Renee Said:

Does Physical Therapy REALLY work?

We Answered:

Many times Physical Therapy hurts and appears to worsen things before you start to feel better. I have been in Physical Therapy off and on for years and it has really helped me.

In fact I'm currently in it right now after having shoulder surgery and I always feel like I've been beaten up after, however it does get better.

I go in about 3-4 times a year for my fibromyalgia and it works wonders for me. The pain always appears to worsen when I start Physical Therapy and then eventually I start to get better.

Hang in there, what you are going through is normal for Physical Therapy. It does work for most and if it doesn't help you after you have given it a reasonable amount of time, you may want to ask your doctor for alternatives.

Also, tell your therapist that it feels like it is getting worse; they will be able to tell you what they are doing, why and when you should start feeling better. They are very well trained and know their stuff.

Take Care,

Michelle

Tina Said:

3 herniated disks in my spine and im only 16. please help me?

We Answered:

You need to get a 2nd and even a 3rd opinion from a Orthopedic Surgeon and perhaps a Physiatrist (note the spelling).

It was a mistake to see a chiropractor. HIO chiropractors maintain that all diseases (OK — 95%) are due to misalignment of the topmost ("Atlas") vertebra. HIO treatments revolve around "realigning" this one vertebra at the other end of the spine from your problem area. There is no evidence any of this is true.

The only Osteopathic worth seeing would be USA-educated "Osteopathic Physicians" who are board-certified in Orthopedics. Osteopaths outside the USA are poorly trained sub-professionals — masseurs who know little about real medicine. (They "talk the talk" but can't "walk the walk"). Do not let ANY Osteopaths practicing so-called "Cranial Osteopathy" attempt to massage your head or poke your buns.

Philip Said:

I have spondylolysis, please help me.?

We Answered:

Spondylolysis is a fracture of the pars interarticularis (the portion of the lamina that connects the articular processes). The pars is the weakest point of the vertebrae and the most prone to fracture. Generally fractures of the pars heal well without intervention (usually in about 8 weeks). There are a bunch of explanations that might explain why you are still experiencing a lot of pain.

Problem 1: If you continue to put stress on an unhealed fracture it is possible that the opposing edges of the fractures will harden, but won't fuse together. This is pretty rare, but usually requires surgical intervention to return to an active lifestyle, as bone often can't heal on its own and sometimes results in a bilateral fracture leading to spondolysthesis.

Problem 2: The weakness in the pars on one side resulting from a fracture puts additional stress on the opposite pars. This can result in a fracture, or bone being built up on the opposite side. Increased bone buildup while it can prevent a bilateral break will cause some boney deformity. As everything is pretty tightly packed around the spine this can pinch nerves and irritate muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Problem 3: Pars breaks often have both a physical and a genetic factor. Many people have a more narrow delicate pars interarticularis. Those people are predisposed to breaks and to rebreaking the bone even after it has healed.

Problem 4: Spondylosis has a tendancy to proceed to spondylosthesis, especially if you are one of those unlucky people who are genetically predisposed to breaking the pars.

Problem 5: When the pars heals you can get inappropriate buildup of bone over the repairing fracture. Basically the same as problem 2.

Problem 6: When the pars initially fractured there was some nerve/muscle/tendon damage.

And unfortunately this is just what I came up with off the top of my head. The best idea is to discuss this with your orthopedist, who has access to your x-rays, MRIs, and history.


Things you can do to help relieve pain:
Unfortunately, the activities that you enjoy (running and weight-lifting) both put a lot of strain on your lower back and may be causing reinjury (see problem 3). You can try switching to a lower impact activity like swimming (the lowest stress option) or cycling (yoga/pilates are also good if you avoid extreme positions). Whatever activity you are doing, focus on strengthening your back and abdominal muscles (strong core muscles will help to stabilize your back). Losing weight will also help. If you do really want to run/lift I would advise not jumping into it. Start with swimming 3-5 times a week for 30+ minutes for a few weeks. Gradually add cycling/yoga/pilates on to the end of your swimming workout for a few weeks until you are up to a combined 45-60 min. From there, do 30+ min of low impact exercise then add 15 minutes of walking. Gradually take the walking to a run/walk then to a run (or low weight lifting). The time of the run (or the weight of the weights) can be increased but I would keep the low impact exercise.


I know this was REALLY long, but I hope it helps

Sherry Said:

27y/o in 2 car accidents, mucho shoulder/neck injuries, 40+drs, need help plz!!?

We Answered:

Your situation is complicated which is why it is difficult for anyone here to offer advice. And shoulder injuries can be notoriously difficult sometimes. This might be of some help.

It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be directed at the cause, not just the symptoms. Check these sites to try to determine exactly what is going on. You should really see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/shoulder…
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/shoulder_…
http://physicaltherapy.about.com/b/2008/…
http://www.jointhealing.com/pages/should…


Shoulder Pain - Exercises

Here are a few sites that discuss physical therapy for the shoulder:

PURPOSE:
To relax the muscles in your shoulder. To relieve pain and increase motion.
POSITION:
Lie on your stomach close to the edge of the bed. Let your weak arm hang over the edge of the bed. Relax your shoulder, arm and hand. Let your shoulder blade relax and drop down.
ACTION:
Slowly and gently swing your arm forward and back. Do not use your neck muscles. Relax them. It might be easier to have someone else gently start swinging your arm. As pain decreases, increase your swing. Initially arm swing should begin at 15 degree angles and eventually progress to 30-45 degree angles as pain subsides within time. The duration of the swing should initially be 15 seconds and eventually progress to 3-5 minutes.

PURPOSE:
To relax the muscles in your shoulder, in order to relieve pain and to increase motion.
POSITION:
Stand and hold onto a sturdy chair with your good arm. Bend forward at the waist and bend your knees to help protect your back. Relax your weak arm, let it hang limp. Relax your shoulder blade and let it drop.
ACTION:
Keep your shoulder relaxed and use body motion to swing your arm in small circles. Stand tall and relaxed. Repeat motion and change direction of circles. The duration of the circles should initially be 30 seconds and eventually progress to 3-5 minutes. To get a rough idea of the type of motion involved, the image to the side is an animation; if it is not moving, try reloading this page.

http://www.nismat.org/ptcor/shoulder
http://www.ehow.com/video_4400192_introd…
http://physicaltherapy.about.com/b/2008/…
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/shoulder-…
http://www.shoulderpainsolutions.com/tre…

Shoulder Surgery Recovery
Recovery after a shoulder surgery might take a long time. It actually depends, from person to person, as to how fast your body responds to the recovery exercises and techniques. I think it could be more than six weeks before you can do many simple activities. Recovery occurs in phases.

Phase 1
This is the initial phase, where the person usually wears a sling and allows the muscles to recover. This is also called the immobilization stage in which the person cannot perform any shoulder movements on his own. Rather, the movements are assisted by a physical therapist and all of them are done under his supervision. This phase can continue for 5-6 weeks.

Phase 2
After about 6 weeks, the person gains enough strength to lift the arm on his own and can also do some low intensity shoulder strengthening exercises.

Phase 3
On completing 3 months, many people are able to perform exercises, by lifting weights around 6-10 pounds.

Phase 4
It is after the completion of about 6-7 months, that almost 75-80% of strength is regained and the person can do his routine activities, without subjecting too much pressure on the shoulders.

Andre Said:

Can an MRI show myelopathy on it? No natural cure things pls !?

We Answered:

I am sorry to say that, if it happened the way you described, he was being casual. This is not proper to give any opinion without fully completing the examination and studying the reports of the investigations.
I think MRI can show myelopathy.
All the best!