Frozen Shoulder can last 5 Years – What?
Frozen Shoulder can last 5 Years – What?
I found out in November 2017 from a Physiotherapist that I have a Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive capsulitis). I didn’t really know too much about what that was so I decided to write this blog.
What is it?
How Does it Happen?
How do you Treat it?
Let me tell you this – It’s nothing like what I expected.
How did the Frozen Shoulder start?
In October 2016 I had a slight niggle in my shoulder, nothing major, just a very dull pain. I didn’t think too much of it and got on with my life as normal. Also in October 2016 I was planning a few events that I was going to take part in in 2017. These included:
Peninsula Relay Triathlon in Bangor
Skerries Relay Triathlon
Just click each link to see what is involved – Do you need to use your shoulder for these events??? Ehhh, Hell Yes.
Now, I obviously didn’t know at this stage that I had a frozen shoulder, otherwise I wouldn’t have booked any of these events. During a couple of the events I noticed my shoulder didn’t have the strength or grip I would normally have.
Fast forward to November 2017, with all events completed, my shoulder started to get worse and worse. It reached a stage where I couldn’t put my coat on.
I decided to see a Physio. He said I have a Frozen Shoulder. I had a sigh of relief thinking “Ah that’s great, doesn’t sound too serious”. Boy was I wrong.
It gradually got worse and worse. It came to the stage where I had to see a Doctor (I never go to the Doctor lol). He booked me in for a Cortisone injection, I thought this was the cure that I needed. Nope, zero help. During this time I was looking up what a frozen shoulder was, how long it could last etc etc
How long can a Frozen Shoulder last?
According to the NHS website frozen shoulder usually takes at least 1.5 to 2 years to get better. Sometimes it can be up to 5 years – What????? So, I have had a frozen shoulder from October 2016 which would mean I could still have quite a while to go.
I can’t put on my coat, take off my coat, reach above my head even put my seat-belt on without a very sharp pain.
I can’t even swim a length in the pool (front crawl or breaststroke) as the movement is so restricted.
What has Helped?
This brings me on to the one thing that gave me a bit of release, something I have never done before – Acupuncture. Yep, sticking lots and lots of needles all over my body. The instant release after one session was amazing. I have gone each week and am seeing huge benefits – Is it cured? Not even close but I feel it is getting there.
If you are diagnosed with a frozen shoulder try whatever you can but in my opinion the treatment that has worked beyond all others is Acupuncture.
Don’t take a Frozen Shoulder lightly – Trust me…
Thanks for Reading
Lee Havern
PTI Founder
