My husband injured his shoulder (rotator cuff) three years ago playing squash--a big reach without warming-up sufficiently. Physical therapy, certain exercises and massage helped initially, but the pain always returns. Now there is an almost constant low-level throbbing, not particularly worse when moving or still, not better or worse at any time of day. Playing golf does not hurt, but probably makes pain a little worse later in the day. Went to the beach recently, where it was extremely hot, and after a few days the pain was worse than it had ever been, much sharper ( he took Bryonia 200C once then again three days later at the beach, this did not help, unless the extreme pain was an aggravation. However, still no improvement two weeks later) A couple of months ago he started having a slight pain in the opposite shoulder. He likes to ice the shoulder, feels that numbs the pain. Warmth, pressure and massage do not help or hurt. Lying on that side in bed does not hurt much, but he tries not to lie on that side. He is getting weary of the constant pain. Any help?
MaryMcD5@aol.com

Better from ice can be Ledum. Look it up and see if it fits.

Old injuries are covered by Arnica as by no other remedy, See my answer to John Stanton. Give in a high potency (M range) and watch how the pain of the original injury returns and disappears. Ledum is more for injuries with sharp instruments or bites from animals.

[This message has been edited by Ben Rozendal (edited 07 August 1999).]

Besides the arnica, it might be advisable to see a chiropractor and make sure there's no underlying shoulder weakness caused by cervical vertabrae problems.

Yes Ben I agree with what you say about Ledum but I have used it successfully for rheumatic and joint problems (Bryonia type) when it has been better for a frozen bag of peas on it!

Cool, Ricky, I'll keep that in mind.

Dear Ben
THanks for the idea about using Arnica 50M. I am going to try that as soon as I can find it. However, since my husband's shoulder is still hurting more now than it ever has since the original injury, I'm wondering if this could be an aggravation from the Bryonia 200C he took ten days ago. Could the aggravation last this long, and should I consider waiting a bit to give the Arnica?

Can you give the 50M dose to someone who is 80 years old and was injured in world war 2.

I would be very careful with the 80 year old as the vital force may not be strong enough to handle the 50M. In my training I was taught to repeat low potencies of Arnica to heal old injuries, and I have seen it cure completely. Not that high potencies can't be used, but on younger people.

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Kescah