Shoulder/rotator cuff pain

[HauptmannUK]

About four months ago I was working in Africa. Lifted some heavy boxes and developed pain in my right shoulder. I think a ossible damaged/torn tendon at the back of the shoulder. Its very painful in certain positions and clicks.  Initially I have tried self-help - gentle swimming and light massage to keep it mobile plus Ibuprofen for pain. But its not getting any better and I think I should have a professional take a look and advise.  Any suggestions on a doctor/physio or hospital please? I am in Jomtien. 

[giddyup]

I have the same problem, except I foolishly tried to start doing push-ups at 75. I have just accepted now that the damage has been done and I just have to live with it. If you search youtube there are plenty of options re various exercises that may help. Any kind of surgery is out of the question for me, or cortisone injections, which only allow short term relief anyway.

Edited February 5, 2019 by giddyup

[HauptmannUK]

3 minutes ago, giddyup said:

I have the same problem, except I foolishly tried to start doing push-ups at 75. I have just accepted now that the damage has been done and I just have to live with it. If you search youtube there are plenty of options re various exercises that may help. Any kind of surgery is out of the question for me, or cortisone injections, which only allow short term relief anyway.

I've seen the various videos on YouTube, but the exercises have possibly made the problem worse. I think I need a proper assessment of the damage and specific advice - maybe an MRI.

[moe666]

If it is a rotator cuff issue the exercises are very simple and should not cause any great deal of pain, I know because I have a torn rotator cuff. But see a qualified DR. and get a real decicion on what your problem is plenty of qualified Drs. in Thailand

[HauptmannUK]

20 minutes ago, moe666 said:

But see a qualified DR. and get a real decicion on what your problem is plenty of qualified Drs. in Thailand

Yes, that's what I want to do.  I am looking for a suggestion in Jomtien/Chonburi area. I have never visited a Dr or hospital here (as patient). I have a neighbour who has told me good things about Queen Sirikit Hospital in Sattahip.

[Sheryl]

The best shoulder specialist in Thailand is Dr. Mason at Bumrungrad. Harvard trained, top notch and  well worth travelling to see him.

 

https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Mason-Porramatikul

 

Shoulder pain can sometimes be due to problems with the cervical spine so the cause is not necessarily in the shoulder but I'd start by consulting Dr. Mason if I were you.

 

If MRI is recommended you can save on cost by going to a private imaging center, will be substantially less than at Bumrungrad.

 

http://www.mrithailand.com/?lang=en

[jackspade]

Alternative solution: If you have to, get an x-ray at your hospital and find out exactly what's going on under the skin. Then find a knowledgeable personal trainer at your local gym.

I dislocated my left shoulder in a motorcycle accident 6 years ago. If only I were a football player so there might have been a sports physician running to my aid from the sidelines to pop it back in, but alas, my shoulder remained out of its socket for over an hour, giving my tendons the stretch of a lifetime.

 

At a grossly over-priced hospital visit 90 minutes later, they got the shoulder popped back in. In retrospect, I should have asked them to skip the anesthesia, because it all ended up costing me $3500 USD.

 

I saw a physical therapist the next day, and to be perfectly honest, the value of his service was laughably overrated. For $300, he smiled, guided me through some simple exercises on a wall poster, and said goodbye, all in the course of 5-10 minutes. I went home and easily found the same exercises online. I realize that not all physical therapists are alike, and I'm sure there are some good ones, but I canceled my next appointment and went to my local gym instead, where I signed up for a personal trainer who was an ex-football player. I told him about my condition and he helped me a thousand times more than the Physio for 1/6th of the cost. Spent an hour coaching me through the very same rotator cuff exercises. I saw him twice in total, and that was enough.

 

I made progress fairly quickly. For the next two years I had occasions where the shoulder would almost pop out again. This would always happen when I hadn't been doing my rotator cuff exercises. By the end of the second year, I'd almost forgotten the injury ever happened and I've been fine ever since. I even forget which shoulder it was.

 

https://www.whyiexercise.com/rotator-cuff-exercises.html

Of all the exercises above, "Shoulder Rotation 2" helped me IMMENSELY. I recommend doing it with an adjustable pulley machine at your local gym rather than using resistance bands, which aren't adjustable. Make sure the cord runs from the machine to your body at 90 degrees at elbow level and start out with no weight at all, slowly working up day by day.

Good luck.

 

 

 

 

Edited February 5, 2019 by jackspade

[Sheryl]

I'd advise against starting any exercise until you've had the cause of this determined.

 

If it is, for example, a problem with the cervical spine you could do yourself more damage.

[HauptmannUK]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

The best shoulder specialist in Thailand is Dr. Mason at Bumrungrad. Harvard trained, top notch and  well worth travelling to see him.

 

https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Mason-Porramatikul

 

Shoulder pain can sometimes be due to problems with the cervical spine so the cause is not necessarily in the shoulder but I'd start by consulting Dr. Mason if I were you.

Thank you very much for this. What do you think, approximately, the cost of a consultation would be?

[Sheryl]

About 2000 baht inclusive of doctor's fee and hospital charge.

 

When you get to the cashier check to see if the total they quote you includes medication and if it does, it will just be overpriced paracetemol or NSAID or the like, ask to have it removed. (Unless doctor discussed with you need for a particular medication but hard to imagine what that would be. This and many other private Thai hospitals are in the habit of tacking in unnecessary overpriced meds to almost every visit but you are under no obligation to buy them).

 

And as mentioned if MRI needed get it done at imaging center, probably half the price.

[HauptmannUK]

Thank you very much Sheryl. I'll book to see this doctor.