Is PT/pulsed electro magnetic therapy safe on shoulder?

fight4two

I recently was involved in a car accident that caused a partially dislocated shoulder. The pain is unrelenting, so I will be starting PT. Unfortunately, the injured shoulder is on the side that had axillary node surgery. I know that I am not supposed to get needles or blood pressure taken from the affected side, but I was curious if massage, or pulsed electro magnetic therapy or anything else that a PT might offer should be avoided. Prior to the shoulder injury, I have not had any symptoms of lymphedema, but I am definitely wary of putting myself at risk by all these alternative therapies. Please help!! Is physical therapy on the shoulder area safe? I had a brief trial of the pulse therapy and my hand felt like it was tingling later, which put me in a panic. If there are any definite no-nos and things to have the therapists avoid, please advise!! Thanks -- I'm feeling so anxious regarding treatment, but the shoulder pain has lasted for too long now!!

vlnrph

Ouch! I've never had this but would imagine getting relief from ongoing pain & discomfort is top priority. I think light massage performed carefully is OK, in fact, it's one of the ways those of us with lymphedema manage our swelling. A well educated physical therapist might know a little about manual decongestive therapy even if it's not their primary practice. Deep tissue manipulation or myofascial release is different however could be safe.

I'm not sure about the pulse technique but it sounds like it's directed at nerve function which is why your hand tingled. With the trauma already sustained to your vulnerable area, it seems as though that may have served as a trigger. Since you have avoided definite symptoms of LE to date, I hope you'll continue to be free from that.

Have a look at the step up-speak out website for more info and ideas about questions to ask as you go along.

Jennie93

Overly exuberant massage by a PT is what caused my LE in the first place. Shoulder stretching and strengthening exercises should be fine (as long as you start slow and don't push it) but be very, very careful of any massage.