United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi,
Last Friday was my last day of PT.Ive had the same therapist for 3 years,who was "THE BEST" in every respect.She did everything for me in her power to get me to were I am today.I now have the function in my arm,but no strenghth at all.These physical therapist are a big part of our lives and Im already feeling "that loss".I cant get over the fact I can no longer have contact with her or any of the other great people there.I realize she was just doing her job getting me to were I am.But............how am I supposed to just one day never see/talk to the most important person I had in my life the past 3 years.(during this trying time in my life).Someone please help me. Sandi

Why did you have to stop PT if you do not have much strength in your arm?

Pt was stopped because this is a work injury and comp wont pay if Ive platued.Im also in alot of pain which the doctor told during the last visit with him today,that I will have the pain for life.Any ideas for ANY pain relief?
Sandi

My daughter has an OBPI but what her PT and OT have said all along is that she gains range first and then strength. It has always been that way...they say she can't really work on the strength until she gets the range. So after she gets some range, we work on strength within that range. When she gains some strength we push the range again, and so on and so on. We've always gone back and forth that way, range then strength, range then strength.

When you think of it that way, it's really hard to say that there is a plateau.

I only bring this up because it has helped shaped my mindset a bit on this injury and that range and strength goals can be to separate things. I don't know your circumstances or what strength building you've been doing and how long...but I just wanted to share my perspective in case in might help you fight worker's comp to get more coverage...if at all possible.

I don;'t understand why you can't get help when you have a need? I understand why the workmans comp wouldn't pay if there was dispute that you have a need, but it's pretty clear your strength needs work, and who else to do it than a PT? It seems nuts to me!
I had over 2 years of PT 3 times a week for an arm that had no recovery at all, they said it was needed and believe me in the NHS you don't get treatment unless you need it.....in a case with 75% recovery I'd think you would need it even more. I agree with what Lisa says about the plateauing, there will be more to come and it will need work.

One thing I did do was get the PT to teach me stuff to do at home, would they do that for you? Then you could maybe work on it yourself and just occasionally visit the PT? We really do need PT for ever, even if it's done at home.

Anyway, all the best for more recovery and strength :0)
Jen NZ

Thanks for the responses-so far,keep them coming.This is to Lias and Jen.I to believe I STILL should be in PT,but.......thats how comp works,once you platue,thats it.My doctor I seen yesterday for the last time did say to continue at PT.(have them set me up on an independent strenghning program).So happy he said that.But I belive I also need the aggressive stretching they did on me.Like you guys say-first yhe range/then the muscles.Im not giving up.Just wish I had alittle more time to be helped.Thanks!
Sandi

Sandi,
I hate to be an instagater. Lord knows, its not my style (easy guys). But I think you need a workman's comp lawyer. It sounds like they are trying to weasle out of treating you. You might be forced to get help in this situation. You will be dealing with this injury for quite awhile, don't let them just walk away...Karl...

Karl,

You seem like a funny guy,are you single? LOL!Just had to say that.
Another question for you.If I told you what my last EMG taken a year read........would you be able to explain to me what it all means? Thanks!
Sandi