United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Just curious if any one has used Botox to try and strengthen a particular muscle. I know they use it in the kids some now but do they use this on adults too? I am curious as I have a very strong bicep but my triceps suck! The triceps are not really responding to e-stim and other therapy so I was thinkng maybe botoxing the biceps would give my triceps a chance.

Anyway any one tried this after the age of 18?

Amy 19 year old ROBPI from MN

Amy,

I've had several botox injections. Right before I had the Mod Quad surgery and then again before the Bicep Tendon Lengthening. It's supposed to make the muscles more pliable so you can get a better range of motion.

Dr. Kumar (who works with Dr. Nath) is the one that injected me right after doing my EMG tests. The botox takes 2 weeks to kick in then lasts for 3 months. He put it in my forearm because I can't supinate. He also put it in my pec muscle to relax it (that muscle fires every time I move my arm). And he put it in my upper trap.

To be completely honest, it's hard to really tell if it's helped or not. And the problem is if you want more -every three months - you have to find someone who can do it right. It definitely can't be done by someone who does cosmetics.

-Staci

Thanks Staci.

You are very helpful to me.
Do you notice a big difference?

After I posted here last night I also emailed my OT at home and she thinks in my situation I would probably lose more than I would gain and it probably would not be worth it. But she also suggested I still ask my doctor what he thinks. But I dont see him until April. Oh well,

Thanks again,
Amy

I just want to chime in about e-stim. I always thought it was a really great way to help with muscle contraction but once I started grad school for OT I found out that most of my professors don't actually find that it gives lasting results. I'm not trying to dump on it but I wanted to share my school experience. Botox is generally used with stroke patients or kids and adults with CP or other high tone muscular disorders. I think it has been shown to be effective but from what I've learned in school you have to be very committed in that "window" when it relaxes tight muscles to work the ones that need it!
Becky

I asked my Dr.about botox.He said he would do it,but after it wore off,the muscle could be weaker than before.I chose not.That doesn't mean it's not right for you.That decision is up to you.Please do lots of research.I'll be praying.

Andrea,
was your doctor meaning that the muscle you might have botoxed could have been weaker than before?

I just want to make sure I am reading it right.

I will totally do my research! My doctor is also very good about telling me straight what he thinks will help me and what he thinks will harm me. I trust his opinion, if he seriously thinks this would be a good idea I would probably be willing to give it a shot.

I am not overly worried about my biceps getting weaker as I use that for every thing and I am sure it would bulk up pretty easily.

Thanks for sharing your experience! It really helps see all sides of what can happen.

Amy 19 years old ROBPI from MN