Spinal stenosis: Ideas for relief through exercise?

@rayreich3. Have to agree with nancyguy. I have degenerative stenosis with pain in my legs. Without my award-winning physical therapist, I'd be walking at the very least with a cane. She has overridden doctor's diagnosis and been correct. I also would urge you to avoid those therapists who specialize in sports injuries.

Hi who and where isYour award-winning physical therapist? I am in New York City

My resume: s-curve scoliosis, severe, stenosis, spondylolisthesis, RA-like arthritis, and fibromyalgia. And a few I'm forgetting. I had been relying on ice, heat, non-narcotic pain relievers, and body movement of my own design (gentle stretching, range of motion, constant repositioning). I'm a nurse. What I discovered a few months ago is the value of a good physical therapist. She has helped me gradually improve three key areas: balance, flexibility, and strength. My pain has decreased and I credit PT for this. Caution: A person can't just show up for the sessions - I did that a little bit. Doing the recommended exercises at home, consistently, and communicating what's working and not working, is what works. (I do only about 15 minutes of exercising every day - it's not a big deal).

I definitely agree that I should have done more physical therapy years ago with the right person but instead I went to a massage therapist once a week and also some weight lifting in that gym which was all I could afford. Perhaps I should have been going three times a week, but the distance traveled and the cost and the time involved were prohibitive. My doctor didn't recommend anything but the prescription which did little for me after a few years. When I managed to lose some weight that always helped, but the two knee replacements slowed down any hope of big improvement in my back. I lasted longer than anyone thought I could with the pain, and managed to keep up the gardening until this disastrous year. Yes, I recommend the therapy above everything else and I would add working on reduction in stress which happened after my husband died. You definitely need a teammate or supporter to make better progress.
Being alone is very difficult for everyone except the tough and independent type. My grandchildren are amazed at what I can think and do compared to others my age. That encourages me more than anything. So I amaze them with my mending skills and bake treats which they like that aren't so fattening.
Three of them call me or check in on me every week and I feel good about them seeking little bits of help when they need it. It's a life. Dorisena

Hi.
It’s great to hear you have been finding relief in various ways. I’m very happy to hear that your MFR sessions have gone as well as they have. I have tried so many different types of therapies and injections, spinal stimulator etc, and MFR has been the most effective by far in helping with my pain and CRPS issues. The other therapies maybe help for the day at most. MFR has lessened my pain for 4-5 days of the week which I was ecstatic about !!
I have several spinal issues too and have found in the last month or 2 that having MFR sessions with a highly qualified therapist that specializes in this has really helped with my pain and movement in general. It’s not a quick fix so sticking to it is the best therapy. I have been going once a week, but am trying a 2nd session Friday in the same week to see how much/ if any/ additional relief I get that lasts.
I’ll keep you posted. Mitch

@rayreich3. Well, she wasn't an award winner when I first became her client, but I wasn't the least surprised when she was chosen best in our state, which is in the Midwest. Now, you are in New York City, where the medical facilities are soo superior! You need an orthopedic guy to refer you, I would think. But you are paying for their services,whoever they are, so keep trying until you find someone who understands your problems. Ask around of friends and family - you'll be surprised at how many folk you know also know therapists!!! My only other advice? Surgery is a wonderful solution for those who need it, but it remains for me an absolute last resort.

I agree about surgery being a last resort. My doctors kept saying there was nothing they could do for me. One specialist said my back was riddled with arthritis. "Come back in two weeks" he said. I cancelled the appointment. When the young surgeon said I needed five vertebrae fused and a metal cage to hold them stable, I knew I was at the end of my journey to avoid it. It took two months of waiting to get on his list for surgery. In the meantime, even the opoids, hot and cold treatments, stretching, massage, and ocupuncture, and cortisone shots didn't keep me out of the hospital. One day I called the local emergency squad and said "take me to the hospital." They admitted me for three days, then sent me to a nursing home for ten days to wait on the scheduled surgery which they couldn't move up. I couldn't take care of myself at the time. Three years later I am pain free but have balance problems and some nerve damage, but I can walk well enough to live alone again. I don't believe I could have avoided surgery for the rest of my life and didn't want it to happen when I was really old and feeble and living in a rocking chair. It is a judgement call. Dorisena

I think a second session might be very good for you. I had three times a week for about six weeks. Good luck!

i have been doing waterobics for 30 years, and it is all that keeps me going. my scoliosis etc. comes from polio, and there are not so many of us left, and no one is interested.

@amomynous, I love your name here! We on this site are ALL interested in your experience. I'm so glad that water aerobics have given you some relief.