How long do you think is reasonable to do Physical Therapy before giving up and doing surgery?

1 year?
2 year?
3 year?

more?

there is progress but so slow!

Personally I'd say for as long as you continue to see any progress, no matter how slow it is.

If you are improving, stick with it. If you start going downhill, there is no reason to continue.

I would have to make a pros & cons list..

So may factors to consider.
age, pain levels, sx levels, can you function (ADLs- activities of daily living) & at what level, is sleep affected all those and more..


If you get stalled out on PT improvement, you can always try another place or different style therapist/body-worker etc.

age - 31
pain level - very low (has not always been the case)
can i function? yes. can i do computer work? no. can i swim? no. can i weight lift? no.

sleep? not affected but i have to sleep on my back.

in short, i am OK. i was thinking maybe TOS surgery would cure me completely so I could go back to a computer job and also live my life a bit more. do people here believe surgery to not be a cure? something to be avoided at all costs?

i just want to make sure i am not missing out on the "secret pill"

I have been 2 years on my right side without surgery and continue to see slight improvements. I will keep waiting as I have next follow up in 6 months with my doc.

I had two physical therapists prior to surgery. The first one I saw was at Spaulding Rehab in Boston and after six weeks, my condition continued to go downhill rapidly. Both the PT and the physiatrist I saw there both said there was not anything more they could do for me. The next PT I saw was at Mass General and Dr Donahue referred me to her. Unfortunately on my first appointment with her she said she was unable to assist me. That was a pretty hopeless moment and at that point, I knew surgery was probably the only choice as I had already tried Botox.

I would have definitely stuck with PT if it helped me out even minimally. I just saw no positive change, and my condition was declining.

The rest of my life.

There have been times where I felt I was declining with no way up, but they were set-backs which resolved in 6 months or so. Nerves don't easily forgive.

If I had surgery, I'd still be doing PT for the rest of my life and probably taking more medications than I do now. I also have a team of healthcare providers who would never let me have it done, even if I wanted.

I started last may. I have the feeling back in. My fingers so I am very happy.

who are these health care providers (not their names but positions) and what is their reason to ban you from surgery? why would surgery make you in need of therapy and pain killers?