Physical Therapy - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

May76 · 05-05-2008, 07:59 PM

I've been going to physical therapy for 2 months for a herniated disk in C6-7and a bulge at C5-6. Thankfully, I'm better than I was (lots of nerve pain in both arms and hands previously). I can sit fairly comfortably. The PT was doing myofascial release/trigger point massage, and we did nerve glides. I was feeling better and better.

Then a couple weeks ago, he started putting pressure on my thoracic region to help mobilize my spine. The pressure ranged from light to heavy. Since that time, I've had pain of varying degrees in my back (shoulder blade and slightly under region). He says its muscle pain from strengthening my spine.

Just wondering if anyone experienced this kind of pain from PT.

I also had a flare-up yesterday. Not sure if it was from the new exercises he gave or not.

lfoster21 · 05-10-2008, 10:23 PM

I have not yet had this done, but have been told that is what happens. I am due to begin P/T again, and my PM Dr. has told them that I need myofacial soft tissue massage. I was praying this was not the same as myofascial release/trigger point massage, because of what I have heard and read, about the pain you have to go through, before you get the final relief, w/ this type of treatment.

So, I think what you are going through is normal, at least from what I have read and heard from others. Please let me know, if you do eventually get the relief part of the therapy.

Lorie

May76 · 05-11-2008, 08:07 AM

Thanks for the response. I actually like the myofascial release part of it and do believe it helped. It is the "adjustments" to my thoracic spine that I believe are bothering me.

Everything was working for several weeks - now they are doing less of the myofascial stuff and more strengthening (against my doctor's orders), and I am not feeling as well as I was.