I'm still receiving only passive physical PT for my shoulder, meaning that I don't move my arm at all, the therapist does. Two more weeks of passive only PT and wearing the sling, unless the doc decides to spring me sooner, but I doubt it.

The doc sets the parameters as to how far the arm should be moved and in some areas I'm not there. A few movements the therapist does with the arm are quite uncomfortable, and we have not achieved all that was hoped for, but it's still early. According to the therapist, I'm making "slow favorable progress", which obviously is better than no progress. I'm a tad impatient and expected more sooner. I had good range of motion going into this except for one area, I can't believe how quickly that goes downhill due to surgery and wearing the sling.

How have those of you who experienced shoulder surgery fared with this? Patty, didn't you start PT this week? And Dean, I'd bet you have some stories to share!

 

Not yet, but stay tuned. I took myself off the pain meds last night and my first in-home PT visit is supposed to be this morning. I haven't had much sleep and I'm not in the mood for it today.
So, I've devised a plan to avoid a lot of PT today. I'm wearing very baggy shorts and no underwear. I figure my PT will be overcome by nausea and have to leave to go bleach his eyeballs in short order.

 

That will be a novel experience for the PT, I'm sure.

 

Dean, I know how you feel about the drugs, but less pain = better healing. Don't be stubborn.

I cried "uncle" a few times while being stretched at PT on Tuesday, yesterday was better. Of course my +1, had no discomfort or pain from his shoulder PT. Still wonder what was up with that. His pain sensors only seem to kick in for dental work.

I have a hard time relaxing during PT, I guess I fear my arm will fall off or something.

 

I haver just finished a round of PT for Plantar Faciitis (sp). I also went through a round a couple of years back for "golfer's elbow" (this might be less ironic if I golfed) and even further back for lower back issues. The one thing I will say is, PT actually starts when the trainer is done. You have got to do all of the stretches and exercises that you are given to do.

It is going to hurt. And as corny as it sounds, no pain, no gain. You need to strengthen and stretch, and that does usually cause a little discomfort.

 

OK if it's just a little. Maybe I have an irrational fear of failure of the surgery, which makes the PT difficult. We don't have good luck with shoulder surgeries in our house. The therapist assures me that he is not stressing the repair with passive motion.

Maybe I need a shot of whiskey before PT to help me relax.

 

Lainey, I've never had shoulder surgery in that area but my experience with pain management says that tension makes pain more severe. I know saying "relax during PT" is about as useful as saying "Change your eye color during PT" but any relaxation technique you can use should make the session more comfortable.

Hope you, Dean, and Mike recover fully and quickly.

 

I told Rick telling me to relax for PT is like telling a guy to relax for his prostate exam.

I'll work on the relaxing part. (there are drugs for that too, right?? ) I think I'll likely be able to relax once I get to the six week healing time frame and know my screw has not come loose.

 

I found that the pain from my PT for my shoulders was tempered by the fact that the therapist was cute.

You know guys, we will endure most anything for a cute female, but holding my gut in for an hour hurt more than the PT.

 

You could always to a Capt. Kirk and wear a girdle.