What is Parsonage-Turner Syndrome?
PTS (Parsonage-Turner syndrome) is a rare neurological condition characterized by sudden onset of acute shoulder and arm discomfort. This acute phase can continue anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, with muscle atrophy and weakening (amyotrophy) in the affected areas.
Symptoms of Parsonage-Turner syndrome
People with PTS typically describe feeling pain very suddenly in one of their shoulders. In rare instances, PTS can damage both shoulders. Some individuals experience abrupt stabbing pain, and others describe it as being subtle at first, increasing in intensity over time.
The pain associated with PTS affects not only the shoulder(s) but also the neck, arm, and hands.
What causes Parsonage-Turner syndrome?
The true cause of PTS is uncertain. However, it is thought to result from an immune system imbalance. Because of the precise nerves affected, the severity of the condition can vary significantly from one patient to another.
Some people with PTS may recuperate without treatment, which means strength and discomfort return to the affected muscles. Other patients may have recurring episodes. Some people who have been affected may have long-term discomfort and experience a significant loss of mobility.
How can physical therapy help?
The brachial plexus is primarily affected by PTS. It runs from the spine through the neck, down each armpit, and down the arms. The shoulders, arms, elbows, hands, and wrists are all controlled by these nerves. Other nerves in the arm or leg may be implicated as well.
The good news is that physical therapy can target the areas of pain in a person with Parsonage-Turner Syndrome. Therapy at Seven Summits Therapy & Fitness at Wayne, PA on the Western Main Line is a safe and effective way to manage and even eliminate these pain symptoms.
The goal of physical therapy at Seven Summits Therapy & Fitness for Parsonage-Turner syndrome is to maintain muscular strength and range of motion in damaged joints.
Specific techniques that can help avoid muscle atrophy and contractures include active and passive range of motion exercises. Muscle strengthening exercises are usually not recommended during the acute phase since they aggravate pain.
Heat or cold therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a process in which electrical impulses are transmitted through the skin to manage pain by modifying or blocking nerve transmissions, are used to treat people with PTS.
Your physical therapist will do a full-body evaluation and assess your pain symptoms. From there, they will create a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at helping you to find relief from PTS.
Request your physical therapy appointment today
Living with chronic pain can be a debilitating and discouraging road to journey down alone. With physical therapy in Wayne, PA on the Western Main Line you don’t have to handle your symptoms by yourself. If you’ve developed Parsonage-Turner syndrome and are seeking help for your symptoms, you’re at the right place.
Contact our physical therapy clinic in Wayne, PA on the Western Main Line today and schedule your first appointment.
