PT

 Hi friends, I went to PT today. I didn't do anything different,just walked on the treadmill in the water. That really is neat. At first, I didn't realize the difference it would make. Now I know it makes a big difference. It is much easier to do than to just walk down the street. As she raises the platform( I don't really know what you call that)out of the water, you feel the pain more so as it goes up higher and higher. Anyway, I explained about the dr appt yesterday. I explained that he wanted pt to tell me the do's and don'ts, as they were the ones w/ me more than he is. She just looked at me and kinda shrugged her shoulders a little. She didn't add anything to it. I did talk to her about the heating pad or ice packs to get her view on it. She said that for sudden or sharp stabbing type pain that the ice packs do better. She said that a frozen bag of peas works well b/c it conforms to where you need it. She said to do it for only 10-15 minutes. I haven't liked the feeling of ice packs. But I hear alot of you do use them. I think I will try it later. Anyway, I have one more pt session w/ her on Monday. Then on Tuesday I am to be re-evaluated w/ the other therapist to see where I stand now. Then I have the dr.appt (ortho) on Friday. I guess then, I'll find out more. I assume more PT will be needed. I guess I can ask the other therapist to answer the questions. He seems to be more on the personality, knowledge area than she is. I saw him the 1st time. I guess he is overseeing my case. Anyway, I couldn't walk any faster today. She tries to increase the speed each time a little. I couldn't do it faster today. It stayed at the 1.3 setting. I guess that is mph, I saw it on the screen. Maybe I can do better on Monday.

Anice

Sounds like your visit was not too bad. I remember the PT telling me not to try and be an over achiever by doing things to fast, too many or to pus too hard. They told me to look for small increases instead of large ones. As before, try and keep up at home with what they give you to do. I asked a PT one time what the most difficult part of his job was. I was surprised. He said it was patients who don't follow through but expect to get the results. It makes since. Keep hanging in there.

I do notice an increase in pain in the evening after PT. I guess that is all part of it. I don't think I am doing to much there. It hasn't helped yet, but I just think I need more sessions and more time before I notice a difference. My hips and buttocks and lower back are all screaming at me loudly tonight!! My evening walk was rather short. I could only do 15 min. that time. I was just hurting too much, and couldn't go as far as usual. I was by myself and decided to turn around and head home instead of getting stuck down the street alone! It will get better. I have had a busy week. PT Monday, Dr.appt Tuesday and PT again today. I can rest tomorrow if I need to and take it easy so I'll feel a little better.
Anice

Anice,
Remember the PT is working your body, so it's possible that your PT might advise you NOT to do more exercise on those days. If you overdo it you can keep injuring or irritating tissue instead of giving it time to heal.

I have a hunch the person you might have asked might have been an assistant or a tech, and not the physical therapist (sort of like having pharmacy techs who help the pharmacist, but have much, much less education and training!). So I would ask the questions of the person who did your initial evaluation and set up your treatment plan. If you're not seeing him/her that day, I'd ask if you could just ask them a couple of questions before you leave. Afterall, they are responsible for the service.

I do agree that your PT would know more about these things than your NS, but not necessarily the PT's assistant or tech.

Take it easy! Oh - and the ice at first is not comfortable. You have to grit your teeth through the initial cold sensations until the area numbs. Then it feels pretty good!

PaLady

Anice,

Good for you at PT today. I agree with PA, the person who did your eval is the one I would discuss what the dr said. You might inquire about this person's role that shrugged her/his shoulders when you explained what the dr said to talk to them. Make sure the head person knows what your dr said so he/she is on top of your PT program.

Although you think you are not feeling the difference, yes you are, when your body starts talking to you in the evening lol. Your body is saying hey we sure did some moving around today. You just keep up the good work. Of course you will need more PT you just started. It will get better and you will get stronger. Also, if you are no totally comfortable with the one that shrugged their shoulders you can ask for a different person.

I still say no the dr really does not have a clue as to what your capabilities are as to how you are performing on a daily basis. His role was surgery and to correct the problem, then get you rehabbed. Your physical therapist will send your dr copies of your PT notes and he/she will also give the dr his/her recommendation on how much more PT is needed. Normally PT requests PT in 6 week increments. Keep up the good work.

Yes, you did right by listening to your body and cutting your evening walk short. Way to go gal. Hugs, Susie

Anice,
Muscles also need recovery time after they are worked. I would really ask to speak to the PT who did your eval and ask if it's ok for you to just rest on the days you do PT. That's not asking to get out of doing the work; it's asking if that's actually better for your healing.

The woman who's overseeing the water therapy is likely following the treatment plan developed by the licensed PT. She is probably just trained in how to use the equipment, make adjustments, etc., but not to do overall evaluations. i'm glad you're seeing the other PT. Try to find out his name, so you can ask to speak briefly to him when you need to ask a question.

Keep up the good work!

PaLady

(((((((anice))))))))

PT is NEVER easy!!!!

Laurie