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Physical Therapy Concerns

Posted by rockon79 @rockon79, Sep 15 2:42pm

I had two surgeries for lumbar stenosis and other spinal deteriorations. PT was ordered BEFORE the first surgery for the severe stenosis which seemed very inappropriate since it deliberately caused more pain and aggravation by unnecessarily and inappropriately forcing the nerve to move in the already narrowed spinal canal! Then PT was administered too soon after the first surgery not allowing a healing sufficient to deal with those targeted exercises! Both times more pain so I stopped. Amazingly both the therapist and doc cast a jaundiced and disapproving eye, since that was just about the last tool in their toolbox. PT was recommended soon after the second procedure but my past experiences made me reticent so I held off. Finally after about 6 months I tried it again and after two sessions I feel it might be really improving my situation and I am very encouraged. I am certainly not anti-PT-I just believe it has to be used at the proper time and for the proper reason. I would appreciate hearing of other's PT experiences-Thanks

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orest | @orest | Sep 18 7:15am
In reply to @rockon79 "@orest I do know that the "experts, whether Drs or PT professionals know much more text-book..." + (show)
Profile picture for rockon79 @rockon79

@orest I do know that the "experts, whether Drs or PT professionals know much more text-book wise about PT than I do. But there is a certain common sense understanding about the basics of PT that is very accurate in judging it's effectiveness once tried. Combining that with what your body experiences during and after PT is a powerful and legitimate criteria to realize if that PT is beneficial or even appropriate for you as an INDIVIDUAL. Unfortunately, too many of these "experts" do not give enough credence to that feed back. The prescribing of PT when inappropriate can be just as damaging as prescribing a wrong drug! I believe too few Drs recommend PT without considering; is it for the proper condition, is it the appropriate time, what are the best procedures for that condition, the patient's physical limitations, provider's knowledge of specific difficulties and ability to provide for them and many more. At times I feel a patient is just plugged into a formula and Pt is the next thing on it so it's prescribed. Not every one in the field is like this, but there are enough that are, so in so many cases we have to become our own best advocate and that can be a challenge considering what most of us have to deal with!

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@rockon79 I so appreciate your understanding about being plugged into a formula as far as medical care...it is so isolating...and many patients themselves don't feel they can question their doctors. I gave that up years ago when I almost died from an ulcerative colitis treatment protocol that was cookie cutter and in itself produced positive results in only 50% of cases, and took matters into my own hands and help from other knowledgeable sources.
Doctors are overworked and some don't even have time or make time to keep up with new information...it is up to us to ask to be heard and if that particular doctor is not open to dialog, then find another one that is willing -especially if your condition has no known cure, and outcomes in treatment success is not in the high percentile.

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loriesco | @loriesco | Sep 19 8:45am

It’s mandatory in my book because the reality is that they are trying to make you strong in advance of your surgery and they are trying to restore your muscle deterioration after surgery. I have had more than most people in terms of major joint replacement surgeries, and I know the routine. I know the deterioration and I know the process to restore. With that being said, I also think that the formulaic aspect of it may not work for some people like myself so I have to take an active role in interacting my own rehab rehabilitation and PT so that I don’t get hurt and we work together to restore what I’ve lost.

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leahrogne | @leahrogne | Sep 20 11:34am

I've had very successful PT experiences and a few not so good. You have to tell the therapist when it's too much. And if you have a choice, choose another PT who's more sensitive to your needs. It shouldn't be one size fits all. I've had great success with PTs who have a doctorate. They are more recently trained and get much more in-depth training and experience with a variety of conditions. So, don't give up!

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