A few months ago, I developed "frozen shoulder," which is pretty painful. I didn't know what it was, so it was also scary. I didn't know if I should exercise it or give it rest. I eventually went to a physiatrist, which was the best possible move. We don't know what caused the problem, but the theory I believe the most is that it came from disuse. I don't use my arms much, and I don't exercise. Well, I didn't until now. I went through a couple of months of physical therapy, and now I'm going to my followup visit with the doctor. The pain isn't totally gone but it's greatly reduced, and oddly enough, that's a pleasant sensation. My range of motion isn't totally back, but I can do almost anything. I can now lift my shirt up off me using the crossing-hands technique, which I prefer. It's still not easy, but I can do it.
Most of all, it gave me the kick I needed to start exercising at home. I never did it, and I've never belonged to a gym.
I'm going to ask the doctor to help me with other problems I've had so I can learn which stretching and strengthening exercises I should be doing. I have scoliosis and other problems with my back. On the one hand, it's bad that I waited this long to deal with these things. I'll be 55 years old in a couple of weeks. On the other hand, the sooner I treat them and make myself stronger and more flexible, the better it will be for the rest of my life.
