physical therapy?!?!?!?

Question

I start physical therapy on tuesday for my shoulder because i have something wrong with the muscle in the back. what should i expect?

I did go to a orthopedic (incase anyone was wondering). And he told me to try physical therapy and if it doesn't help then we are going to an MRI. The pain has been going on since about September but all along, we thought it was referred pain from my gallbladder (because it doesn't function and I am having it removed).
Thanks!!

Answer 1

Your initial visit will be a chance for the therapist to take a history of your problem and medical history and obtain baseline measurements and testing. It should include an evaluation of you strength, posture, neurological function, flexibility and physical testing. Some of these tests may be painful as the therapist will try to determine which types of structures are injured...I usually provide my patients with an "inflammatory plan"...usually that if they are in more pain after the assessment, to use a cold pack on the affected area. Be sure to discuss this with your therapist. It is not usually the intention to cause pain at every visit, but it may be unavoidable at the first visit...it's usually very temporary.

Based on the assessment, your therapist will help you establish goals based on the measurements and on your self reported physical limitations. The therapist will then recommend a treatment plan...usually of some type of stretching/strengthening/
modality/manual therapy or home exercise program which will be implemented usually at the next visit.

Start thinking about the following things. When did the pain start...how does it affect your day to day functioning (do you avoid certain activities, do you have the inability or limited ability to perform certain tasks, do you need to rest more frequently)? What types of positions or activities make the problem worse, what types of things may it feel better? What are your goals? Finally, if you've had any tests done, obtain the results before your visit, if possible.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery

Answer 2

I will hope for you that the physical therapist you see will not try to force your muscles causing more problems.

There is a massage therapy way of dealing with the shoulder that has had better success that from the physical therapy (based on people I work with and my mother-in-law)

Ask them if they are aquaianted with Trigger Point Therapy

For more information read The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies
ISBN 1-57224-375-9