← Return to Physical Therapy Unexpected Results

Discussion
NasbyE avatar

Physical Therapy Unexpected Results

Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (15)

Comment receiving replies
Profile picture for mnsansei @mnsansei

I have been going to PT for an entirely different problems than you describe--initially for undiagnosed hip pain, then for help with bursitis and most recently for recovery from bilateral total hip replacement.

I have have met with at least five different PT's. I would say that not all PT's are the same nor do they have the same portfolio of exercises to recommend. I have settled on two as the most effective for me. I think other patients have come to the same conclusion because these two PTs have much more limited availability. Just last week a PT cancelled my appt because of illness. I am not able to see her again until August. She had recommended that I meet with her or one of her colleagues every 2-3 weeks, but now it will be five weeks since I had an appt.

I may be biased against the third PT I saw because my femur broke during my appointment with her in April 2024, five days after my first hip surgery. That fracture was the first challenge around regaining hip mobility and function which cascaded into 18 months of no significant improvement in either side, only being able to move slowly and weirdly with no walking aids. All this due to new issues, some of which are linked to not doing PT, others are fallout from the initial hospitalization. I am now working on gait, strength and mobility but I only have three more appts left. My surgeon said to be keep in touch about my progress.

I hope you get the help you need. I do have to wonder about remote PT rather than in person but I've never been offered remote sessions. My surgeon is part of an HMO I've used since 1978. I go to PT at the HMO's facility. I am only seen at Mayo for chronic kidney disease.

Jump to this post


Replies to "I have been going to PT for an entirely different problems than you describe--initially for undiagnosed..."

@mnsansei
The remote PT I did was with Hinge Health. My health insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, sent a letter offering free physical therapy. I used the service until I saw a neurologist so they could see the negative impact that physical therapy had. I definitely would not recommend virtual PT as a primary form of PT. It's a great secondary source for minor discomforts and pains. For example, if your knee or ankle is bothering you for a couple of days, simply message the physical therapist and they will create a nice 10-15 minute exercise program to help relieve your pain.