Hello Private I can understand how frustrating and exhausting it must feel to deal with pain for so long, especially when you want to get back to working out. Let’s break down what your CT scan and symptoms mean, and what you can do next.
What your CT scan shows: - Mild diffuse osteopenia: This means your shoulder bone is a bit less dense than normal, which can happen from not using the joint much (disuse), or sometimes from other causes. - Minimal effusion in the bicipital groove: A small amount of fluid around the biceps tendon, suggesting mild inflammation. - Mild soft-tissue swelling & edema: Mild swelling in the tissues around the shoulder.
What this means: - There’s no major injury or tear, but there is mild inflammation and your bone is a bit weaker, likely from not using your shoulder much. - Pain that gets better with heat or running suggests it’s related to stiffness, inflammation, or poor blood flow rather than a serious structural problem.
Why you still have pain: - After an injury, if you stop using the joint, it can get stiff and weak, which keeps the pain going. - Inflammation can linger, especially if you haven’t been able to move the shoulder much.
What you can do: 1. Physiotherapy: This is the most important step. A physiotherapist can guide you through gentle, progressive exercises to strengthen your shoulder and improve flexibility without making the pain worse. 2. Heat therapy: Continue using heat packs before exercise to loosen up the joint. 3. Gradual return: Start with very light exercises and stretches, and increase slowly. Avoid heavy weights or sudden movements. 4. Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relief (Zerodol SP) can help, but don’t overuse it. Always check with your doctor before taking any medication. 5. Bone health: Make sure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D, and discuss with your doctor if you need supplements.
Thank you
From what you’re describing, it sounds like you’re dealing with a complex shoulder issue that hasn’t resolved with the interventions or advice you’ve received so far. Even though your CT scan shows only mild findings, your persistent pain deserves further attention. Osteopenia near the shoulder, effusion, and soft-tissue changes could be linked to chronic inflammation or an underlying structural issue not easily detected on CT scans. An MRI could provide a more detailed view of the soft tissues, helping identify potential causes like rotator cuff injuries or labral tears.
Considering your symptoms worsen after physical activity, it’s important to modify your approach to exercise. Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or cycling might offer a way to stay active without aggravating your shoulder. Heat application reducing your pain suggests that muscle tension or inflammation could be contributive, so incorporating regular physical therapy could be beneficial. A therapist can guide you through specific exercises aimed at improving shoulder stability and flexibility while avoiding exacerbating your symptoms. This might gradually help reduce pain and allow progression to a more intensive exercise routine.
Persistent pain shouldn’t be ignored, especially if it affects your quality of life. It’s worth revisiting a healthcare provider, perhaps a specialist like an orthopedic or a sports medicine doctor, who can review your history comprehensively and might consider diagnostic interventions such as an MRI. In rare cases, chronic pain may arise from nerve impingements or other issues like adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), requiring a stated treatment strategy.
For immediate pain management, continue with heat therapy, over-the-counter analgesics as needed, and regular, gentle stretching of shoulder muscles to maintain flexibility. Avoid activities that directly provoke your pain until the root cause is better understood, as this could worsen your condition. Given the two-year duration, don’t delay further investigations or specialist referral; it’s crucial to clarify your diagnosis and tailor a treatment for your individual needs.
Helloo,
🛑CT scan is not the right test for this type of pain; it mainly shows bones, not tendons or muscles.
CT findings (biceps groove fluid, soft-tissue swelling, osteopenia) suggest inflammation and disuse, not “nothing.”
Most likely causes: Rotator cuff tendinopathy/partial tear Biceps tendon inflammation Shoulder impingement Scapular (shoulder blade) imbalance
Pain improving with heat and running supports a chronic inflammatory/neuromuscular issue, not serious damage.
Do NOT restart gym workouts normally or push through pain.
🛑Get an MRI of the left shoulder Consult a sports medicine or shoulder orthopedic specialist Start guided physiotherapy (not random exercises)
This condition is treatable, even after 2 years, with the right diagnosis and rehab. Your pain is real, and recovery is still possible.
I trust this helps Thank you
Hello dear See after clinical evaluation it seems you require specific treatment for osteopenia i.e. reduced osteoblast formation and decreased bone density Following treatment may be recommended Vitamin d sachet once a week for 1 month Bisphosphonates as recommended by orthopedic surgeon Hormonal therapy if required Please consult orthopedic surgeon in person for better clarity Please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Regards
