[Pj]

I'm 61, worked manually most of working life since 15, self employed since 1983, been cleaning windows 28 years, WFP for the last 10.

  It would be easier to tell you where I haven't got joint pain!

[Dick]

Yep, very painful shoulder, after several visits to GP, referals to clinic for massage then x ray then eventually after much nagging an appointment with shoulder specialist where he injected cortisone into the joint, a bit uncomfortable but 4 years later still able to work when I thought my working days were over. Keep pestering GP.

[CLEANCARE WC]

Well it was the rotator cuff...
I have been given anti inflammatory 's & referred to hospital for physio,   can't wait to start getting better as up until now it's only been getting worse.  But pills helping a bit already.

[PoleKing]

Devils Claw seems to be a good supplement too guys.

[duncan h]

I'm 61, worked manually most of working life since 15, self employed since 1983, been cleaning windows 28 years, WFP for the last 10.

  It would be easier to tell you where I haven't got joint pain!

lol 49 and more problems every week. My right knee started giving up. I think it stems from climbing through back of van and kneeing seat belt holder. It broke holder, so I guess I gave it a good whack. My shoulders are the only strong part of my body left. I even use £1 glass to read every thing. HATE GETTING OLD

[PoleKing]

I'm 61, worked manually most of working life since 15, self employed since 1983, been cleaning windows 28 years, WFP for the last 10.

  It would be easier to tell you where I haven't got joint pain!

lol 49 and more problems every week. My right knee started giving up. I think it stems from climbing through back of van and kneeing seat belt holder. It broke holder, so I guess I gave it a good whack. My shoulders are the only strong part of my body left. I even use £1 glass to read every thing. HATE GETTING OLD

Bin those crap glasses Duncan.
They'll be doing you more harm than good.
Spec savers are doing a pair for £25.
Do you get free eye tests yet? (I'm not sure) spend the extra few quid.
Old people complain of not looking after their eyes and teeth.
Even when the rest of your body packs up-you'll still need them. Take care of them.
(Not trying to sound like I'm telling you off but I'm having similar conversations with my mum (who keeps bumping into things but her eyes are 'definitely not the problem' ) and dad (who uses my mums glasses to read the radio times )
You can afford the extra few quid. Spending that-you won't regret.

[KS Cleaning]

Well it was the rotator cuff...
I have been given anti inflammatory 's & referred to hospital for physio,   can't wait to start getting better as up until now it's only been getting worse.  But pills helping a bit already.

Well it was the rotator cuff...
I have been given anti inflammatory 's & referred to hospital for physio,   can't wait to start getting better as up until now it's only been getting worse.  But pills helping a bit already.

A few  good exercises to get you started whilst you wait for an appointment ( I will try to explain it as best I can)
1. Clasp your hands at the back of your head, bring your elbows up to the same height as your hands, then slowly start bringing your elbows together until you feel the strain then repeat.
2. If you can get hold of a stretch band they are really good for working the rotator cuff, hold it out in front of you, both hands straight in front knuckles showing, turn left hand out 90 degrees thumb knuckle showing, then pull left arm outwards vertically, repeat on the right side
3. Still using a band, put it behind your back, using one arm at a time pull it upwards and to the front at this kind of angle / (this angle is for the right side obviously)

It is also important how you use the pole especially on top windows, when you are poling top windows you should be alternating your 'high hand', meaning sometimes you should be seeing your knuckles with thumb down, then next house you should be seeing fingertips with thumb up...........Oh and buy an Extreme 18'

[bobplum]

you could look at a few options here,,,,,,,,medical (physio etc).........change your technique......change the hardware you use (extreme pole from gardiners ) etc

[CLEANCARE WC]

Well it was the rotator cuff...
I have been given anti inflammatory 's & referred to hospital for physio,   can't wait to start getting better as up until now it's only been getting worse.  But pills helping a bit already.

Well it was the rotator cuff...
I have been given anti inflammatory 's & referred to hospital for physio,   can't wait to start getting better as up until now it's only been getting worse.  But pills helping a bit already.

