I have struggled with pain from my hips down since a spinal fusion (with an allograft inserted through my side) for spondylolisthesis, and following that osteonecrosis of both knees. Because of Covid I had to wait in terrible pain for knee replacements but finally got them in 2020 and 2021. Still ongoing unexplainable pain. Finally I decided to do whatever I could to get a diagnosis and help. I now have a rheumatologist and a pain management specialist as well as an amazing physical therapist. Lots of tests. At this point I am diagnosed with fibromyalgia -my CNS has reset to high alert from years of pain- and Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome from bursitis and labral tears.
My amazing PT and my pain management dr both suggested aqua therapy, and since I have a pool here in California I have been exercising in it almost every day. I have to say, for a person who has never enjoyed exercising and never stuck to a routine, I have been loving it. It DOES NOT HURT for me to paddle back and forth with my pool noodle for a half hour, and I even do some leg lift exercises per my PT. I have come to look forward to it because it gives me relief for that period of time and I believe I’m getting stronger. My pain management dr also started me on Savella 12.5 mg and that has brought the pain down a notch- such a relief. I also do cognitive brain therapy to work on my brain resetting re: pain. In short, I love the aquatherapy! I will be starting an actual class at our community pool when the weather is too cool to use my own pool without expensive heating, and I am nervous about that, but we’ll see.