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Gait therapists, where are you?
Has anyone else had as much trouble as I am currently having trying to find a physical therapist who is well-versed in helping a PN'er like me, whose chief symptom is poor balance, and who seeks a therapist who is a good gait coach? In the recent past, my PCP has referred me to several different therapists; each has been sincerely interested in helping me with my PN-induced wobbly gait, but none has had experience with the unique stability challenges those of us with PN have. Because I am 80, it's invariably assumed that all of my balance issues are due to old age. I can accept that some of the issues are due to my age, but not all of them. I would love to work with a physical therapist –– or a gait coach –– who have a history of working with PN'ers like us. So far, I've found none. Have any of you on Connect felt similarly frustrated?
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@ray666 I am thinking the word Vestibular therapy might help you with your search. I do understand it is not a top down problem🙂 but training your brain to compensate for the lack of balance is just as key as the physical part.
I went to what I call brain school - vestibular therapy— at Emory. A teaching hospital. I know in another town I lived in there was a Balance rehab facility which also taught this specialty
I wish you good digging for right therapist.
I learned long ago interview my therapist and I do not use the same one- just because I like them - or they’re five minutes down the road.
Hi, Debbie (@debbieod)
At least I know I'll be able to continue with my current therapist. What I feared most was losing PT entirely. Like many of us, I tell myself, "Oh, I can do these exercises on my own. I've plenty of handouts. And YouTube has a gazillion tutorials." But I know myself too well. I know I need that all-important nudge of of either going to a PT clinic or having a therapist/coach come to my home – even if only once a week, it makes a world of difference.
Happy holidays!
Ray (@ray666)
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1 ReactionHello, v8auto (@v8auto)
There's much truth in what you say. My gait improves the moment I begin "talking" to mt body parts: my feet, my knees, my legs, hips, etc. Deliberate attention is the ticket. Only this morning I was able to re-prove that to myself. I had my weekly PT session. The therapist and I went outdoors to practice waling on different surfaces, from the very rough to the perfectly smooth. The moment I'd begin to wobble (and/or wibble; I like that expression!), I would deliberately (although silently) begin to talk with my body parts: "Come on, knees, do you job! Feet, pick 'em up, don't shuffle! Legs, don't be shy, swing out and reach for stable ground!" I know this sounds silly, but "talking" to my body parts most definitely has a positive effect on my gait.
Happy holidays!
Ray (@ray666)
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3 Reactions@ray666 I agree! Same experience with hamstrings to get up off surfaces! Also, re the pt for balance, and vestibular therapy, I was introduced to Fyzical- a chain offering regular PT but also more advanced techniques like Opto-Kinetics. Awesome! Look it up on you tube. They put a therapist in front of the videos using a pencil etc to have you tack that while other things are happening in the background to distract you, while they have you strapped and secure. Very helpful. Helped me tremendously!
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1 ReactionYikes, @chrisanon! Your message could not have arrived at a more opportune time! At my annual with my PCP, I was telling her what a tough time I was having finding a therapist well-versed in PN. She turned to her laptop and turned back to me asked, "I see there's a place called Fyzical that claims to be gait and balance specialists. Ever hear of it?" I hadn't, but my PCP gave me a referral. When I got home, I was disappointed to find that the only Fzyical in my region is some 40-50 miles from home. I immediately thought, "Naw, forget it." But now that I've read your message, I'l thinking, "Hmm, what's 40-50 miles if it's worthwhile?" You see, thanks to you, I'm now thinking what's a little extra gas?" 🙂 Thank you, @chrisanon!
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2 Reactions@ray666 Ray, when you check out the you tube video's for Optokinetics, if you have a friend or other who can help you do the same procedure once you had a short handful of visits (t least one or two, considering the distance you have to go- if that support you have can put a support belt around you to hold with one hand, while with the other, they can hold the pointer like the PT does - have them come with you to watch. That will save you from all the driving- though you may decide- if you can combine the trip with other needs or visits to people in that area- might be a great way to make the best use of your time. My sessions were about 45-60 mins- and my neuro suggested 8-10 visits. Of course, they wanted me to keep going, but I was firm about what I could fit in, and they handled it just as I wanted them to. I plan to return when life doesn't get in the way. I'm only 15 mins from 2 locations- and still find it hard to fit in. So many videos to choose from. There may well be other therapists closer in proximity who handle this. Glad you found my post helpful, and wish you positive vibes for health. Cheers! Chris
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2 ReactionsHi, Chris (@chrisanon)
That's one amazing collection of Optokinetics videos! I definitely want to know more. I'm still debating the pros and cons of a long to & from drive. If it weren't winter (not that we've seen much evidence of winter inColorado, not yet anyway), I'd not hesitate. But I just turned down a two-month gig in Colorado Springs because of the uncertainty of an easy commute this time of year. Nevertheless, find the idea of Fyzical – a fresh approach to improving balance – to be totally tempting!
Cheers to you, too!
Ray