09/03/2026
I got the results of my MRI back today. I have an appointment tomorrow to discuss things with my doctor. It's pretty serious, but not surgery serious just yet. Hopefully! My doctor wants me to see an orthopedic surgeon/specialist for sure though. Sooooo maybe corticosteroid shots will decrease the pain and keep me from surgery, but I don't think some of these things heal on their own.
Here's what Google translated them big ole words into: 🤭
1. Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
What the report says: "Very severe edema and thickening of the inferior joint capsule... generalized inflammation... consistent with adhesive capsulitis."
What it means: This is the most dominant finding in your report. The "joint capsule" is a sleeve of connective tissue that encases your shoulder joint. Your report notes severe swelling (edema) and thickening in this capsule, particularly in the lower portion called the axillary recess. This chronic inflammation causes the capsule to tighten and scar, which drastically restricts your ability to move your arm.
2. Type II SLAP Tear
What the report says: "Type II SLAP tear of the superior labrum propagating posteriorly from the biceps anchor."
What it means: The labrum is a ring of rubbery cartilage that lines your shoulder socket to keep the joint stable. The long head of your biceps tendon attaches directly to the top (superior) part of this ring. A Type II SLAP tear means this top piece of cartilage, along with the biceps attachment point, has pulled away or detached from the bone. "Propagating posteriorly" simply means the tear extends toward the back of the shoulder socket.
3. Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy & Small Partial Tears
What the report says: "Moderate tendinopathy of the rotator cuff with small partial tears... No high-grade or full-thickness rotator cuff tear."
What it means: The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that keep your shoulder in its socket. "Tendinopathy" means the tendons are frayed, irritated, or worn down from wear-and-tear or inflammation. While there are small, partial-thickness tears (fraying on the surface), the most important takeaway is that you do not have a major, high-grade, or completely severed (full-thickness) rotator cuff tear.
4. Biceps Tendinopathy and Tenosynovitis
What the report says: "Moderate tendinopathy and tenosynovitis of the long head of the biceps tendon without focal tear."
What it means: Because your biceps tendon is attached to the torn labrum, it is experiencing extra stress. "Tenosynovitis" means the fluid-filled protective sheath surrounding the tendon is highly inflamed and swollen. The tendon itself is irritated (tendinopathy) but remains structurally intact with no distinct tear.
