Recurrence of Frozen Shoulder Post Treatment: Seeking Answers
Patient Profile: F50, standing at 5’4”, weighing 180 pounds, actively pursuing weight reduction. Current Medications: Lamotrigine and ketamine infusions to manage treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and anxiety/PTSD. Medical Background: Experiencing perimenopause, which adds another layer to my situation. About four months back, I started to experience intense discomfort in my left shoulder, which extended down to the area near the upper arm—specifically between the bicep and tricep. Initially, I suspected I had sustained an injury while working out, possibly from doing chest presses or chin-ups. Despite rest and alternating between ice and heat treatments, my shoulder pain escalated. Daily activities became challenging; I struggled with putting on clothing, fastening my bra, and swimming with a freestyle stroke became impossible. After consulting with an orthopedic physician assistant, I was diagnosed with a frozen shoulder condition, which was surprising since I maintained an active lifestyle. The doctor mentioned that this issue can frequently occur during perimenopause. Subsequently, I received a cortisone injection that offered almost instant relief, leading to significant improvement within 48 hours. Following the suggested wait time, I diligently performed at-home physical therapy exercises. However, in recent weeks, the pain has resurfaced with a vengeance, reaching an intensity that is about 1.5 times worse than before. I'm now unable to hook my bra strap on my own and simply putting on a shirt induces sharp pain that feels nearly unbearable. As I await my upcoming orthopedic appointment next week, I find myself with lingering questions. What does the future hold regarding this condition? I had one injection that initially proved effective but it seems to have lost its potency quite rapidly. I engaged in the recommended exercises and did not overly protect the shoulder after the pain subsided. I realize that relying on cortisone injections frequently isn’t feasible. I've avoided unfounded medical inquiries online, yet all I could find was information reiterating the connection between frozen shoulder and perimenopause, the female demographic it primarily affects, and usual treatment options like physical therapy and injections. **What are the prospects for recovery from frozen shoulder after already receiving an injection and adhering to therapy and activity guidelines? Will this issue linger indefinitely?**
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 1:10:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience. It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with your shoulder, especially given your active lifestyle and other health considerations. Here’s a summary of key points along with some actionable guidance for your frozen shoulder condition.
Main Points:
- Frozen Shoulder and Perimenopause: Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) can worsen during perimenopause due to hormonal changes. While recovery can happen, it's often unpredictable.
- Recurrence of Symptoms: Pain returning after initial relief is not uncommon and may indicate a need for alternative treatments or adjustments in your rehabilitation plan.
Explanation:
Frozen shoulder typically has three stages: freezing, frozen, and thawing.Your recent improvement following the cortisone injection suggests you were in the freezing stage, but the quick return of pain implies your shoulder might still be in this stage or is transitioning back due to activity, stress, or other factors. Physical therapy is crucial, but it can take time for symptoms to fully resolve.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Gentle Movement: While waiting for your appointment, maintain gentle range-of-motion exercises. Avoid any movement that causes sharp pain, but try to keep the shoulder mobile. It might be beneficial to focus on stretches that do not exacerbate the discomfort.
-
Pain Management: Consider using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) as needed to help manage pain. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label.
-
Heat Therapy: Since heat therapy helped you before, incorporate a warm pack application before exercising to relax the muscles and improve circulation in the area.
-
Prepare for Your Appointment: Keep a record of your symptoms, any activities that trigger pain, and the effectiveness of treatments (like the cortisone injection). This information will be valuable for your orthopedic specialist in determining the best course of action.
-
Alternative Therapies: Discuss the potential for other treatments during your appointment, such as physical therapy adjustments, additional injections, or image-guided techniques. Some people find relief through acupuncture or massage therapy, which may also complement traditional approaches.
Reassurance:
While it may feel discouraging, remember that many individuals experiencing frozen shoulder eventually recover fully, often with some persistence in managing their condition. You're actively engaged in seeking solutions, which is a positive step toward your recovery. Keep communicating your concerns and symptoms to your healthcare team, as they can provide the most appropriate support tailored to your unique situation.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with further questions or updates on your progress!
Related Questions
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
Understanding Tuberculosis Exposure Risk
A 26-year-old male, who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, seeks to understand the implications of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As an anesthesia technician, I became concerned after I encountered a TB-positive patient about a month ago. I had to enter the patient’s room several times to perform blood gas tests. On my first entry, I mistakenly wore my N95 mask incorrectly due to the hectic nature of attending to multiple rooms. From my research, it appears that TB is quite transmissible; direct exposure can pose a serious risk of infection. Transmission usually requires prolonged contact with an infected individual, particularly in a close or face-to-face setting. In this case, the patient was lying face down and appeared to be sleeping when I entered. I have already undergone testing for TB, but I am eager to deepen my understanding of the risks involved in these situations.
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.