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Shoulder Pain

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Toledo, OH

Anybody get that ache in your shoulder area where its painful to lift your arms? I seem to get it in either one of my shoulders every so often. Very painful as the day goes on.

October 1, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around the question of shoulder pain in rheumatoid arthritis, with many describing it as one of their most debilitating and... Read more

Members rallied around the question of shoulder pain in rheumatoid arthritis, with many describing it as one of their most debilitating and tear-inducing symptoms, often accompanied by neck pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty sleeping or performing daily tasks like getting dressed or putting hair in a ponytail. Several members shared practical relief strategies, including cortisone injections (though some noted they wore off quickly), alternating ice and heat therapy, topical treatments like Biofreeze and lidocaine cream, physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles, and a self-massage technique using tennis balls against a wall or floor to release tension in the shoulders and spine. A recurring theme was the frustration of conflicting diagnoses (rotator cuff issues, calcific tendinitis, arthritis, or fibromyalgia) and the trial-and-error journey to find relief, with members emphasizing the importance of advocating for appropriate treatment while acknowledging the serious risks of long-term steroid use.

A myRAteam Member

Yes,as a massage therapist,i use 2tennis balls in a sock, I lay them between my shoulders,off my spine, and wiggle on them for a few minutes. Then drop them in small increments down the spine. When I get between my shoulder blades,I wiggle for 5minutes with my arms OUT,in a Y, &UP over my head as close to the floor as possible, 5minutes each. Deep breathing as well. Continue down the spine til u hit hips,5 mins there with wiggles. Hurts so bad but feels AMAZING after a few minutes, followed by a lot of water. Do this a few times a week. Hope it helps!

October 1, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Irma's I use tennis balls to It was a PT that had me start doing I have found it I stand against a wall with the ball between me and wall and walk sideways ( my grandkids help me place balls between me and wall) then I can control the amount of pressure better than on floor.

October 2, 2018
A myRAteam Member

My left shoulder hurts like H***. been rubbing Biofreeze on it but find it almost impossible to sleep because I'm a side sleeper so as soon as I roll over on my left side I wake up. Not any medications for now....waiting to see if ins co approves Enbrel

October 21, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Lord i know the feeling ..much better now .

October 31, 2018
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member I understand what you mean about the rotator cuff. I have bad pain in both shoulders and RA doctor said it was calcific tendinitis or rotator cuff degeneration. All I know it my shoulders hurt so bad I can’t even put my hair in a ponytail. The last week or so the shoulder pain has upset my neck and upper back. Had to go to chiropractor twice in one week. Everything is expensive and been on medical leave for 5 months. Just started 4 th medication since January. I am going to try cortisone shot afte I get my TB test. Hope it helped you and will help me too.

October 22, 2018

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