, but you are unlikely to get that before Monday.
I would take plenty if Ibuprofen with you or depending upon where you are going, but it on holiday (600mg tablets are available OTC in Europe.

Good luck.....

[Smowball]

Frozen shoulder - never even thought of that. Yes I've just bought lots of ibuprofen

[Samuraisan]

You've had a lot of stress lately smo. Yoga is great, if you fancy it. Also a trip to a chiropractor would help I think. Where are you going on hols. ?

[bednobs]

wht about PMR?