overuse of non BPI arm

This board is for adults and teens to discuss issues relating to BPI since birth (OBPI).
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AngieD
Posts: 104
Joined: Sat Jun 26, 2004 12:28 pm

overuse of non BPI arm

Post by AngieD »

My daughter Kayla is 11. She has been complaining of her non injuried shoulder hurting. I am sure it is just from over using it. She has very little use of the BPI side so she mostly uses her left. I have been massaging it as well as she is taking motrin. Is there anything else that would help her?

Angie
Beckyerin
Posts: 104
Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 8:06 pm

Re: overuse of non BPI arm

Post by Beckyerin »

I would suggest helping her out with the more physically demanding tasks. I know shes only eleven but maybe give her simple chores to do? Carry the heavier things for her. Also you could try ice or heat when her shoulder is sore.
Becky
Carolyn J
Posts: 3424
Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2004 1:22 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI. I am 77 yrs old and never had a name for my injuries until 2004 when I found UBPN at age 66.

My injuries are: LOBPI on upper body and Cerebrael Palsy on the lower left extremities. The only intervention I've had is a tendon transplant from my left leg to my left foot to enable flexing t age 24 in 1962. Before that, my foot would freeze without notice on the side when wearing heels AND I always did wear them at work "to fit in" I also stuttered until around age 18-19...just outgrew it...no therapy for it. Also suffered from very very low self esteem; severe Depression and Anxiety attacks started at menopause. I stuffed emotions and over-compensated in every thing I did to "fit in" and be "invisible". My injuries were Never addressed or talked about until age 66. I am a late bloomer!!!!!

I welcome any and all questions about "My Journey".
There is NO SUCH THING AS A DUMB QUESTION.
Sharing helps to Heal. HUGS do too.
Location: Tacoma WA
Contact:

Re: overuse of non BPI arm

Post by Carolyn J »

Angie,
Kayla is old enough for you to read and share with her,the posts we adults with OBPI's have written here on "Overuse of our Unaffected limbs,especially arms. On this Message Board type in "Overuse" in the SEARCH FORUM Box at the Forums List Page, and all posts should come up. I'll try to find some and Bump the up for you.

HUGS,
Carolyn J
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI
Kath
Posts: 3242
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2002 4:11 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I am ROBPI, global injury, Horner's Syndrome. No surgery but PT started at 2 weeks old under the direction of New York Hospital. I wore a brace 24/7 for the first 11 months of my life. I've never let my injury be used as an excuse not to do something. I've approach all things, in life, as a challenge. I approach anything new wondering if I can do it. I tried so many things I might never have tried, if I were not obpi. Being OBPI has made me strong, creative, more determined and persistent. I believe that being obpi has given me a very strong sense of humor and compassion for others.
Location: New York

Re: overuse of non BPI arm

Post by Kath »

Angie
It might be best if you spoke to a PT/OT about getting some therapy for her.
We tend to overuse the unaffected arm and cause problems and pain. She needs to learn how to do things in a different way so that she is not constantly twisting her spine and overusing her unaffected arm.

What little I could do with my obpi arm my mother assigned certain tasks for each arm/hand.
If it were not for her making me use my robpi arm hand I probably would never use it at all and my unaffected arm would be worse.

There is a PT method called Feldenkrais and it might be worth looking into.
I know a few parents who used this method to teach the children to better use their entire body.

http://www.feldenkrais.com/

I looked into for me but could not find a therapist in my area for adults.
I wanted to correct some issues I have due to compensation.

It's worth taking a look at and asking other parents about.

Kath robpi/adult
Kath robpi/adult

Kathleen Mallozzi
AngieD
Posts: 104
Joined: Sat Jun 26, 2004 12:28 pm

Re: overuse of non BPI arm

Post by AngieD »

Thank you everyone for your response.

I will look into and try out all your suggestions.

Angie
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hope16_05
Posts: 1670
Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2003 11:33 am
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: 28 years old with a right obstetrical brachial plexus injury. 5 surgeries to date with pretty decent results. Last surgery resolved years of pain in my right arm however, I am beginning my journey with overuse in my left arm
Location: Minnesota
Contact:

Re: overuse of non BPI arm

Post by hope16_05 »

I would also suggest PT/OT. she might be able to get some relief with kinesio tape, I used it on both sides to reduce/relieve pain. Also helpful were ultrasound and massage. Strengthening of the non bpi arm will probably help some too. Swimming realy helped my pain too!
Good luck finding something that works to relieve to pain!
Hugs,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN
Amy 28 years old ROBPI from MN
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