Unexpected Resolution of Shoulder Pain Over Time
Good evening, everyone. For several months, I've been grappling with persistent pain and stiffness in my shoulder, which radiated into my bicep. In an effort to alleviate this discomfort, I opted for shockwave therapy, a treatment that had previously provided relief, though this time it didn’t yield any improvement. After undergoing an x-ray, my physiotherapist informed me that there were indications of mild osteoarthritis and bone spurs. However, my doctor suspects that I may have a rotator cuff tear or tendonitis and has recommended an MRI for further investigation. Despite these challenges, I've continued my gym routine but have been very cautious about the arm exercises I perform. Recently, I attempted some light lat pull-downs; initially, everything felt fine as I pulled the bar down, yet I was taken by surprise when I experienced a sudden, sharp pain shooting from my shoulder down to my elbow upon releasing it. I promptly ceased the exercise. Later that evening, my shoulder grew increasingly sore, making it difficult to raise my arm to waist height without significant pain. However, within 48 hours, I noticed an unexpected change — the persistent pain in my shoulder that had troubled me for months seemed to have mostly vanished in the last few days. I’m left wondering if anyone can offer insight into this abrupt change or what might have transpired. While I plan to proceed with the MRI as a precaution in case the pain resurfaces, I find myself puzzled about the potential underlying issues. 🤔
Answers (1)
2/18/2026, 3:50:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through a challenging time with your shoulder pain, and it's very encouraging to hear that you've experienced some unexpected relief recently. Here’s a breakdown of what might have happened and what steps you can take moving forward.
Summary
You’ve experienced shoulder pain likely related to osteoarthritis, potential rotator cuff issues, or tendonitis. The sudden resolution of pain could indicate a change in inflammation or muscle tension, but it’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely and proceed with recommended imaging.
Explanation
Shoulder pain can stem from various factors including arthritis, tendinitis, or even injury to the rotator cuff. The fact that you experienced sharp pain during exercise may have temporarily exacerbated some underlying issues. However, your recovery suggests that muscle or tendon inflammation may have decreased, leading to reduced pain. This fluctuation is common in conditions like tendinitis or arthritis, where symptoms can improve or worsen based on activity levels and inflammation.
Next Steps
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Proceed with the MRI: Since your doctor recommended it, getting the MRI will provide valuable insight into any underlying structural issues, including a potential rotator cuff tear.
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Rest and Recovery: Allow your shoulder some adequate rest. Avoid exercises that cause pain, especially those that are high-impact or put strain on your shoulder. Focus on gentle movements that don’t trigger pain.
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Manage Activity Level: Since you want to maintain your gym routine, consider focusing on lower-impact exercises that do not involve overhead movements or strain on your shoulder until you have more clarity from the MRI results.
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RICE Method: If you experience sharp pain again, consider applying the RICE method:
- Rest the shoulder.
- Ice the area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation.
- Compression with a wrap can help manage swelling.
- Elevation may also help if there’s swelling.
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Keep a Pain Diary: Track your activities, pain levels, and when pain resolves. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider in diagnosing and planning your treatment.
Conclusion
It's great that you are noticing improvements, and the MRI will be a crucial step in understanding your condition better. Meanwhile, be cautious with your shoulder and prioritize activities that don’t exacerbate your pain. If the pain returns or worsens, take it seriously and adjust your activity levels accordingly. You're doing well by staying proactive about your health!
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