It has been over 3 months since my pec minor tendon release surgery with Dr. Ahn. I have to say that it was a success. The initial pain in the ulnar nerve on the left elbow went down by over 50% overnight after surgery. After three weeks I had my stitches removed and started PT with Lider Chan, who is in the same office. His approach is to use a lot of ultrasound, laser and electric stimulation to break up scar tissue and increase circulation. He did a manual exam each time to test the amount of tension and pain I was experiencing at the surgical site, as well as the brachial plexus. He also did a neck adjustment each time, but that was it. After a couple of weeks he started me on some mild PT on machines, but forbade me from doing anything at home. He was cautious and I appreciated his approach, at least at first.

Unfortunately, the remaining pain in both elbows and incredible tightness in the scalenes did not improve enough to my satisfaction and 8 sessions in, I stopped seeing Lider. I understand that may not have been enough time, but my experience with physical therapy (and there has been a lot in my life the last three years) has been that manual, hands-on work is the best approach. I left Lider for two reasons: Because I wasn't seeing any improvement with a limited number of insurance-approved visits and that I needed to get back to work.

Based on recommendations on this forum, I switched to Ando and Aston and knew right away they were the better choice. First of all: no gadgets, just intense manual work on my body. They freed up my ribs, relaxed my neck and have reduced the ulnar pain in my elbows and given me more range of motion. I had my 6 week assessment today and I improved in every area except one. My elbow discomfort is still the same, but I am doing much more stretching and strengthening now. The therapist today told me that was symptomatic of atrophied muscles acting worn out after exercise. I hope so. I need to stress that what I am feeling isn't quite pain, just a lot of tension and aching.

I have committed to going back to work on June 9, partly because I feel I can and partly because my disability is going to run out. I feel nervous, but am definitely ready to re-enter the workforce. I have been out of work for the last 10 months because of this (recently diagnosed) problem and the ONLY improvement I have had has been because of the pec minor surgery and PT and Ando and Aston. I hope to continue my recovery and will keep you folks updated.

Haha, you should have done it and watch them get confused looking for the stitches. They would have remembered you then!