I have had some problems with my left arm/shoulder for years. When I was in my early 30s, I had crashed into a gym wall as I chased after a volleyball and dislocated my shoulder. I remember seeing the x-ray of it: the nob of my humerous was in my armpit. For a month I was velcroed together to keep my shoulder in place.
I did some physical therapy (PT) for about a month, as I had already made plans to go to California for a few weeks to visit family. At that time, the PT was rather minimal -- especially as I compare it to what I have done now, about 25 years later. I never did recover complete use of my shoulder and various activities and positions would aggravate it. But, I learned to cope with it.
My cancer surgery, followed by rads, had an effect on that same area, although it took time for that to become apparent. My arm would ache, especially during the night, making it difficult at times to sleep. I had increasing challenges in certain movements, noticeable when I was washing my hair or turning the steering wheel of my car to make a turn, noticeable when I would turn my head to look back over my shoulder . . .
I mentioned the challenges to my surgeon on my regular follow-up visit in December. Since he is always concerned about lymphedema, he sent me to a orthopedist. That visit dispelled the idea that lymphedema was my problem. Probably the problem was rooted in my past injury PLUS the scar tissue of my surgery and the affects of radiation. I could first try PT, if I was interested in giving that a try.
I waited until spring to contact the orthopedist, as I was still having problems. She had me get x-rays and set my up for PT. The x-rays ruled out anything really serious. What my shoulder was showing was signs of osteoarthritis, along with rotator cuff problems/encapsulitis.
From the last part of May to about the middle of August, I went one to two times a week for PT. My therapist was Jodie, a woman almost the same age as I. We clicked. She had me do exercises there that I would not be able to do at home because of the equipment. She also gave me some exercises I could do at home with what I have. While I was there, she would work at trying to loosen up my upper arm/shoulder area. Although parts of the process was painful, it was manageable -- I knew I needed to have that done so I could get improvement and relief in that area.
My goal was to at least be how I was before my surgery. If I bettered that, fine.
I did meet the smaller goals that made up that bigger goal by mid-August. I also found I was able to do some things I had not been able to do since I dislocated my shoulder. Wow!
Was it worth it to go to PT? Yes.
Will I lose what I gained? Depends on what I do at home with what I have. I have some bands for stretching/resistance. I also have two one-pound weights as well as two two-pound weights.
Will I ever be rid of the discomfort I get at times when I make certain movements? Probably not, since some of my problems are arthritic. I am thankful, though, that the aching is gone. I can sleep through the night.
