Trapezius palsy symptoms

Posted by mimsymode @mimsymode, Jun 29 12:25pm

I am starting t develop trapezius palsy symptoms and was wondering if there are other treatments aside from surgery and what type of doctors would I need to see for treatment?

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 29 1:26pm

@mimsymode Welcome to our Mayo Connect community, where we support one another in our health journeys.

The term "trapezius palsy" tickled a reminder deep in my brain - I haven't had it but my PT wondered if some of my "mystery symptoms" last summer pointed to it. My issue turned out to be multiple rotator cuff injuries, which were finally resolved with lots of PT, myofascial & trigger point therapy, exercise and healing time.

But I believe this is the article he cited for me:
https://www.suburbanortho.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Trapezius-Palsy-Spinal-Accessory-Nerve-Palsy.pdf
An orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine doctor who works specifically on shoulders would be the best doc to see. It looks like the short answer is time for the nerve to heal, NSAID's, ice, PT and daily exercise. It's probably going to be a long process, as nerves heal VERY slowly - on the order of 1 mm every few days.* In the meantime it is very important to maintain as much use of the arm and shoulder as possible.

*Years ago when a nerve between my knee and foot was damaged in a surgery, it took over a year to heal all the way - about 10 inches.

Do you have access to a large enough Ortho practice that they will have sub-specialists?