A few  good exercises to get you started whilst you wait for an appointment ( I will try to explain it as best I can)
1. Clasp your hands at the back of your head, bring your elbows up to the same height as your hands, then slowly start bringing your elbows together until you feel the strain then repeat.
2. If you can get hold of a stretch band they are really good for working the rotator cuff, hold it out in front of you, both hands straight in front knuckles showing, turn left hand out 90 degrees thumb knuckle showing, then pull left arm outwards vertically, repeat on the right side
3. Still using a band, put it behind your back, using one arm at a time pull it upwards and to the front at this kind of angle / (this angle is for the right side obviously)

It is also important how you use the pole especially on top windows, when you are poling top windows you should be alternating your 'high hand', meaning sometimes you should be seeing your knuckles with thumb down, then next house you should be seeing fingertips with thumb up...........Oh and buy an Extreme 18'

Thanks for that KS

[g.brookes]

Go to yoga! That's my advice.
I have been to quite a few physio sessions now and gradually this has helped. However, I went to a yoga class this week and found it brilliant.
Felt completely relaxed afterwards and learnt loads of great stretches to do. Shoulders problems much better and I intend to go every week now
Even the physio admitted he is not a long term solution. He said you need to maintain doing something like yoga or Pilates in the long run to keep your body healthy and injury free.

[duncan h]

I'm 61, worked manually most of working life since 15, self employed since 1983, been cleaning windows 28 years, WFP for the last 10.

  It would be easier to tell you where I haven't got joint pain!

lol 49 and more problems every week. My right knee started giving up. I think it stems from climbing through back of van and kneeing seat belt holder. It broke holder, so I guess I gave it a good whack. My shoulders are the only strong part of my body left. I even use £1 glass to read every thing. HATE GETTING OLD

Bin those crap glasses Duncan.
They'll be doing you more harm than good.
Spec savers are doing a pair for £25.
Do you get free eye tests yet? (I'm not sure) spend the extra few quid.
Old people complain of not looking after their eyes and teeth.
Even when the rest of your body packs up-you'll still need them. Take care of them.
(Not trying to sound like I'm telling you off but I'm having similar conversations with my mum (who keeps bumping into things but her eyes are 'definitely not the problem' ) and dad (who uses my mums glasses to read the radio times )
You can afford the extra few quid. Spending that-you won't regret.

Thought they were  £100
 I have a few pair. by PC, in van, in bag, by loo and just got a new pair lol. I know what you mean. Even ones from spec savers are made wrong. Loads of people complain

[rosskesava]

Go to yoga! That's my advice.
I have been to quite a few physio sessions now and gradually this has helped. However, I went to a yoga class this week and found it brilliant.
Felt completely relaxed afterwards and learnt loads of great stretches to do. Shoulders problems much better and I intend to go every week now
Even the physio admitted he is not a long term solution. He said you need to maintain doing something like yoga or Pilates in the long run to keep your body healthy and injury free.

I couldn't agree with that more.

I've been doing about 45 minutes yoga/stretching most nights for about 20+ years. I'm 54 (Jeeeez, I'm getting old) and have no pain in any joints.

[Og]

I like to mix it up.  Go lefty every now and then.

[EandM]

I'm finding this with fascia and gutter cleans - Did four last week and it's taken a few days for the pain to go off in my neck and shoulders.

[martinw]

Guys who have rotator cuff problems have a look at  links below

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/OurServices/Muscles,jointsandbones/TraumaAndOrthopaedicsShoulders/Shoulder-patient-information/Rotatorcuffrepair/Rotator-cuff-repair-exercises.aspx

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/PDFs/Rehab_Shoulder_5.pdf

It explains exercises needed to be done 5/6 days a week to condition and strengthen shoulders. Also you need to start paying attention to your technique while cleaning windows. I bet most of you  are using shoulders way too much causing stress to tendons and joints. This exercise program coupled with massage therapy from time to time will definitely help.
Also you will need consider to start drinking 2 litres of water a day and  lay off coffee if you want your muscles to recover faster. Even more after massage.
I'm still doing it myself a 9 months after my rotator cuff popped while lifting a luggage on holidays.