I've identified the reason of my shoulder pain.....I think

[bonsaibilly]

BTW can you explain what you mean by "advice that is totally ridiculous"? because as far as I can tell, since there isn't any medical report in the thread apart from "take these pills and see what happens", we don't know what the actual cause of the pain is, so my technical advice is just as likely to be effective as any other, and moreover, I can't see a massive problem with suggesting a change of grip and a narrower width bar anyway, as first steps in terms of adjusting the rider's bike. BB

 

[Spoked Wheels]

I can't see a massive problem with suggesting a change of grip and a narrower width bar anyway, as first steps in terms of adjusting the rider's bike. BB

Thanks for the ad advise. I'm seeing the doctor again next week. I'll ask more questions.... he is generous with his time when there is a problem.

I have already made some adjustments to the bars, moved the controls closer together and the bar extenders or bar ends stand at 60cm apart now. Tomorrow I'm riding to Swanage and I have 4 miles of hill climbing so I'll how I get on

Twice before I've been in trouble with pains and aching body parts that have turned out to be from cycling..... a few years ago, when I bought a new bike and the effective top tube length was about 2cm shorter than what I had been riding comfortably.... so I fitted a stem 1cm longer stem.... big mistake. I began to get discomfort and pain from the neck area and below the neck too. Fitted a 1cm shorter stem and the problem went away in a week or 2. Another time I rode bullhorns for a few weeks and I developed wrist pain. Pain went away when I went back to drop bars. So maybe this time I solve the problem by adjusting the bars

 

[bonsaibilly]

Ouch. I feel your pain, I kinda know what setup works for me with no pains at all but it seems like I want it to be different. But my best set-up bikes that I've had have been almost identical.

Sounds like you're a confirmed drops-ist... so maybe look to converting one of your drop bikes for the jobs you're trying the Subway out on...

Or... hmm... N+1 is always a possibility..!! BB

 

[Spoked Wheels]

Ouch. I feel your pain, I kinda know what setup works for me with no pains at all but it seems like I want it to be different. But my best set-up bikes that I've had have been almost identical.

Sounds like you're a confirmed drops-ist... so maybe look to converting one of your drop bikes for the jobs you're trying the Subway out on...

Or... hmm... N+1 is always a possibility..!! BB

N+1 sounds good to me

Today I had my first ride with the bars narrower, at 60cm and after 3 hours on the bike I don't feel any worse than I felt this morning (2.5 days after my last ride) so I see that as a success.... so far. I found it very estrange the handling of the bike in the first 20 minutes but then I got used to it..... much better I'd say.... probably not ideal for proper off road cycling though.

The other thing that I noticed when I narrowed the bars was that the bars were 2cms further to the right which is the shoulder that I have problems with. This is my brother's bike so I'll ask if there was a reason behind that....

I'm working on the idea of a new bike and probably with drop bars

 

[Kip67]

I am not a doctor, but those symptoms sound like it could be a shoulder impingement. I had this a few years ago on my right shoulder, and now it looks like my left is going the same way.
My point is, I think you should insist on a proper investigation by a specialist.

I have a shoulder impingement and on antiinflammatory tablets whilst waiting to see a physio . Could take a while I've been warned through the NHS. So looking to go private.

 

[Kajjal]

I have a shoulder impingement and on antiinflammatory tablets whilst waiting to see a physio . Could take a while I've been warned through the NHS. So looking to go private.

I had the same a couple of years ago. Months of pointless, untargetted physio which achieved nothing. I was unable to sleep for months due to the pain.

Then saw the consultant, had scans and luckily no sign of wear and tear etc. Had an injection to reduce the inflammation and no pain. Followed up by two months of proper targeted physio and all fine since.

From my experience don't be concerned if the initial physio is ineffective and push to see a consultant.

 

[vickster]

I have a shoulder impingement and on antiinflammatory tablets whilst waiting to see a physio . Could take a while I've been warned through the NHS. So looking to go private.

Be around £250 to see a consultant privately. Gets expensive when you need scans etc though. Local hospital here is £100+ for an X-ray, £400+ for MRI etc

Cheaper to have a few physio sessions first as well as the usual rest etc

If taking NSAIDs for any length of time, ask the GP to prescribe a PPI like omeprazole to protect your gut

 

[Oldfentiger]

I had a hooked acromium, which was aggravating the problem. I subscribe to BUPA so obviously went private.
From MRI scan to operation took less than 2 weeks.

 

[fossyant]

I have a shoulder impingement and on antiinflammatory tablets whilst waiting to see a physio . Could take a while I've been warned through the NHS. So looking to go private.

Shoulder Decompression operation I think. Best decision I made. Took 18 months for it to be 100% after surgery. Don't regret it given the trouble my shoulder caused.

 

[vickster]

I had a hooked acromium, which was aggravating the problem. I subscribe to BUPA so obviously went private.
From MRI scan to operation took less than 2 weeks.

Mine could have been almost that quick but 4 month work contract and holiday have delayed. Want it sorted now!

 

[Kip67]

Be around £250 to see a consultant privately. Gets expensive when you need scans etc though. Local hospital here is £100+ for an X-ray, £400+ for MRI etc

Cheaper to have a few physio sessions first as well as the usual rest etc

If taking NSAIDs for any length of time, ask the GP to prescribe a PPI like omeprazole to protect your gut

Jeez that's a shocking amount. I've been told to expect to wait 3-4 months hence the reason for looking at alternatives.

 

[vickster]

Which bit? Depending on where you are in the country, physio is probably £40-60 a session, more for the initial one typically. If in pain and restricted function, seeing a private physio rather than waiting 3-4 months would definitely be worthwhile, especially as the private ones often have more facilities at their disposal, especially time

I pay a lot every month for Bupa but I do get my money's worth

 

[Spoked Wheels]

If I'm honest, I have very very little faith in physios. Over the years, with sport injuries and other I've seen a few and I don't get over excited that they might help....

My handlebar adjustment seems to be working. I've done 3 rides since and I haven't felt like my arm was going to fall off afterwards I feel that the injury is on the mend with antiinflammatories. I can't be 100% certain that this is the end of the problem, time will tell, but I already have more movement and I don't wake up through pain at night, which was happening every night.
So keeping my fingers crossed and toes too, just in case

 

[Oldfentiger]

Seem to remember my MRI scan was £1000 ish

 

[Kajjal]

Depending on the examination and consultation, xray and ultrasound often show enough. The longer the condition goes on the more likely you are to have muscle wastage due to not using the arm properly which does not help and makes recovery longer.