Got my diagnosis... NOW WHAT?
 

My physiatrist called this morning and said, he was issuing a clinical diagnosis of TOS on the right side and that my doppler study showed TOS on the left side. (I do not have any pain symptoms on the left, just occasional tingling. He recommended calling my primary doctor to schedule PT at the local hospital with a therapist who specializes in TOS.

Since my injury over a year ago, I have been in PT almost the entire time (been off PT for a few months now).

My surgeon who treated my initial injury diagnosed me as carpal tunnel when the numbness occurred after my surgery. WC would not treat the carpal tunnel because I had no way to explain carpal tunnel after a shoulder surgery. I went to see a hand guy and the physiatrist on my private insurance where they diagnosed me with a brachial plexus injury from the surgery and felt it should spontaneously heal in a few months... when that didn't happen, more testing revealed TOS.

So now what? I just keep getting worse? My arm is so weak and I feel I just keep getting worse. Will PT really help? I have range, my arm just spasms, tingles, feels to heavy to use...FRUSTRATED!

It sounds like mostly vascular TOS with the heaviness & weakness you describe, plus the doppler result.

[a therapist who specializes in TOS. ] is good.
Was the previous PT mainly focused on the CT & shoulder rehab sx??

If working, therapy results will take a lot longer due to the accumulated daily stresses. Takes a lot of "homework" too.
PT sessions alone just won't do it all.

Posture overall and upper body alignment?
That awareness is a constant also.
Forward head/forward shoulders close down on all vascular & nerves that run thru the BP area.

check out our useful sticky thread tons of info & PT, body work, articles , videos
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html

Sharon Butlers website has a lot of info about all RSIs & TOS - www.selfcare4rsi.com

You can turn it around but takes time & a lot of work.

These are good things for offsetting the "forward" postures & to open up the chest.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/pi...pictureid=5399


lay on foam roll or large towels rolled up tightly (lengthwise down the spine) - a pillow if needed for neck comfort - then just relax with arms at a comfortable position

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/pi...pictureid=5400

Thanks. I have neuro symptoms as well, slowed responses and muscle atrophy in my right hand and forearm. I just feel I keep getting worse ... feel like a wimp. Folding laundry seizes my arm up at times. Stirring, reaching, pulling...all can cause my arm to throb.

I am still working 60+ hours a week under ADA restrictions and job modification (haha). I manage a big-box retailer on midnight's. Originally was hurt when pulling a 2400lb pallet of dog food and the jack broke pulling my shoulder.

I hope I see some improvement. The doctor mentioned immobilizing the shoulder and I should get some relief. He was very specific for who I saw for therapy. After reading thru here and other sites, I have seen many do not have great results with therapy.

The right PT can help,but if you continue to work it might not help as much. Ive been off work for over a year and am getting better with pt.
Look on the list I posted called New PT list to see if there is one in your area.
good Luck