60 year old female frozen shoulders...
 

Hi,
I suffered with sudden onset of frozen shoulders Dec '08. Started in my right shoulder and 3 months later the left one joined in. I have no medical insurance and was laid off my job. So....I suffered with it. Finally after 6 months I couldn't dress myself. The pain was so bad. I held both arms tight against my sides and dreaded a trip to the bathroom or shower. I went to a "sports medicine" doctor that my brother recommended with a credit card. He said I had little pockets of something like scar tissue all thru my shoulders and I had to do physical excercises. He knew I had no insurance and he showed me the exercises. He said you will hear little "popping" sounds as the frozen scar-like things break up. It was so painful. But, I wanted my life back. I took a shot of Jack Daniels everyday and five minutes later started the movements he told me to do. So help me...It sounded like a bowl of rice crispies cracking and popping with ever movement. And, with each "pop" I regained a little more movement and a little less pain. I'm still doing them. Both arms just feel really heavy now. I can lift both over my head and out to each side. I still can't reach behind my back. But! But! I can dress and take care of my personal needs. From the time I started the exercises to the time I could dress and shower again was only 2 weeks. However....now I have just read that frozen shoulders can be one of the first signs of Parkinsons? Anybody know anything about this being a symptom. I cared for my Mother who had Parkinsons but she never had frozen arms. Her legs became ridged and her hand shook. Thanks Folks. :hug:

I hadn't heard that about FS & PD.
But I Googled it and there is quite a few mentions about it-
http://www.google.com/search?q=froze...ient=firefox-a

My dad has PD but never had FS.

It would be interesting to ask on our PD forum what they know about any relationship.

http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/r...welcomecat.gif

Hello Bren, and welcome to NeuroTalk! This is such a nice place with so many friendly and caring people. :)

We're glad you found us! I'm so glad you found a way to take care of your frozen shoulders. :hug:

Hello Bren and welcome to NeuroTalk! You’ve found a great place for support and understanding. Join in wherever you feel comfortable. We’re happy you’ve joined us! :welcome_sign:

Welcome BrenBren!
 

Welcome BrenBren!:)

So glad to have you here with us on the NT forums!:D

I am sorry you have been suffering with "frozen shoulders!":eek: Ouch!

I can empathize with you, to some degree, as I'd had my first experience with this immediately after a surgery last July! :winky: For me, this had started in one shoulder and was very severe.:(

I have heard, and have read, that sometimes a frozen shoulder will start on one side and then eventually spread to the other! Is this how it had happened with you?

I am glad you were given exercises to help you with this.:)
Some references claim the frozen shoulder will release itself within approx. 6 months. I was much better at the 6 month mark; however, still not back to 100% in that shoulder. I have more shoulder "rehab" to complete yet!:winky:

(I also do feel my other shoulder has been trying to "freeze up," yet I continue to do range of motion exercises with it and hope this prevents further issues.)

Yes! There are many references to a "frozen shoulder" possibly serving as an early sign of Parkinson's Disease onset. Just to clarify for all readers: This does not mean all cases of "frozen shoulder" are related to PD.:winky:

Have you been to the PD forum?
There are other forums here, as well, that may be of interest to you!
Please stop in on any and simply "jump in" and post if you feel inclined to do so!

Again, welcome! I think you will find lots of informaton and support here!:hug:

Hi,

Keep up the hard work.

I know that must be hard to work through. You can do it.

(Broken Wings)

Welcome to NeuroTalk...

Here is a really good overview of frozen shoulder:

http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/froz...enshoulder.htm

I always thought that diabetes was the largest risk factor.
But here in the list are other endocrine issues, including thyroid.