I have tried physiotherapy myself, this year from January till June, and I've noticed a rathe small improvement. Could you describe what your physiotherapist did with you? Mine was just stretching (painfully) my both arms and hands. I sometimes had pain afterwards, it might have triggered an inflammation.

How long has this been going on with your hands?

Kitt, my right hand since late 2006, my left since this January and the left is worsening

Any other symptoms? Anyone else in the family have anything similar? Another EMG with a good neurologist might be in order since something was bothering them about the results of the one you had.

No other symptoms, Kitt, and no neurological disorders or anything similar in the family. I will do an EMG next week.

OA and RA -- osteo arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis



Do you notice if you have forward head posture, or forward/hunched/rolled shoulders? Viewed from the side in a mirror? or ask a friend..

Those postures can close/pinch/impinge the area where many nerves and blood flow to the arms and hands..
Also does your armpit feel tight or puffy?
Neck muscles tight or burning, same for upper back?

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/album.php?albumid=422

Osteo-arthritis -most probably not, as the X-rays were good. Rheumatoid - what is the way to find out? I have that on my list of things to ask the neuro next week.

Iactually have a visible ball (not sure how to describe it) on my upper back muscle; my physio told me I shouldn't worry and should swim more to get it go away. I think it got better in the summer. Sure I will want to have an MRI on that area though, even if it is "just" a muscle.

I surely do have hunched shoulders.

Neck muscles tight, yes, and only get better with lots of swimming.

I think I will have to do that MRI.

Thanks Jo*mar, I will look into TOS also. But right now I have blood work to evaluate this week, discussing b12 shots with my doc (tested low in 2006), many things to do. I'll discuss your suggestions at some point probably with an orthopaedic and/or physio, but those people are lower on my priority list at the moment. In 2 weeks i have a visit in the university clinic here for emg and what not, I'll see what they want to test. I think I will insist my problems are limited to my upper body, who they are, so that's what they should examine thoroughly, if possible. I thought I was given a thorough MRI back in 2006, but maybe the doctors managed to do it wrong? I've heard actors so times do manage to get things wrong :-(

Regarding symptoms, I forgot about fasciculations. I had a lot of them 7 years ago on my left hand and forearm, now less but they do happen. I have them on my left hand also, on the hand and forearm with a pinching sensation. I've noticed them today also on my right upper arm, and I dont like it, because it makes me think the disease- whatever it is - is progressing not just to my left side, but alo upwards.. (

We started with stretches, then moved to baby weights, very light, wrist curls, windshield wiper movement, nerve glides. They always went very slowly and finished with the tens unit and ice. The more that you describe your symptoms the less it sounds like neuropathy, at least any that I am aware of. Did the therapist give you any feedback as to their thoughts?

Therapy often triggers inflammation- that is why the ice and ibuprofen are so important as follow ups.