Physical therapy making things worse?!

I started physical therapy and nortriptyline last week. I feel horrible the follow day after physical therapy. I'm going for my neck. My neck is straightened because if muscle spasms. They have been doing deep muscle massage to loosen the boys I have. Today I have been in horrible pain all over. Every muscle in my body is so sore, even my hands fingers, everything! Is therapy making my fibro flare? The tramadol makes the pain some what tolerable but I still hurt, even my chest more when I inhale. Muscle relaxer didn't help either just knocked me out.

Ouch!  So sorry about your pain.

I think it depends on each person.  Personally, I have chosen not to go to physical therapy, though I had the option a couple of times.  It's mostly because my neuro condition is so odd, and I'm concerned that even a physical therapist might 'push' things a bit too far, and my toes, foot and/or leg might go wacky (I know this from past experience). My muscles tend to ZING out of where they belong (and lock there) if the muscles are manipulated the wrong way.

I also have a MIL whose sciatica was made worse by PT.  Also, a friend of my husband had major problems with his back after going to PT for some other issues.

This is surely not to knock PT. Not at all!  There is certainly a place for it.  But I think you have to somewhat 'know' your own body before deciding whether or not to visit a physical therapist.  Perhaps you made a good decision in going and finding out it may not be for the best. Or--maybe you want to give it another chance?

Just my two cents worth.  I hope you're feeling better soon!

Hello, Jai.

I'm sorry you're having so much pain. I agree with Luvzminis and Diane, also because of experience. I had one PT who pushed me too hard, had me using resistance bands and all kinds of things that felt good at the time - thought I was making progress - then my body totally rebelled, put me in an awful flare, and I quit in tears.

Several years later, after spine surgery, I went to one who was better about taking my Fibro into account, and it made all the difference. I learned some important things about core strengthening, which I still try to keep up with (not as well as I should.) But I didn't, and still don't, always do the number of reps she suggested....when it increases your pain, it's just not worth it!

We know our own bodies, and we have to listen to them. Otherwise, they'll never shut up! 

Debbie