Frozen shoulder

[Rialto2]

Hi, I've been suffering with a frozen shoulder for a number of weeks now which is extremely painful. My GP mentioned getting an injection - just wondering if this is ok with PBC? Has anyone else had the same? Thanks

[janetfolley]

Not a problem as had both shoulders injected via hospital and hips, ankles, feet and knees over several years... Having PBc since 2004 has never caused problems... Please go ahead with the injections.

[Rialto2 in reply to janetfolley]

Thank you for that, I will.

[Karaliz]

Hi there Rialto2

I rarely go on the forum these days, having been diagnosed with PBC a long time, however I noted your post and felt compelled to respond.

I too was diagnosed with a frozen shoulder about 15 months ago - adhesive capsulitis - which like you I found extremely painful.

I had a steroid injection into the shoulder which I have to report did absolutely nothing. I then had hydrodilatation where saline is injected into the joint capsule in an effort to stretch the capsule and improve mobility. This did not really improve things for me either but I gather these procedures do work for some people.

In the end, it is only time that had gradually seen my shoulder improve. ( I did see a physio for several sessions after the initial procedure and continued these exercises at home.)

Apparently this is a common course - freezing, thawing and then hopefully a return to full mobility - but it can take up to 2-3 years. I am probably about half way there and importantly most of that severe pain has gone.

Fingers crossed the injections work for you and you start to see a rapid improvement.

I meant to say my PBC progressed to cirrhosis about 8 years ago and there were no issues having the injections. My platelets are low due to splenomegaly but the radiologist was not concerned.

Best wishes

Karaliz

[Rialto2 in reply to Karaliz]

Thank you, I will go ahead.

[TylerA]

Hi Rialto I developed a frozen shoulder around the same time that I was diagnosed with PBC three years ago. I can testify how extremely painful it is. I had weekly massage therapy treatments rather than injections but I don’t think there’s any reason why you shouldn’t have the injection with a PBC diagnosis. The extreme pain does eventually get replaced by stiffness and for me it just took time to get slowly better. It’s a truely horrible thing and seems to be very common in woman over 50 something. It might be worth looking into physical therapies in addition to injection?

[Rialto2 in reply to TylerA]

Thank you. I have exercises to do from the physio but will look into that.

[TylerA]

I initially saw an osteopath but he spent more time talking than treating! Then I saw an amazing pain therapist and she was amazing - I think she helped pyscho logically aswell as physically. If you lived anywhere near brighton I’d recommend her! I’ve wondered since then if there was any link between PBC and my frozen shoulder in terms of joints.

[mjk98]

Yes I have a frozen left shoulder I'm actually having an operation next week on my thoracic spine and then next will be my neck so definitely with this disease you can get issues like this I have PBC since 2015 so I've had a lot of muscle issues and stuff

[Samanthaann]

Interesting. I had shoulder pain begin about 7 months after my PBC diagnosis. Mine was in shoulder , shoulder blade, and collar bone. I went to ortho and they said I have some arthritis in back of neck. I also wonder if this pain is from PBC. Im glad you posted, it’s good hearing others experience with this.

[Katiagreece]

I had exactly the same over the winter. Had physio therapy for months but it wasn’t getting better. Eventually I had a Cortisone injection stopped the physio and slowly started to get better. It’s taken around 6 months.

I’ve got movement back without the pain but just recently it’s started hurting again.

I was diagnosed PBC since 2014 but am sure I had it for many before that. I take my meds and don’t have any symptoms .

[CeeCee101]

I’ve had it and swimming helps me, but then I got swimmers shoulders! I have had the injections no problem. It took 6 months of slow work in the pool to get the shoulder unlocked. Felt so good started aggressive swimming, then got swimmer’s shoulders.