Physical therapist was too good to be true

I had lumbar disc surgery 11 weeks ago, so I needed PT.  Every time I've tried it in the past, it's backfired and I've had to quit, because they pushed me too hard, too fast...and my body reacted badly (severe PAIN, of course!) But my doctor said it was important and would really help, so I've tried to keep a positive attitude.

I liked my new therapist a lot.  She seemed to take in what I was saying about my fibro, and my problems with lifting practically ANYTHING, even before my ruptured disc.  Then she started me at a very basic level, with Kegels, explaining that she felt my symptoms showed I had absolutely no muscle stability in my core to help my back.  After 7 sessions, it's going well (I think) and I'm gradually adding new exercises and more reps....not to mention tightening those pelvic floor muscles as much as possible. 

But I'm starting to get signals that she thinks I should be pushing the envelope more.  I told her last time that I can't always do the same number of reps, and she didn't seem to get it.  She said, "your body will do what you demand of it," and I didn't argue, but I got home and realized she doesn't understand fibro after all. 

I have told her more than once that any increase in pain I'm experiencing after doing the exercises is along the sciatic nerve path (surgical) and not normal, "good" pain.  I am not going to jeopardize my recovery just because she doesn't get it!  I'm going to have to talk to my doctor about this.  Ugh.  Does it never get easier??      

Debbie   

Don't tell her how many you are doing.  Just say you are doing the reps and if she asks how many say you don't count.  Your body tells you when to stop. 

 

It's you that does the suffering and your body will let you know when you have had enough.  Straining muscles just to achieve a magical number is nuts.  So just smile and take in all that you can from her.  She doesn't have to understand fibro to help you.

 

Sherrine

Debbie, does your therapist use a TENS unit and a combo of heat and ice each session...that really helped me. PT can be grueling, I never pushed myself beyond what I deemed possible and my therapist was ok with it.

Hoping your therapist will work with you to find a suitable workout.

Hugs, Robin

Debbie, I am experiencing the exact same thing with my physical therapist. I have tried numerous times to explain and finally gave up. If I am not up to doing my exercises I don't. I ended up with a trigger point in my rib cage from using the band a few nights ago and almost ended up in the ER and after explaining what happened, my reps were increased. I have a doctors appointment Tuesday and Im going to explain to my doctor what's happening and hope he has another suggestion.

Hey Debbie,

I've been over on the Depression Forum, lately, but thought I'd pop over here to see what was happening...
I'm sooooo sorry to hear about your difficulty and disappointment with your PT. It's so hard just to find one who even believes in fibromyalgia. I think they're hardwired to view 'progress' in very linear terms. I had a great one for a while who never pushed me beyond what my body was telling me that day. She's a very compassionate person who also works part-time in a nursing home. BUT, one day she told me she needed to feel she was making more progress in her work, so she now only takes on clients who've had joint replacements or sports injuries! Like I said, I think they're hardwired... Still, you mention yours is young and has other fibro clients, so there's still room for her to learn and grow to become a good, multi-faceted PT. Maybe you can encourage her to use her time with you as a learning experience -- that the human body is not robotic and disease affects healing. If she doesn't have too big an ego (as many do, seeing it as a sign of their own failure if a client doesn't 'progress' fast enough), she might be open to listening to you and being more flexible. If not, let her know why you'll be looking for someone new. ...And good luck if that's the case.

One day, the medical world will more seriously recognize illnesses like ours, and we'll be vindicated! (There are already specific sections for fibromyalgia in some Canadian hospitals, and I found a university/hospital study that's happening in the U.K. (www.cfsmefibromy.co.uk)

Ok I have fibro and have had back surgery. I've always found pt to be quite useless and quite painful. 11 weeks seems kind of soon also.