Golf injuries and Medical stuff, please bear with me

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birdieman

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I used to play a lot of golf but in late 2009 I started noticing some discomfort in my left shoulder at top of backswing. Didn't think too much of it and played quite well through season 2010, keeping a 4 handicap ok until the August when I hit a short iron approach and something 'went' in the shoulder, dropped the club, swore a bit, told my partner I'd just walk round to mark their card, pain subsided ok and by end of round felt ok.
Since then I have played next to no golf, moved job and house, did join the local club and managed only 2.5 rounds of rubbish golf in 2011, in 2012 I managed 3 social rounds having given up club membership, all poor. All along my shoulder has never improved much, people said a frozen shoulder can take ages etc but I've never had in my mind a particularly good diagnosis. I've always had too much range of motion for it to be a proper frozen shoulder. Adhesive capsulitis was batted about and I've had endless NHS physio, hydrocortizone shots (one of which worked well but only for a few days part relief), pricey sports clinic physio, neoprene shoulder support, anti inflammatories etc etc. Physio said golf would be ok for teh shoulder so intermittently I've done range sessions but always give up as the soreness takes away any fun.
Was due to get an MRI and further cortiszone shot through orthopaedic dept at local hospital, went for a scheduled appointment to find my usual doc off sick and the stand in had a look at me and basically said there's not a lot I can do except keep doing physio exercises, my shoulder is decent enough but will probably give me problems to come and she said no MRI or cortizone shot was needed, left feeling pretty disappointed and as if they were just saying that to save money.

Having raked about the net my diagnosis would be 'swimmers shoulder' which is tendonitis of the rotator cuff tendons which may or may not differ from adhesive capsulitis I dont know.

This morning took my lad to the range having not tried to hit a a ball in months, same old story, agony to start, gets a bit looser with a lot of speed stik swishing to the point I can hit the ball ok but every time the arm is up at the top of the swing it feels sore and weak.

Have got to the point where subconsciously I think I've given up with golf but if I drive past a course I can't help but want to be able to play again. Can anyone offer any hope I'll play golf again, not interested in jabbing it round with an adapted hockey players swing. Have sold all my decent gear and keep a very basic set in the shed for the odd social game through work where its hard to get out of it.

Will this condition ever go away?:confused:

Anyone recommend any particular specialists that fixed them up. Do I need to just sit this out and it will come good? I have restricted motion and pain in the shoulder still as bad as 2 years ago imo despite what the physios say! Lost all patience some time ago.

The old adage about not appreciating things until they're gone is so true. Have I played my last game? 43 not far off 44 now so old but not that old!

Rant over!:mad:
 

Hobbit

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How can the Doc make a conclusive diagnosis without the MRI or ultrasound? One of my staff, also a golfer, is experiencing similar symptoms to you has been diagnosed with calcification of the shoulder. He has the benefit of private healthcare.

I'd go back and ask for a second opinion, or go private.
 

Andy

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Had 2 frozen shoulders now for best part of 4years. Had same treatments as yourself but found the best treatment was and still is Neuromuscular Massage.

Try and find somewhere local and give it a shot. Best thing I ever did.

Also recently started with a PT doing specific shoulder exercises which are showing positive signs.
 
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birdieman

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How can the Doc make a conclusive diagnosis without the MRI or ultrasound? One of my staff, also a golfer, is experiencing similar symptoms to you has been diagnosed with calcification of the shoulder. He has the benefit of private healthcare.

I'd go back and ask for a second opinion, or go private.

Being cash strapped and having priorities such kids and mortgage means I won't be going private! Will probably try and contact the original NHS orthopaedic doc to see if I can get back for an MRI.
 
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birdieman

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Had 2 frozen shoulders now for best part of 2 years. Had same treatments as yourself but found the best treatment was and still is Neuromuscular Massage.

Try and find somewhere local and give it a shot. Best thing I ever did.

Also recently started with a PT doing specific shoulder exercises which are showing positive signs.

Thanks for that, I did get the pressure point therapy thing from a very good sports physio at FASIC including acupuncture, it did offer some temporary relief but that was 2 years ago, maybe I'll go back or find something closer to work.
 

Ethan

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Shoulders are tricky, and a common problem for golfers including pros.

If I were you, I would look for an orthopaedic surgeon or sports medicine specialist with specialist expertise in treating sportsmen's shoulder injuries. It is a bit unsafe to rely on other people's anecdotes because even if their pain was in the same place, it may not be for the same reason. Steroid injections may help in the short term but should not be the basis of a long term solution. You can try acupuncture if you want, but I would not advise doing to to the exclusion of conventional treatment. In either case, be prepared for a long haul. It can take a lot of time.
 
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birdieman

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Had 2 frozen shoulders now for best part of 4years. Had same treatments as yourself but found the best treatment was and still is Neuromuscular Massage.

Try and find somewhere local and give it a shot. Best thing I ever did.

Thanks for that tip, took your advice and just back from my first proper massage on the shoulder, also did neck and back as I guess its all linked, verdict still out but worth a try, see what it feels like in a day or two! Does feel looser but was quite painful at times, trying to work out the knots I suppose.

Just want to sleep now but as I'm back at work best not!:smirk:
 
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