Need to get physotherapy after shoulder surgery...

Barack Obama

Hi. I had shoulder stabilisation surgery 6 weeks ago and I need to get physio to build it back up again and increase motion. I've been told that not all physios are the same - some use machines and some use resistance bands. Is there a big difference and would you pay more to go to a physio that uses machines?

Thanks

taffyl

Hi, I'm a physio (but specialise in neurology so no use to you!) & just said I'd reply as the comment re "some using machines" was a bit odd I thought! All physiotherapists are taught to use electrotherapy "machines" like ultrasound, neuro muscular electrical stimulation etc as part of their undergrad training & any physiotherapist working in private practice would be very familiar with their use. So if they felt it was indicated they would use it & the rate would not be affected by them deciding to use that modality with you. Re finding one the ISCP (professional body) has a "find a chartered physio in your area" link or else the good old golden pages.. The other option would be that the hospital where you had it done would normally have arranged some follow up, be it in their own outpatient physiotherapy department etc or else in an OPD clinic. I guess the advantage of this from the therapist's point of view is that you can access the person's results and can contact the team if you have any concerns or need things clarified. Just a thought.. Best of luck

Barack Obama

Sorry taffyl - I should have been clearer. By 'machine' I meant exercise machines that are used to use as resistance rather then exercise bands. A friend of mine had similar surgery about 10 years ago and went to a physiotherapist with one of these machines. The benefit (he was told) was that it gives constant resistance through the motion whereas a band gets more taut the further you pull it.

ElectraX

I had shoulder stabilisation in November and am still working on getting full mobility back. I think I'm one of the unlucky ones, as normally full mobility would be expected by now according to my physio.
To be honest I think my surgeon had me in the sling for too long(8 weeks).
My physio has given me a range of exercises that involve a shoulder pully and some light hand held weights.Swimming is also crucial and greatly improves the progress in getting mobility. The key is to work daily on the shoulder.
I am currently going to physio weekly and making slow but definite progress and each session my physio stretches my shoulder for me also, which sometimes nearly has me in tears but is needed as my shoulder is so stiff, probably alot of scar tissue.
If you need a physio recommendation PM me as I think my guy is great, and I have been to loads of physios over the years with my dodgy shoulder:D
Good luck!

Barack Obama

Thanks ElectraX. I've dislocated my shoulder a lot since a bad tackle 15 years ago. Ever since I have avoided upward & outward rotation of my right arm as it would pop out - it once dislocated as I was giving someone directions. They then had to deal with a guy on his knees screaming in agony

What you said about your physio stretching your arm out - I'd be scared sh*$less of letting someone do this in case the thing dislocated again. The last one before Christmas was a bad one and it wouldn't go back in. I'd be happy never to point right again!

ElectraX

I've dislocated my shoulder seven times so know your pain:rolleyes:The final straw was dislocating it in a bar in Prague by just moving my arm in a funny way and I knew then I had to get the stabilisation operation.
Assuming you've had the same operation as me, your shoulder will be very secure now.My physio has said there is pretty much zero chance of me dislocating it again.I am having the opposite problem now post surgey in that I don't yet have full mobility back.That is why my physio has to stretch it for me each session.An experienced physio will know how to do this without risking any damage to your shoulder, but it is neccesary to free up the shoulder joint again.I have PM'ed you my physio's details.
Really hope it doesn't take you as long to get full mobility back as me...let me know your progress, and if you have any other questions let me know.

taffyl

I wonder was it an isokinetic machine that they used with your friend? I'm sure there are a couple of clinics with those machines although they wouldn't be in every clinic.. I have a feeling there is a clinic out near Santry with one (no experience of it) or I wonder would the physiotherapy clinic in UCD have access to one (in the UCD school of physiotherapy). I suppose it's back to whether or not it's appropriate for your rehab at this stage? Plenty of "lower level" work to be done in the early stages (from my dim memory of orthopaedics!) so I guess you need to get a good PT with some experience in getting people back to sports. Maybe one of the sports forums could help advise - I'm sure it's a pretty common injury.