u/Educational_Dig7055

I (23M) have been struggling with wrist/elbow/forearm (ulna) pain for 2 months, originating likely due to computer use. It has since evolved into some weakness, fragility and frequent palpable popping/cracking with movement (more than initial pain when typing or extending/flexing wrists). Also a feeling of tendons (?) getting caught, though I didn't lose mobility.

Had a very rushed appointment with a physiatrist, was almost assymptomatic that day couldn't even explain all symptoms and their evolution. Basically was referred to do 20 sessions of PT, without any imaging or blood tests (to be done after PT if I don't get better). Tenosynovitis was mentioned though not diagnosed by the physical exam. PT also later told my file mentioned only "inflammation".

So far, about half the sessions, the PTs have simply used laser therapy, ultrasound therapy and eletrotherapy (TENS). These treatments have done close to nothing and some days I'm worse than before I started PT. I'm also resting for about 3 days a week, and on "work days" I'm using a computer for a maximum of 4 hours, with rest not doing much.

Is the lack of streghtening exercises normal? Should I look elsewhere for treatment?

I (23) have been struggling with wrist/elbow/forearm pain on both sides since the end of April. I'm finishing my MScs, started showing symptoms in the weeks before submission of a conference article. By itself I wasn't doing any extraordinary effort, but I ended up having pain when typing and extending/flexing wrists, from night to day. Elbow and forearm (ulnar side) eventually followed.

With time passing the pain on the wrists got better, but didn't improve from a certain point. Had a consultation with a physiatrist and was pretty much asymptomatic that day. The physical evaluation was rushed, visit didn't last more than 4 minutes, no medical history was asked, synovitis was mentioned (but later PTs said there wasn't a formal diagnosis), imaging is "to be done" if I don't get better.

Right now I've done half my PT sessions (~10), all consisting of passive modalities (laser, ultrasound, TENS), with little to no improvement, absolutely no mention of actual physical exercises. To add to this I feel fragility when carrying heavier objects, lots of popping, discomfort, varying symptoms, etc. Outright feels like a scam, feel like I'm wasting my time instead of getting proper treatment with another professional.

Any thoughts? Specifically, on the PT?