I am a procrastinator when it comes to aches and pains. Maybe not a procrastinator but more like the attitude, "its nothing and will go away by itself". That being said, about a year ago (yea, I said year!) I started having a slight pain in my left shoulder. Some days it was barely there and other days it was a constant nagging pain. There was no rhyme or reason to it either. Whether I was exercising or not, it was always there in the background.
Fast forward to April of this year, I happened to be having a regular checkup with my doctor and I told him about this pain. He referred me to an Orthopedic Doc. I went in April and had an MRI done. The diagnosis was Bursitis. He gave me a shot of Cortisone and a prescription for physical therapy for 3 x week for 4 weeks. So, I decided, note the absence of an MD after my name, that I didn't need physical therapy because the pain went away immediately with the Cortisone. Bad decision Jax! The Cortizone wore off and now I had to go to physical therapy because I can't go back to the doctor unless I do! Oh, woe is me!
Yesterday I had my first appt. with PT and I'm glad I went. He explained what exactly Bursitis is and why I need PT to clear it up. Basically, he said to forget I have a left shoulder for about a week to give the joint a chance to heal as it is very inflamed. He reminded me of this while I was leaving and asked if I understood. Of course, I replied, I am not an idiot! Well, he than pointed out that I had my at least 5 lb. purse hanging off of my left shoulder blade! Oopsie! Old habits die hard!
I am going back again tomorrow for my 2nd session. He gave me a few treatments yesterday and a few stretches that I am doing at home. My shoulder feels better already! The one down side was he said I need to stay away from all exercise that add strain to the shoulder. I asked if I could still do spinning and he said no because of the fact that I am holding on the handle bars of the bike and this causes strain on the shoulder. Not a lot but he wants me to really let it rest for a week. I took yesterday, today and tomorrow off but I will go to a step class on Saturday and try not to use my arms. I told my trainer that I would see her in a week.
Getting old just plain sucks!
10 comments:
The alternative to getting old sucks more... XXOO
Listening her Ms. Thang...stay away from all exercise...even step until you are cleared. I need you healthy!!! I will gladly hold that purse for you...but I need to add my own 10 lbs worth of crap. LOL
Sounds like the PT knows what he's talking about. Good for you in taking a break. Hope the shoulder feels better soon. :)
Sounds like you are able to help it without medication and that is very good. Hope you're all better very soon.
Ouch! Glad you went in and are getting the therapy. They work wonders.
Yep.... getting old isn't for sissies!
xo
Ditto what Allan said.
Glad you are finally listening to the doc. I'm sure I woulda done the same thing but PT is amazing! I woulda skipped the cortisone shot and not the PT, LOL.
Perhaps the doctor does have your back or rather shoulder on this on Jax! Get better.
Take the time off. My hubby didn't rest enough after his shoulder surgery and ended up having more surgery. He went to physio for 6 months after the 2nd surgery and it worked wonders. So really listen to the physio. Do they have recumbent bikes at your gym? Then you won't have to use the shoulder. Maybe wear a sling to remind you to rest that sucker because it will actually heal so much faster. Seems counter productive to rest when we should be working out but it isn't age. My shoulders are fine :-) its my knees that aren't feeling so good. Ha ha! Hope it heals fast.
Get better soon, Jacquie!!!
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