United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

well the time has come I've gone back to work. I work for head start A children's program. It's been 9 months. I still have no movement form the shoulder to elbow and pain. I'm getting Electrical stimulation at PT 3x a week if the PT stretches me or even has me try and walk my arm up the wall or lift my arm over my head with the other hand it causes my fingers to tingle and pick. I'm really nervous to go back to work but happy to have the $ the doctor was not so happy to send me back, I begged. well, anyway the PT wants me to find some kind of shoulder immobilizer to help with pain and stuff. anyone have any ideas?

thanks,
Mary Beth

Hi Mary Beth
I would suggest a simple sling. But does your PT have any ideas? Usually, they would be the ones who are connected to DME sources that would have this sort of a device you are suggesting. A sling would be simple. But, I know I have heard of a type of sling that holds the arm more securely than a simple sling. It seems someone here even has mentioned it at some point. Maybe try a search on the site for arm immobilizers?
One thing to look out for is the tendency to not want to move the arm. I guess I mean that it would be too easy to keep any sort of arm immobilizer on too many hours at a time if it did stop the pain. Of course, the problem then would be that the arm could lock up on you- and cause even more pain when you have to try to move it again.
I used to wake up in the middle of the night with one or the other or both- of my arms locked from just a few hours of not moving. This was not fun. Or, even without an immobilizer, my right arm would lock at the shoulder during a normal day at work. I may not even realize it, and I would sneeze, or walk too close to a metal cabinet and the static electricity would cause me to jerk my arm. This was not fun.
Anyway, I may not be the one to talk, since my problem was not traumatic in origin. Maybe I do not know the level of pain you are in, but I can appreciate it anyway- having had my own battle with pain, and getting movement back in my right arm. I would just caution you about using too much of a stabilizer, or for too long. Maybe a sling would work as a reminder to you, and others- that you are limited in what your arm can do for now, but without total immobilization, and therefore keeping the tendency to lock to a more minimal level.
Walking the arm up the wall is a good exercise. It helped me. Can you lift your arm at all without help? If so, it is also good to try to lift it on your own up to where you can, before touching the wall. Then on the way down the wall, try to lower your arm as much as you can on your own. Has your PT given you other exercises yet? There are a few others that can also help, but I would ask your PT prior to trying them.
I am in my second year since my last BPN attack. One thing I know from my experience is that keeping the arm joints moving and stretched is very important. You want the joints and tendons limber for when you get returned movement.
Good Luck-
Richard

I certainly wish you the very best and may God give you strength.
Here is my $.02 worth;
I receive these through the V.A. and could not be happier.
Easy on and off in a second with one 1" Velcro strap.
AliMed Inc.
ITEM # 5877
SLING HARRIS BLACK LEFT(also in blue/white see web site)
The manufacture I believe is
FLEX-SUPPORT Quality Medical Products
Item: 326LB ONE SIZE HEMI SLING HARRIS LEFT BLACK
CPT:0 HCPC: A4565 LOT#:FC865AR
It cost probably $25.00
http://www.alimed.com/ProductDetail.asp?style=5876

Then there are custom built braces by Dan Baldrich for more active lifestyles.
(see http://www.flickr.com/photos/athleticarmsling/ for action photos)
Good luck.
http://freerice.com
Peace out,
Scott