Chronic Muscular Tension in Shoulders

Hi,

I was wondering if you could help.

I have chronic tension in my shoulders and have done for the past ten years (I am 25). My first attention to my shoulders was when I was 14 and I could grind the shoulder blade against another bone. I had to do this as a result of trapped nerves from the tension.

I went to the doctor who said they couldn't help me, but my Uncle a healer managed to rectified the problem - however it came back. He said it was due to emotional distress.

My tension in my shoulders is severe that sometimes I have to keep moving around because sitting still is too painful.

Although I have no stress in my life now and haven't for a good few years, now and then I get flares up where I get 5-10 large knots in my shoulder muscles (some of these knots are so big you can see them sticking out my back). I also feel very sore most of the time.

I tried seeing an osteopath but this did not help and I know I need some exercises or some help.

I contacted a physio via email when my shoulder pain started to affect my running - if I go for long runs I get a throbbing pain across my pain. They said: I need a physio who works with myo-fascial pain and I need someone to help me stabilise my lower traps and lengthen my upper traps.

Since then I have been started wearing "barefoot" shoes which have helped with my posture. I have tried doing some stretches at home but I am clueless about how to really go about changing my situation.

I recently went to the doctor for the first time in ten years to see if I could get referred as I couldnt afford to get treated myself and then discovered I can self-refer. I want to do this but was wondering if anyone could offer any advice about what I can start doing now in this situation.

I really would appreciate any advice on what to do, whether I should see someone even for a consultation (even if paying), whether physio is something that can help me and how I go about finally getting rid of this tension.

Thank you,

Kelly

I managed to get an appointment on the nhs.

Due to the length of time I have had it I am going to get a full assessment.

UPDATE:

Had my appointment the other week. My left shoulder is higher than the right but its all very tense.

The advice given? To do one stretch to stretch out the left shoulder as its very tight and "short". I have been doing it religiously for the past 2 weeks three times a day as specified...but no improvement yet at all. :(

To be honest I feel a little let down that this advice was given seeing as I have had it so long. I don't see how one stretch can undo all the tension I hold in my shoulders.

I will see how I go though....and if no improvement I have to call about in 4 weeks.

Hi Kelly its difficult to know exactly what going on in your case without a full assessment. I think that all movement as long as it is not causing you further pain would be good so keep your shoulders moving as well as continuing your stretches. In addition to this you could try some heat on your shoulders (as long as there is no problems with your sensation try a hot bath or hot water bottle). Some hydrotherapy may be use full, you may not get this via your physio in the NHS but you can always ask, if not have a look online in your area some local baths may run some warm water sessions, it may be good to practice gentle movements in warm water. Gentle massage may help to as long as it is not causing you any pain. Hope this resolves soon for you.

Hi,

thanks for your response. I have been doing the stretch(es) that the Physio gave me for 6 weeks with no improvement. I have been very strict in doing them as I want relief but I have had no really relief whatsoever. My should hasn't come down either from the stretching and I am assuming maybe that is as a result of their being too much tension.

Going to call up next week as they said to call back if no improvement so hopefully I will get some help.

I am feeling quite disheartened. I just feel like giving me one stretch to do in the first place was silly as I have had this problem for 10 years :(

Hi, Just wanted to update that I solved my shoulder issues! The physiotherapist did not help at all. I spent months and months doing the exercise with nothing to show for it..and kept going back...so I decided to look for another solution. I got rolfed!! Rolfing has really helped. I no longer have inflammation or tension in my shoulders and when I am under stress it is a totally different experience now - it doesn't affect my shoulders at all. I feel like a new person. It has also changed me emotionally. I am very happy :