Dr. Craig Morton, M.D.

Tingling muscle pain in the arm can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Nerve Compression: Pinched nerves, often due to conditions like cervical radiculopathy (nerve compression in the neck), carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve in the wrist), or thoracic outlet syndrome (compression of nerves or blood vessels between the neck and shoulder).

2. Muscle Strain: Overuse or injury to the muscles in the arm or shoulder, leading to muscle spasms or inflammation, which can cause tingling sensations.

3. Poor Posture: Prolonged periods of poor posture, such as slouching or holding the arm in an awkward position, can lead to muscle tension and nerve irritation.

4. Nerve Damage: Conditions like peripheral neuropathy (damage to peripheral nerves) or radiculopathy (nerve root compression in the spine) can cause tingling sensations in the arms.

5. **Medical Conditions:** Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and infections, can also lead to tingling muscle pain.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if the tingling sensation is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or changes in sensation. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may involve physical therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, or other interventions to address the root issue and alleviate symptoms.

Physical therapy after spine surgery is an essential part of the recovery process, aimed at helping you regain strength, flexibility, and function. While it is designed to promote healing and reduce pain in the long term, some patients may experience discomfort or mild pain during the initial stages of physical therapy.

This discomfort is generally due to the body adjusting to new movements and the healing process itself. However, a skilled physical therapist will carefully tailor your rehabilitation program to minimize pain and ensure that exercises are performed safely and effectively. The goal is to progress gradually, avoiding any movements that may cause undue stress or pain to the surgical site.

Communication is key during your physical therapy sessions. It's important to provide feedback about what you're feeling so that your therapist can adjust the treatment plan as needed. Techniques such as gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy will be introduced at a pace that is comfortable for you.

It's also worth noting that while there may be some discomfort, physical therapy should not cause severe pain. If you experience significant pain during or after your sessions, it's important to inform your physical therapist and surgeon. They may need to reassess your therapy program or check for any complications related to your surgery.

Overall, the benefits of following through with a prescribed physical therapy program after spine surgery greatly outweigh the initial discomfort. With time, physical therapy can significantly enhance your recovery and help you return to your daily activities with less pain and improved function.

Yes, physical therapy can be very effective in managing and reducing ankle swelling, especially since swelling can result from various causes, including injury, overuse, or an underlying health condition. A physical therapist can work with you to identify the root cause of the swelling and develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and enhancing the strength and flexibility of your ankle.

It's important to have your ankle evaluated by a healthcare professional before starting physical therapy to ensure the treatment plan is appropriate for your specific situation. If the swelling persists or is accompanied by severe pain, redness, or warmth, it's crucial to seek medical attention as these could be signs of a more serious condition.

Hi Amanda,

I'm sorry to hear about your discomfort. When you experience pain following an attempt to crack your back, it's a signal from your body that something might not be right. The fact that your pain has persisted for a few days and worsens with rest suggests that you may have strained a muscle or, less commonly, caused some other form of irritation or minor injury to the structures in your back.

While it's not uncommon for people to experience some soreness after attempting to crack their back, persistent pain, especially pain that intensifies with rest, warrants a closer look. Here are a few considerations:

1. Rest and Heat: Initially, you might find some relief with rest and applying heat to the affected area. This can help alleviate muscle tension and reduce pain.

2. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-prescription pain relievers can help manage your discomfort. However, it's important to use these as directed and consider any personal health conditions or medications that might interact with them.

3. Gentle Movement: Sometimes, light stretching or gentle movement can help relieve pain, as staying in one position for too long may increase stiffness and discomfort.

However, since your pain is persistent and worsens with rest, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough evaluation to ensure there's no serious underlying issue and provide you with the appropriate treatment. It's always better to be cautious, especially when it comes to back pain, as early intervention can prevent potential complications.

In the future, be cautious with self-manipulation of the spine. While it can provide temporary relief, improper technique can lead to injuries. Physical therapy or professional chiropractic care are safer alternatives for addressing back discomfort and improving spinal health.

