Seeking a Second Opinion on Left Shoulder Issues
I am a 36-year-old Caucasian male, standing at 5'9" and weighing 160 pounds. I smoked roughly a pack a day for ten years but quit two and a half years ago. Recently, I was prescribed Adderall XR about eight days ago, and I occasionally indulge in maybe two to three alcoholic beverages weekly. My shoulder troubles began approximately two weeks ago when I made a conscious effort to target my shoulders more during workouts. Initially, I experienced a peculiar sensation while reaching for objects, but it was not accompanied by any pain or restricted movement. After about ten days, I spent roughly two hours playing the drums, not continuously, and felt relatively fine. I usually maintain an active lifestyle, engaging in walking, gym sessions, and kayak fishing at least three times a week. I pushed through my workout routine despite the initial odd feeling, which evolved into mild discomfort but was not enough to disrupt my exercise regimen. However, after about ten days, I noticed a slightly worsening discomfort. While playing the drums, which lasted a couple of hours, I did not encounter any pain. Yet, upon finishing, I experienced excruciating pain when reaching for a drink on the counter, and my shoulder seemed unresponsive. Three days into this issue, I took Ibuprofen, which provided some relief, yet pain persisted with specific restrictions in movement. When I keep my elbow close to my body, there is no issue, but if I turn my thumb down, I can move my arm through a full range. On the other hand, if my hand is level with the ground or my thumb is positioned upwards, I can only lift my arm to about a 90° angle. I can extend my elbow fully, but rotating my arm upward is limited to about 5 to 10 degrees. The rapid development of these symptoms seems atypical for what is generally described as a frozen shoulder condition. My evaluation did not include any physical range of motion assessments; I was only asked questions which led to a diagnosis. I have a physical therapy appointment scheduled, but I'm questioning whether I should seek another opinion given the lack of physical examinations during my initial assessment. An X-ray has been requested as part of the investigation.
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 4:10:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing complex shoulder issues that have developed quite rapidly, and it's understandable to want clarity on your condition, especially with the diagnosis you've received. Let’s break down the situation and discuss your options.
Main Points:
- Symptoms Description: Your symptoms include discomfort and restricted movement, particularly when your arm is raised in certain positions.
- Initial Assessment Concerns: You were not given a thorough physical examination, leading you to question the accuracy of the diagnosis.
- Upcoming Therapy: You have a physical therapy appointment scheduled, which may provide further insights or relief.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're describing—mild discomfort that worsened over time, along with limitations in your shoulder movement—could stem from a few different issues such as tendonitis, bursitis, or even a shoulder impingement. These conditions can develop rapidly, especially if there was increased physical activity targeting the shoulder muscles.
It's also important to consider the medical history you've shared, including your previous smoking habits and new medication (Adderall XR), both of which can influence your overall health but aren’t directly related to shoulder issues. The initial diagnosis appearing to lack a proper physical assessment is a valid concern and warrants further investigation if you're not satisfied with the explanation given.
Next Steps:
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Follow Through with Physical Therapy: Attend your scheduled physical therapy session. A physical therapist can perform specific assessments to determine the exact range and cause of your limitation, which is essential for your recovery.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your shoulder pain, noting what activities worsen or alleviate your discomfort. This record will be valuable both for your therapy sessions and for any further evaluations.
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Consider a Second Opinion: If after therapy you are still unsatisfied with your progress or the diagnosis is unclear, seeking a second opinion is reasonable. Ensure this new evaluation includes appropriate physical examinations and possibly imaging studies like your scheduled X-ray.
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Modify Activities as Needed: Avoid any activities that exacerbate the pain in your shoulder until you understand the underlying problem better. Gentle stretching and mobility exercises, as advised by a therapist, can be beneficial without causing strain.
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Pain Management: Continue to use NSAIDs like ibuprofen for pain relief as needed, but be cautious with long-term use and always follow recommended dosages.
By taking these steps, you’ll be better equipped to understand your shoulder issue and work towards a solution. Remember, advocating for your health and seeking clarity in your diagnosis is important, and you are not alone in this process. Let me know if you need further information or guidance!
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