I’ve had shoulder pain for a while now, and it has gotten much worse over the last couple of months. It doesn’t seem to be affected by bicycle riding, so I’ve got that going for me.
I finally brought it up to my doctor, and after tests, X-Rays, and an MRI, I now know that I have arthritis in my right shoulder.
He sent me to another establishment where I work with a personal trainer to strengthen the muscles in my upper body. I’ve only had one visit so far. He had me start out with some dumbbells and free weights, with little weight, and paid close attention to how I lifted. My right side is stronger, but yet it’s the bad side.
We then switched to some of the machines, and some of the exercises extended my shoulder beyond my comfort level. I could feel the huge difference between the two shoulders.
I was a bit sore when I left, but by the time I got home the shoulder pain was much improved. I woke up this morning with the shoulder pain again. I realize this will take time, but at least I’ve found something that works.
Do you sleep on that side? I had an injury to one of my shoulders that was started by repetitive yoga poses and exacerbated by my sleeping with my arm curled under the pillow. I’ve had to train myself out of sleeping that way to lessen the shoulder pain.
I move a lot in my sleep. It doesn’t matter what position I fall asleep in, I end laying on that shoulder during the night.
“I vant to pahmp you ahp!”
Ugh, shoulder pain. I’m sorry for you. I have rheumatoid arthritis, and it’s under control now, but I remember that when I first got sick both my shoulders were badly affected. You just don’t realize how much you use your shoulders in your everyday activities! Did your doctor give you an anti-inflammatory, e.g. Celebrex? It’s good stuff, but Aleve, which is over the counter, is also good. I hope your shoulder gets better soon, and i’m glad it is not bothered by your bike riding. That would be bad!
Elizabeth,
Yep, shoulder pain sucks. It’s just my right shoulder though. I am taking an anti-inflammatory. I also have pain pills for the really bad days, but I try not to take those.
I mostly have problems reaching behind me, or above my head. That’s when it hurts. Not a problem on a bicycle, but getting dressed in the morning is painful.
My doctor is pretty confident that stretching and strengthening the muscles will be a big help. I won’t be able to continue to see the personal trainer forever, so I bought a used weight bench today.
I have already seen some improvement just from the stretching and exercising, but I know if I don’t continue it, I’ll end up where I was before.