January...must be time for Physical Therapy again! (long)

[Catrin]

I use a memory foam cervical pillow that my PT recommended. I am a side sleeper and it has really made a difference in that I no longer wake with neck/shoulder pain. After 11 years I probably do need a new mattress but that isn't in the budget. PT and trainer both have me doing long list of stretches & exercise and they know what the other have me doing. wheww..

[murielalex]

Like the videos!

I started physical therapy for my ankle two weeks ago, and though doc and PT agree there is not much that can be done ("end stage" arthritis, and actually zero cartilage), he's been able to manipulate the joint in a way that I feel better (not locked, if that makes sense), at least for a day or two. This is a Workman's Comp. deal due to injury in a dunk tank, so he can only technically deal with that, but after taking one look at my other foot, which is has some scary pronation, and doing a couple tests, he basically said, there's nothing wrong with my foot that a few months of hip exercises wouldn't take care of for the most part, and told me what to do at home. I've spent hundreds of dollars on podiatrists, not to mention rounds of expensive orthodics and shoes to find out I have very weak hips when it comes to external rotation. WTH???!!!! This PT is the most competent I've ever had (I've sadly had many), and it doesn't hurt that he's extremely good looking and a cyclist to boot (was recommended through friends in the cycling community). I have another appointment tomorrow, and am looking forward to joint free pain, unless I do something stupid, for another two days.

[OakLeaf]

I did maybe 15 of those yesterday and man is my right shoulder sore this morning! Sore and feeling in better alignment. Wow.

Tell your PT to watch out because I am definitely coming to kidnap him.

[Catrin]

I did maybe 15 of those yesterday and man is my right shoulder sore this morning! Sore and feeling in better alignment. Wow.

Tell your PT to watch out because I am definitely coming to kidnap him.

I want to bring him home with me, or at least make him move next door to me For that first exercise, the "flossing", make certain that you are holding your shoulder down with that other hand so the nerve will glide properly.

[OakLeaf]

make certain that you are holding your shoulder down with that other hand so the nerve will glide properly.

Thanks. It also seems to make a big difference if I'm careful to keep my whole arm and shoulder in the horizontal plane vs. rotating internally the way it wants to. Is that an important cue too?

[Catrin]

Thanks. It also seems to make a big difference if I'm careful to keep my whole arm and shoulder in the horizontal plane vs. rotating internally the way it wants to. Is that an important cue too?

Yes, keep the shoulder down and back.

[Catrin]

I've been a bit discouraged/frustrated on the progress of my neck/shoulder. My PT session yesterday was simply a 30 minute discussion and review of my progress. Bill showed me that I HAVE progressed, and reminded me that we can't expect a shoulder with a pathology to act like a normal shoulder. He also went into some detail about how nerve damage affects muscles, there is no doubt in his mind that my whiplash injury added even more complications to that shoulder.

In the end I am still much better off than many with shoulder issues. Even if I am, in the end, unable to gain strength in this shoulder, I need to focus on my total fitness - not just the behavior of one joint. I doubt seriously that I would consider surgery unless things deteriorate. My intense efforts at the gym are not to reach some magic "score" but to gain as much fitness as I can to take into my next stage of life.