I had a doctor’s appointment this morning for my elbow and while he was pleased with my progress, he thinks I need to give the rack and physical therapy more time.
3 months more time.
If I don’t improve by 30 degrees of motion (which is what I’m lacking now), then he would consider surgery. If I can get 15-20, but stop there, then surgery may not help much.
I was disappointed, but resigned to another 3 months on that accursed torture device and the once-a-week physical therapy.
After the appointment, I had a session with a different physical therapist than I’d had in the past. She was surprised at how much extra motion I got after she used a heating pad on my arm.
“Let’s try something,” she said, and proceeded to go after my arm like a squid trying to solve a Rubik’s cube. Poked, prodded, twisted – and that was just the warm-up.
The therapist was apologetic at the pain she was causing – while also delighted at the progress. She claimed to love elbows and loved a good challenge.
When she was done, I had nearly a full range of very painful – but encouraging – motion. It didn’t last, but it was promising.
She let me rest for a few minutes (and quietly dry my tears) before it was time for paperwork and departure. She promised to get the notes on what she worked on to my regular therapist and suggested I put ice on my arm right away as what she had done had caused some inflammation.
I stopped at home to get a cold pack and then on into work.
So, 3 months of the rack – but maybe less if the new physical therapy techniques can help. I’m willing to endure quite a lot of pain in the short term if we can avoid 3 months of the rack and possible surgery.