I have 2 little girls, ages 3 and 1, and now have a severe shoulder problem from carrying them and picking them up. My left shoulder rotator cuff (correct spelling?) is inflamed and I can't sleep on it, or even lift my arm much anymore.
We don't have insurance or any good cash flow right now, so I'm seeking advice on how to heal it myself, what kind of exercises I could do. It's been bad for several months now and I don't know what to do about it, not much seems to help.
One word CHIROPRACTOR I love mine. I go whenever I can. Most insurances allow 10 to 12 visits a year now.
Hi N.,
I would try limiting how much you carry your kids (a hard thing to do....I know!). Resting your shoulder will help calm some of the inflammation. Taking anti-inflammatories like Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen, etc. can help. When the pain is better, you can do some exercises as outlined on the AAFP web site at http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030315/1315ph.html to help strengthen and rehabilitate your shoulder/rotator cuff.
Hope this helps!
J. :)
First of all you have to stop lifting your children if it is causing you this much harm. If I were in your situation, I would rest your arm as much as possible and/or put a sling on it to hold the shoulder in place. People who get seriously hurt do not just jump right in to therapy. They have a rest and healing period first. Also, avoid any veggie from the nightshade plant family. They tend to aggravate arthritis, which could also possibly be a part of this. Sounds like you also need something that will strengthen your joints. Check out glucosamine/chondroitin and MSM. You'll have to do some research to make sure that it won't interact with something that you might already be taking or make your condition worse. Without speaking with you, it's hard to make any sort of reference.
N.,
Have you tried ice 10 min and then heat 10 min? Do that every few hours if you can. Sometimes that can help inflammation. Also, taking ibuprofen or aleve may help too. I don't know if you swim or not, but I know for some people with shoulder pain, it really helps the pain and stiffness.
Take care and I hope you feel better soon.
Molly
