Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Ugh, rotator cuff tendonitis was not on my to-do list for the fall.
It actually started back in September on our Ontario vacation--I chalked it up to the uncomfortable Ottawa hotel bed. Aleve helped me get through the days and our second hotel had a spa, so I felt a lot better after having a massage. My shoulder just became progressively achy despite stretches and Voltaren. Schlepping tables for the community Halloween party didn't help :-D
I knew it was time to see a professional when I was making Christmas ornaments and I couldn't squeeze the glue bottle without being in ridiculous pain. The massage and physio clinic down the street had a next day opening and the guy diagnosed me with rotator cuff tendonitis judging by the way I was moving my arm, or rather, couldn't move my arm.
I had heat, heat, 20 minutes with a TENS machine and then he worked on my muscle using something called the Gastron technique. He also gave me two exercises to do and I've progressed to the third exercise which is more difficult.
The tendonitis means I've had to take it easy, no more hot rodding on the pin loom, no sleeping on that side (my favourite side!), no heavy lifting or overhead stretching. He also recommended an ultrasound to ensure the rotator cuff isn't torn. Apparently you can have acute or chronic tearing :S
My third physio appointment is tomorrow. My shoulder is doing better but I'm not rushing the recovery. I wish I had visited sooner after we returned home, but with so much going on, I kept putting it off. Here's your reminder to get help sooner than later if something is bothering you!
It actually started back in September on our Ontario vacation--I chalked it up to the uncomfortable Ottawa hotel bed. Aleve helped me get through the days and our second hotel had a spa, so I felt a lot better after having a massage. My shoulder just became progressively achy despite stretches and Voltaren. Schlepping tables for the community Halloween party didn't help :-D
I knew it was time to see a professional when I was making Christmas ornaments and I couldn't squeeze the glue bottle without being in ridiculous pain. The massage and physio clinic down the street had a next day opening and the guy diagnosed me with rotator cuff tendonitis judging by the way I was moving my arm, or rather, couldn't move my arm.
I had heat, heat, 20 minutes with a TENS machine and then he worked on my muscle using something called the Gastron technique. He also gave me two exercises to do and I've progressed to the third exercise which is more difficult.
The tendonitis means I've had to take it easy, no more hot rodding on the pin loom, no sleeping on that side (my favourite side!), no heavy lifting or overhead stretching. He also recommended an ultrasound to ensure the rotator cuff isn't torn. Apparently you can have acute or chronic tearing :S
My third physio appointment is tomorrow. My shoulder is doing better but I'm not rushing the recovery. I wish I had visited sooner after we returned home, but with so much going on, I kept putting it off. Here's your reminder to get help sooner than later if something is bothering you!