Struggling with Persistent Shoulder Pain for Nearly Nine Months
Hello everyone, I’m feeling quite disheartened and weary due to the ongoing lack of improvement in my condition, so I decided to reach out and gather some perspectives. Thank you for taking the time to read this. It all began around March of the previous year when I started to suffer from continuous discomfort in my shoulder. Every time I moved my arm awkwardly, I would feel a sharp impingement. I suspect this came about when I took my dog to the park for a game of fetch. Typically, we utilize a ball launcher, but I left it at home and ended up throwing the ball manually. I didn’t feel any sudden injury at the time, and since I don’t throw with much force, I can only attribute the pain to that particular instance. After enduring this for a month or two, I sought physical therapy. I completed eight sessions, attending twice a week for four weeks and diligently performed the prescribed exercises at home, yet there was no sign of improvement. That was the maximum I could undertake without needing further referrals. Consequently, I consulted with an orthopedic specialist who ordered an MRI for my shoulder. He reported a minor SLAP tear and perhaps some tendonitis, suggesting it would likely heal on its own, and he recommended continuing with physical therapy. Unfortunately, I later found out that the PT clinic had mishandled my insurance verification, leaving me responsible for an unexpected $800 bill, in addition to my regular copay for each visit. Because of this financial burden, I was unable to proceed with further sessions, though I have been trying to maintain my home exercises. Since that time, my situation has deteriorated. The range of upper body workouts I can perform at the gym without exacerbating the pain is rapidly decreasing. Initially, rotational movements like hammer presses and dips triggered discomfort, but now even basic exercises such as bench presses (both barbell and dumbbell), chest and shoulder flies, and certain bicep curls cause significant pain. I’ve noticed that the right side of my acromioclavicular joint is very pronounced and is sensitive to touch. Recently, I lost my job and currently lack health insurance. I hope to enroll in Medi-Cal soon, but I wanted to reach out here for any advice that could help me during this challenging time. Demographics: 36 years old, Male, 6'2", 200 lbs, White/Middle Eastern, Duration of pain: Approximately 9 months, Affected area: Shoulder, Pre-existing conditions: None noted, Current medication: Aleve
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 1:30:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with your shoulder pain. This type of prolonged discomfort can be very frustrating, especially when it impacts your daily activities and fitness routines. Let’s address your situation collaboratively, focusing on what you can do to manage your pain and improve your shoulder function.
Main Points:
- Persistent shoulder pain can result from conditions like a SLAP tear or tendonitis, both of which may take time to resolve.
- There are practical self-care measures you can try to alleviate pain and improve mobility at home, even without access to formal therapy.
- It's crucial to implement a structured approach to manage your symptoms while waiting for your Medi-Cal enrollment.
Explanation:
Your experience of sharp impingement and discomfort in your shoulder, especially during movement, is indicative of possible structural problems such as the SLAP tear and tendonitis described by your orthopedic specialist. These injuries can lead to inflammation and instability in the shoulder, making it challenging to engage in physical activities without pain.
Since you completed initial physical therapy without improvement and mounting financial burdens are making it difficult to seek additional care, focusing on a home exercise and pain management regimen will be particularly helpful during this time.
Next Steps:
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Modify Activities: Avoid movements that exacerbate your pain, particularly those that involve overhead actions or directly strain the shoulder joint. This includes certain gym exercises. Instead, consider lower-impact activities or those that keep your arm close to your body.
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Pain Management:
- Rest: Allow the shoulder adequate time to recover; avoid high-impact or repetitive movements.
- Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to the shoulder for 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially after activity, to reduce inflammation and pain.
- NSAIDs: Continue taking Aleve (naproxen) as directed for pain relief, unless contraindicated by other medications or health conditions.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening:
- Focus on gentle stretching of the shoulder muscles and range-of-motion exercises. For example, try pendulum swings: lean forward and let your arm hang down, then gently swing it in small circles.
- Gradually incorporate strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers to support shoulder function, but avoid any exercise that causes sharp pain.
- Consider watching online resources or videos focusing on rotator cuff rehabilitation for guidance.
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Keep a Pain Journal: Track your activities, exercises, and levels of pain on a daily basis. This can help you identify triggers and patterns, and will also be beneficial if you see a healthcare provider in the future.
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Monitor Symptoms: If you find that your symptoms worsen significantly—such as increasing pain, changes in shoulder shape, or difficulties with daily tasks—do not hesitate to seek medical advice through a local clinic or community resources once your insurance is established.
This approach should help manage your symptoms while you await further medical support through Medi-Cal. Remember, healing can take time, and it’s important to be patient and listen to your body. If you have additional questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!
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