Do I Need a Physical Therapist?
I'm a 27-year-old female weighing 150 pounds and currently taking 80mg of duloxetine along with 150mg of lamotrigine. I also smoke and lead a mostly inactive lifestyle. In June 2021, I underwent an MRI to examine my right shoulder due to a history of dislocation. The scan revealed slight damage to the acromioclavicular joint, yet the findings were not substantial enough for a diagnosis (not even stage 1). During a recent examination by my family doctor, he palpated an area where my waist angles upward, but he assured me that everything appears fine, and I surprisingly experience no lingering pain from that incident. Additionally, I successfully completed various arm positions aimed at testing the strength of my rotator cuff, although I can't recall the name of the specific test. I've been dealing with persistent pain on the right side of my back since childhood. Having lost 60 pounds recently, I've come to understand that improving my posture and muscle strength should be my next focus. As a particular note, when I reach for the ceiling light chain, I often strain my shoulder for about three days. I've also noticed discomfort when holding an empty cup with my right hand for just ten minutes. My query is whether there are resources available for physical therapy exercises, or if this is not something I should pursue? Am I in a situation that requires special consideration?
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 12:01:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with some ongoing discomfort in your shoulder and back, especially following a history of dislocation, and you’re considering physical therapy as a potential solution. While I can't provide personalized medical advice, I can give you an overview of how physical therapy might help and what steps to consider.
Key Points:
- Physical therapy (PT) could be beneficial for improving your shoulder strength and posture.
- Self-directed exercises and resources are available if you prefer starting independently.
- Focus on posture and gradual strengthening to alleviate discomfort.
Explanation:
Based on your description, it seems you're experiencing some residual effects from your shoulder dislocation and chronic back pain. You have some strength but may benefit from targeted exercises to prevent strain and improve stability, particularly since reaching overhead seems to exacerbate your shoulder discomfort. Physical therapy specializes in creating tailored exercise plans that can help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and develop better posture, which seems to be important for you.
Next Steps:
- Consider Physical Therapy: If possible, consult a physical therapist. They can assess your condition more thoroughly and create a personalized program focused on strengthening and stretching exercises for your shoulder and back.
- Self-Directed Exercises: Look for online resources or apps that offer physical therapy exercises, especially focusing on shoulder strengthening and posture correction. The following types of exercises can be helpful:
- Strengthening exercises for the rotator cuff (like external rotations) to support the shoulder.
- Posture exercises such as wall angels or chin tucks to improve spinal alignment.
- Practice Good Posture: Throughout your daily activities, be mindful of your posture. Sit up straight and engage your core muscles to support your back.
- Gradual Activity Increase: As you lead a mostly inactive lifestyle, try to incorporate gentle activities like walking or swimming to help improve your overall fitness without straining your shoulder.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a diary of your shoulder and back discomfort to identify any patterns related to activities.
If pain persists or worsens, it would be wise to re-evaluate this with a healthcare provider. Good luck, and remember to listen to your body as you incorporate these new practices!
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