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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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