Neil, I had a radical neck dissection of the right side and ever since have had a stiff and painful right shoulder. I was told it was due to my muscles atrophying due to lack of use, but I think something was done to the nerves somehow. I didn't have restricted use of my right shoulder long enough for the muscles to atrophy in my opinion. Of course, I'm not a doctor, but it was only a few weeks while the surgery healed. I can't believe a few weeks would make that big a difference.

To avoid the pain I was on oxycotin, morphine, and other pain meds. After a while, I stopped the drugs and went to physical therapy until my insurance coverage ran out. Now I just take Tylenol when it gets real bad. Hope your brother-in-law recovers.