I have chronic bilateral rotator cuff syndrome (among numerous other joint involvements) related to my enteropathic arthritis. PT never helped much, I suppose because this is not an acute injury, but an inflammatory process. Mostly, it is my medications that help (sulfasalazine, biologics, pain medications, and muscle relaxers). Also, daily range of motion and stretching is important. All this is managed by my rheumatologist.

Jan

Thanks for the info.  I am not sure what to think.  It seem to come on so quickly.  I guess time will tell.  Thanks again -

I work in disability insurance and rotator cuff problems are actually quite common in the general population as well, so it's not unlikely that you could have developed this problem even if you didn't have IBD (not that it really changes anything ).  Rotator cuff problems account for a large proportion of our disability claims. If there is an actual tear in the rotator cuff, surgery is sometimes recommended. If it is an inflammatory process, meds and daily range of motion exercises are important in order to prevent a frozen shoulder.  Rotator cuff tears can be acute (trauma related) or occur over time, either by repetitive strain or by natural degenerative ageing process. If you haven't had an exam, you should - ultrasound or MRI may be necessary to rule out a tear, and therefore based n the results they can also help guide treatment - i.e., if you might in fact be a surgical candidate.