Shoulder impingement.

[Nogbad the bad]

Nogbad I posted this in another thread but have you tried acupuncture? I had significant impingement with chronic pain for about 6 months from heavy benching. Acupuncture gave me relief in 2 visits. It may work for you too and most insurance will cover it. I refuse to have cortisone shots because all they do is mask the injury and you just do more damage because the injury is still there but the pain isn't. Just my opinion on the cortisone shots. I'm sure they have their place and are effective for some.

I haven't tried it bud,but i have given it a bit of thought.I may just give it a go sometime this year,if i'm no better.
At present,i'm doing stretching exercises with those elastic ropes,with the handles on the ends,and i'm actually
feeling a bit of improvement.I have also incorporated a lot more stretching/warming up,before exercising.
I'm in complete agreement,regarding cortisone.It may be ok for those who just want pain relief,but not for anyone
wishing to continue with strenuous activity.
I was going to try deep tissue massage,at a Thai massage parlour near me,because they advertise such,but i've
seen a lot of older fellas going in,and i'd put money on it the only massage they're having,is the type with a 'happy ending'.
Best not be seen frequenting that place lol!

[TRA]

I haven't tried it bud,but i have given it a bit of thought.I may just give it a go sometime this year,if i'm no better.
At present,i'm doing stretching exercises with those elastic ropes,with the handles on the ends,and i'm actually
feeling a bit of improvement.I have also incorporated a lot more stretching/warming up,before exercising.
I'm in complete agreement,regarding cortisone.It may be ok for those who just want pain relief,but not for anyone
wishing to continue with strenuous activity.
I was going to try deep tissue massage,at a Thai massage parlour near me,because they advertise such,but i've
seen a lot of older fellas going in,and i'd put money on it the only massage they're having,is the type with a 'happy ending'.
Best not be seen frequenting that place lol!

While I agree intraarticular injection is not a cure-all, and for the reasons cited in my earlier comments, I do think it has utility and can be curative, depending upon the issue. If you have acute/chronic inflammation (tendinitis, bursitis, etc.) it can eliminate the inflammation which IS the issue. If you have impingement due to acromion type, or partial rotator cuff tear, etc., then yes, an injection may simply mask the pain. But again it depends upon the diagnosis.
I get it if someone doesn't want an injection, but I think it's incorrect to make the blanket statement that a steroid simply masks the pain and allows for further injury. The inflammation may be the issue and the steroid eliminates that.
Regardless, I think the routines need to be evaluated and exercises that cause pain need to be modified or eliminated.

[Nogbad the bad]

While I agree intraarticular injection is not a cure-all, and for the reasons cited in my earlier comments, I do think it has utility and can be curative, depending upon the issue. If you have acute/chronic inflammation (tendinitis, bursitis, etc.) it can eliminate the inflammation which IS the issue. If you have impingement due to acromion type, or partial rotator cuff tear, etc., then yes, an injection may simply mask the pain. But again it depends upon the diagnosis.
I get it if someone doesn't want an injection, but I think it's incorrect to make the blanket statement that a steroid simply masks the pain and allows for further injury. The inflammation may be the issue and the steroid eliminates that.
Regardless, I think the routines need to be evaluated and exercises that cause pain need to be modified or eliminated.

Don't disagree with your points
bud.If you only have a minimal amount of shots,it can do good,but numerous shots can soften catilage,and weaken tendons.A couple of fellas i know,have
had numerous injections,and their arms (on the shoulder that's damaged) have virtually withered away.They've had an injection,then went back to the
heavy industry work that caused it.Shortly after,they need another shot,then another and so on.
A doctor offered me the same,without mentioning side effects,and when i explained them to him,he was surprised i had any knowledge of such things.
Maybe they just assume we're all dumb!

[TRA]

I haven't tried it bud,but i have given it a bit of thought.I may just give it a go sometime this year,if i'm no better.
At present,i'm doing stretching exercises with those elastic ropes,with the handles on the ends,and i'm actually
feeling a bit of improvement.I have also incorporated a lot more stretching/warming up,before exercising.
I'm in complete agreement,regarding cortisone.It may be ok for those who just want pain relief,but not for anyone
wishing to continue with strenuous activity.
I was going to try deep tissue massage,at a Thai massage parlour near me,because they advertise such,but i've
seen a lot of older fellas going in,and i'd put money on it the only massage they're having,is the type with a 'happy ending'.
Best not be seen frequenting that place lol!

There is also a modality used in the US by physical therapists (those who are certified to do it) referred to as dry needling. I had a knee surgery in Jan of this year and am still fighting to rehab. I had a huge effusion (probably more than 100ml) and after two sessions of dry needling (with electric current) the effusion was reduced 50%, by the end of the week and until now (three weeks later) I have been able to avoid another painful knee tap to draw off fluid. Pretty impressive. I would definitely give it a shot for a shoulder issue.