As you grow older, you will suffer from pains in many parts of your body. Pain on the knees, hips, back, arms, and in the shoulders can make your days and nights miserable. I was approaching my 40th birthday when all of a sudden, the pain on my shoulders became too difficult to disregard. I tried a lot of cures such as liniment, massage, and some exercises but to no avail. At first, I thought it was just caused by the long hours I spend typing but when the pain didn’t disappear after a week, I got worried so I decided to go to the doctor.
My Doctor Recommended Lots of Tests
The next day, I arrived several minutes ahead of my scheduled check up. I was asked to stay in the reception area where there were a few chairs. I was alone in the reception room because I was the second to the last patient.
While sitting down, I began to think about the pain in my shoulders. I didn’t remember hitting something with them or getting hit on this part of my body. I seldom carry heavy things, so why is it that my shoulders are so painful? Sometimes, when the pain comes, I sweat and feel dizzy. Am I suffering from a deadly disease? I hope not because I still have some responsibilities to my children. If I cannot move my shoulder anymore, who will do the laundry, clean the house, cook our meals, and even hang clothes? I was praying that the pain on my shoulders might just be caused by arthritis and nothing more serious than that.
The Diagnosis
When it was my turn, I was hesitant to continue because I believe that if I am suffering from something deadly, I do not want to know about it. I would rather enjoy my life than think about that day when everything must come to an end.
A Lot of Questions
When I got inside the doctor’s office, he greeted me cheerfully. Perhaps he did this to make me feel relaxed. Then he started asking questions:
- Does the pain continue on through the night?
- Have you had a shoulder injury recently? Or during your childhood?
- Do you feel the pain even if you are exercising?
- Does it affect your work?
- What other symptoms do you have?
I answered all the questions based on what I can remember. I answered, “Yes” to all the questions except for a childhood injury because I cannot remember any instances where I injured my shoulders.
The doctor conducted a physical examination but he cannot find any swelling or redness or any irregularity on my shoulders. So, he asked me to undergo several laboratory tests.
Finding the Cure
Before going home, I decided to have dinner in a nearby restaurant where I met a friend. After catching up with each other, she asked where I had been and I told her about my shoulder pain and about seeing the doctor. I also told her about the laboratory tests I must have the next day.
Then, she asked me if I tried consulting with a physiotherapist. I shook my head because it never entered my mind to see a physiotherapist. She talked to me about how she had a similar condition with mine years ago and how she was helped by getting a physiotherapy service for shoulder pain.
Feeling Relieved
After my friend narrated to me about this service, I was already hooked and we agreed to meet the next day. She would accompany me to the doctor who treated her.
I discovered that the doctors I was talking with all specialized in sports medicine because it is while engaging in sports that most shoulder injuries that can cause lifetime pain happen. I might not be a sports-oriented person so perhaps, it was while doing something strenuous that a tendon or ligament on my shoulders was damaged. This could have happened years ago, which means that my injury had gotten worse and caused the incessant throbbing pain on my shoulders.
After our discussion, the sports medicine doctor recommended for me to start the physio services for the shoulders.
A Fun Way to Be Healed
I was advised to take some rest but I must move my shoulders at intervals. There were some exercises that I must perform daily. After a few visits to have my physio service, the pain in my shoulders started to become less intense. I can even raise my hands now without feeling any pain.
After completing my therapy, I felt relief from all the pain that I suffered. But of course, the doctor warned me not to do tasks that can put too much pressure on my shoulders. What was important was that I can now prepare meals for my family, do some light household chores, and most importantly, have a good sleep at night.
