Meggie, I have tendonosis in both shoulder, after having had bursitis in both shoulders. I went to therapy for 2 months this summer/fall. I had the heat, exercises, stretching, massage and TENS/ice. I did the therapy at home on off days, I still have swelling in my shoulders and limited motion. I move my arms in certain directions and the pain can drop me to my knees. My ortho ck me after my last PT and found little improvement, he wanted me to go to a different rheumy than the one who dx me w/ FMS. I asked him why, he wants me to be ck for RA. I have OA thru out my body, but I was not expecting to hear RA. I read somewhere (can't remember where, sorry) that chronic tendonosis is a symptom of RA.
In PT, I had 2 different therapist, both very nice. They were surprised how much I was not getting back, and how my shoulder would lock, pop, crack. To move it in certain ways, I have to lift it to unhinge it. It sound gross, and it is. And my now former PCP felt I didn't have a problem. My hands are also weak, I can't carry much w/o possibly dropping it, a few lbs at most. The arms give out and then my hands.
I always felt exhausted after PT, needed to have something to eat and drink after it and rest for a bit. I have used the lidocaine patches on the side of my shoulder because that is where I have the referred pain. about where a short, short sleeve would end.
Hope you get some answers, soon.
God bless. Alice.