can't lift my arm above my shoulder

ever since my neck fusion c4 to c5 and the replating of c5 to c6 and c6 To c7 , I am unable to lift my arm above my shoulder. Is there a chance of regaining the function?

[shaws Administrator]

I cannot answer your question but I would enquire with the department who did the fusion.

[helenbones]

there should be - I am surprised you were not offered physio after the op. You can ask your GP to refer you or you can consult one privately - or an osteopath as is not all about manipulation (I am an Osteopath). A lot of the muscles you use for your shoulder are connected (both directly and indirectly) to the neck. You will need a programme of graded exercises and possibly some soft tissue work to help get the muscles going.

[BeansMummy]

I had a fusion done (can't remember which ones, but the lowest ones in the neck) a couple of years ago. I only found out very recently that I should have been offered physiotherapy afterwards - the op seems to have been fine, but I have had very bad generalised neck pain, and the physio I have had to see recently said all the muscles needed using.

[penny]

Any invasive technique, such as surgery, causes adhesions in the fascia and this restricts movement. You might try Fascial Release, Scar Release or Body Realignment. I do the latter and work on scar integration making the scar tissue flexible again. There might be other techniques I've not mentioned which fall within the 'alternative therapy' framework.