Shoulder pain/limited ROM

General
1

I have been dealing with some shoulder pain and limited range of motion issues for months now (at least 6 months). It started with some typical PsA inflammation in my shoulders, which I’ve had before and it resolved without lingering issues. However, this time while it was inflamed I definitely subluxed/partially dislocated my shoulder a couple times taking my bra off - I know because it made a loud pop and it felt like someone had tried to yank my arm out of socket - and now I have this lingering pain when I extend my arm, reach behind me, and I can’t raise my arm above my head to the same degree as the other (I am historically a bit bendier than average and probably also have a history of over-extension but hey one thing at a time). It’s also difficult to sleep on that side (it makes a weird snapping noise if I do it wrong and it just hurts also).

Anyway, not sure if it’s still just bursitis/tendonitis from PsA or if I actually tore it those few times it subluxed - got an x-ray yesterday which showed nothing (typical) and Rheum asked if I wanted an MRI and I said no - mostly because I had/have* a migraine and I couldn’t deal with any more things at that moment and I figure it’ll show nothing is wrong and cost a pretty penny but now I’m wondering if I should have maybe taken her up on it (and I probably can still message her that I’ve changed my mind) or maybe wait another three months and if it’s still being a jerk get one then? (or the nasty joint injection that won’t help but w/e). Curious if anyone else has any experience? I’m a little medically burnt out and honestly don’t want to do any of it so I don’t really trust my own motivations, lol.

Note the current pain isn’t the “stiff with lack of movement” or “hot and swollen” type of inflammation I’m used to with the PsA - it’s pretty consistent and only occurs when reaching (stretching my arm out, behind, or over) or when I try to lift my arm past the point it decided it didn’t want to any more.

*I came down with what appears to be a permanent active migraine episode starting in August of last year - thus the being medically burnt out bc my brain hurts all the time now and I have a horrible neurologist that even my Rheum doesn’t like.

2

Sounds like it could be your rotator cuff. Before an MRI do you want to do some physical therapy?

Pain sleeping on that side is pretty classic for rotator cuff problems, plus reaching overhead. Could be AC joint also, but either way, physical therapy can only help with joint protection

3

that’s not a bad idea. I might look some up. I’d go in but my last PT was such shit and I paid over $500 to come in 2x a week and do the same exercises I was doing every day at home :roll_eyes: I’m still salty apparently :joy:

But I’ll YouTube some stuff and see if it helps.

4

Definitely sounds like you need a new one next time. I’ve done once a week with a home exercise program and that frequently works. Post surgery I keep on their schedule usually