Physical Therapy Unexpected Results

Posted by NasbyE @nasbyevan, 13 hours ago

Hello everyone,
I'm starting this discussion to see if anyone else has had unexpected or worsening results from physical therapy.
Since 2021 I've had constant cramping in my right calf, with muscle atrophy appearing in 2023 after PT. In 2021/22 I saw orthopedic doctors for the issue. In 2023 a spine specialist ordered a lower back MRI, but insurance required 6 weeks of PT first. My therapist and I agreed on a more aggressive approach. After just one week I lost major strength in my right leg—the PT literally said, "WTF is going on with your leg?" Single-leg presses showed my left leg could do over 200 lbs while my right couldn't manage 80 lbs. We spent the remaining sessions comparing my legs to show insurance that PT wasn't the answer.
In 2024 I started working with Mayo Clinic (no PT). In 2025 Blue Cross Blue Shield gave me free virtual PT through Hinge Health. The same pattern happened: after a week of exercises my right leg felt nothing and grew weaker. My Mayo neurologist ordered new tests—all normal or negative.
In 2026 I was referred to a rheumatologist and then PM&R at Mayo. They recommended trying PT again through Mayo. I started three weeks ago and my right leg has weakened further each week. All my tests—MRIs, X-rays, EMGs, vascular studies, blood work, and nerve tests—remain normal or negative. It's become a medical enigma.

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