Take care, and I hope you find relief soon.

The duration of shoulder physical therapy varies depending on several factors, including the specific nature of your shoulder condition, its severity, your overall health, and how well you respond to therapy. Generally, a course of physical therapy for shoulder conditions can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

For most patients, initial improvements are often seen within the first few weeks of starting therapy, with sessions typically scheduled 2 to 3 times a week. However, achieving full recovery or reaching your maximum potential may take longer, depending on the goals set at the beginning of your therapy program.

It's important to stay committed to your therapy regimen and follow through with prescribed home exercises. The progress can sometimes feel slow, but consistent participation in your therapy sessions and at-home exercises is key to a successful outcome.

Remember, each patient's recovery timeline is unique. During your treatment, the therapist will work closely with you to monitor your progress and adjust your therapy plan as needed to ensure the best possible recovery.

Yes, physical therapy is an essential component of recovery after scoliosis surgery. Post-surgical physical therapy plays a crucial role in helping you regain strength, flexibility, and function. The goals of physical therapy following scoliosis surgery include:

1. Pain Management: Initially, therapy will focus on managing post-operative pain through various techniques, including gentle exercises, stretching, and possibly modalities like heat or ice.

2. Improving Mobility: Early stages of rehab often concentrate on restoring mobility to the spine and surrounding areas, as well as improving your overall range of motion.

3. Strengthening: As your recovery progresses, the focus will shift towards strengthening the muscles around your spine and in your core. This is vital for supporting your spine, improving posture, and enhancing stability.

4. Functional Training: Therapists will also work with you on functional training to help you return to your daily activities, including walking, bending, and lifting, safely and effectively.

5. Education: Part of the therapy will include educating you on proper body mechanics and posture to protect your spine during activities of daily living and prevent future injuries.

The duration and intensity of physical therapy depend on the extent of the surgery, your overall health, and how quickly you recover post-operatively. It's common for physical therapy to begin a few weeks after surgery and can last for several months, tailored to your specific needs and recovery goals.

It's important to have a clear communication channel with your surgical team and physical therapist to ensure that your recovery plan is both effective and aligned with your rehabilitation goals. Following their guidance closely will be key to a successful recovery.

Absolutely, physical therapy can be quite beneficial for managing symptoms associated with a bulging disc. As a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, I've seen firsthand how targeted physical therapy exercises can strengthen the muscles around the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce the pressure on the affected disc. This approach not only helps alleviate pain but can also enhance mobility and prevent further injury.

In your treatment plan, we would focus on exercises that promote spinal stability and improve posture, alongside techniques to decrease inflammation and relieve nerve pressure caused by the bulging disc. It's also important to tailor the therapy to your specific condition and lifestyle to ensure the best outcomes.

Remember, while physical therapy is a key component in managing a bulging disc, a comprehensive approach that may include medication, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes advanced interventions is often the most effective strategy. I always recommend a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs.

Yes, physical therapy is definitely a great place to start.

Therapy can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks although in some cases very little therapy is needed after a hip replacement.

Absolutely! Physical therapy is a great place to start when you have low back pain. They will be able to help relieve the pain and teach you techniques to prevent it from coming back.

Yes, I do think therapy will help

You may be a little sore, but it can definitely help you heal faster and walk better

A short course of therapy would probably help with the post operative pain and help improve range of motion

This can vary and will depend on the type of fracture/surgery and your specific doctor. Therapy is typically 4-6 weeks

There are lot's of options for muscle spasms including heat, massage, therapy, and occasionally medication. Discuss these options with your physician.

Yes, it's definitely a good place to start.

Yes, it's definitely a good place to start

It's definitely a good place to start. I tore my rotator cuff and one injection with physical therapy is what helped me. I would consider this as the first option and if you are not better discuss surgical options with an orthopedist.