United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Ok so I have had a biofeedback unit for the last two weeks and what I have found out is that I am SO NOT "normal"!!!
Biceps which are supposed to be elbow flexors are also on during extension and Triceps which are supposed to be elbow extensors are also on during flexion and Deltoids are on during absolutely every thing!!!

Breaking these patterns is going to take a very long time! But it is a challenge that I am up for! I am also enlisting any and all help I can get on campus, I am asking all my friends if they have any thoughts or suggestions.

I also see my OT on Monday for an eval and I can ask her for tips then too. I also may have a chance to see aa biofeedback therapist over my Christmas break from college. I will have to see how every thing plays out with work.

Thats my update for now, hope all is well with every one else!
Hugs,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

"Breaking these patterns is going to take a very long
time! But it is a challenge that I am up for!"

Amy, you have so much strength, you just amaze me! I know that you are up for this challenge, and I know that you will succeed. You go, girl!

Joanie

Amy
I told Kate my arm has all Generals and I think my deltoids really think they are in-charge of everything.

If I move my arm at all, the unaffected side of my back begins to assist and tighten up.
I found this out while trying to shut off my deltoids. It's crazy the way all of these muscles function at one time.

I am looking for a Rehabilitation Doctor. My PCP did not know who to send me to for help so I am looking into a local Rehab facility. I have really come as far as I can go without some help.

I can touch my mouth without trumpeting and that is huge as you saw in the photos.
I can almost supinate now but only in front of me and mid-line and that us huge for me.
I no longer only use my upper trapezius for all movement and that has been great for my neck!
This was a major change for me and one that was accomplished by the first few uses of Myotrac at Camp with Kate P.
I can't get over how quickly this brain retraining took hold at camp.
I don't hike my shoulder up to move my arm forward anymore.
It amazed my chiropractor when he saw my new tricks...LOL
Most of the work has been on my infraspinatus and my muscles are very weak but working.
Learning to use my triceps and deltoids for some movement has made a big change in my pain level and use of my arm.

I could never have accomplished this without using the Myotrac...
I honestly believe with professional help I could have gained so much more by now.
If you can get some professional on campus to help you will move along quickly.
Once our brains get the pattern of movement that we were supposed to use... I think we then can focus on strength training of some sort with each muscle.
Now I WANT MORE and hopefully I will find a professional to help me.

You can do it and will accomplish all you set out to do.
Remember if my old muscles can learn new tricks so can yours...LOL..
Hugs
Kath robpi/adult

You GO, AMY!! and Kath too. I have no doubt that you both will accommplish you goals with the help of professionals you are "teaching too" about the value of Biofeedback for OBPI-ers of all ages.

HUGS all around,
Carolyn J

Thanks Joanie, Kath and Carolyn!!!

Kath, you really have come a long way! I really hope you can find someone to help you!!! I am making myself a campus project, lol. I asked my roommate who is taking Kinesiology to ask her classmates if they want to come take a look and think about things. We all know the anatomy now and those of us who have taken Kines know what functions are supposed to be. So now all we have to do is figure that out.

I would like to take it to the OT department on campus but they have admitted not knowing much if anything about biofeedback so thats a waste and I havent checked the PT department but they are up next. Maybe they could spare a few minutes of their time. They were not very helpful with my e-stim freshman year. But I will try them anyway!
If not, I still have my roommate who is an OT major like me so we will work on this until I figure out my muscles.

I am really shooting for learning new tricks!
I will keep you all posted
Hugs,
Amy