Rotary cuff tear

[sassysara]

Hi I have been diagnosed with a rotary cuff tear in my right shoulder on painkillers and having physio which isn't really helping much, doctor says i can have a steroid injection done at my surgery, has anybody got any experience with this?

Many thanks

Sara

[bantam12]

I've had several steroid injections for frozen shoulder, to be honest they haven't helped at all.Have you had scans to check how bad the tear is ? I would see an orthopaedic surgeon to make sure the treatment you are getting is right.

[sassysara in reply to bantam12]

just an x-ray, from what they explain to me, is that its not an actual tear its wear and tear on one of the joints that the muscles/tendons are going through?

[bantam12 in reply to sassysara]

Sounds like you should have an ultrasound scan to check exactly what's going on. A steroid may help if there's inflammation but it's usually only a temporary fix if it does anything at all ! I'm due my third one next month but I'm not sure I'll bother as it's not helped and the more you have the greater the risk of tendon damage.

[sassysara in reply to bantam12]

my x-ray did show a lot of inflammation hence why she gave me some pain killers which is ok until i stop taking them! I had a steroid injection on my foot once and that didn't work hence my reluctance

[badbackjonny]

Hi,

I've had a dislocating shoulder for about 17 years. I have had quite a few steroid injections. The idea is that they take the swelling down long enough for you to be able to do proper physio and build the strength back up in the damaged shoulder. If you really work at it when you can it should help.

Good luck.

J.

[bobknob51]

Hi Sassysara Really if you've been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear I don't think physio or injections will relieve the pain.I had a tare in my right shoulder and had an operation to repair it.As far as I understand a rotator cuff tear is not wear and tare it's an injury caused by overstretching .if I were you I'd ask my GP for a referral to see a muscular specialist to determine exactly what is the problem.Best of luck.

Bob's