Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

I was monitored by a therapist. She started me with no weights--just leg lifting and then we went to using two lbs, then three--the four lb weights were probably the tipping point. I also had muscle wasting in my glutes as a result of my neuropathy--which may be due to my celiac disease. At another PT place, they went gungho and wanted me to do thirty reps of each exercise. If I said it was too much, then they told me that I was weak and would only face further degeneration. Be wary of PT--its not all its made out to be. Today I took a long walk around my local reservoir--had some pain but saw some honking geese and the resident swan. I told myself if I had arthritic feet, I would not have been able to walk this far. I had the MRI done but the doctor who is going to give me acupuncture says my problems were caused by the muscle wasting. I am not giving up!!!

I was monitored by a therapist. She started me with no weights--just leg lifting and then we went to using two lbs, then three--the four lb weights were probably the tipping point. I also had muscle wasting in my glutes as a result of my neuropathy--which may be due to my celiac disease. At another PT place, they went gungho and wanted me to do thirty reps of each exercise. If I said it was too much, then they told me that I was weak and would only face further degeneration. Be wary of PT--its not all its made out to be. Today I took a long walk around my local reservoir--had some pain but saw some honking geese and the resident swan. I told myself if I had arthritic feet, I would not have been able to walk this far. I had the MRI done but the doctor who is going to give me acupuncture says my problems were caused by the muscle wasting. I am not giving up!!!

I was monitored by a therapist. She started me with no weights--just leg lifting and then we went to using two lbs, then three--the four lb weights were probably the tipping point. I also had muscle wasting in my glutes as a result of my neuropathy--which may be due to my celiac disease. At another PT place, they went gungho and wanted me to do thirty reps of each exercise. If I said it was too much, then they told me that I was weak and would only face further degeneration. Be wary of PT--its not all its made out to be. Today I took a long walk around my local reservoir--had some pain but saw some honking geese and the resident swan. I told myself if I had arthritic feet, I would not have been able to walk this far. I had the MRI done but the doctor who is going to give me acupuncture says my problems were caused by the muscle wasting. I am not giving up!!!

That's the spirit. I know what you mean regarding PT. I went to PT six months ago for my neuropathy. I thought that I would receive personalized exercise for my condition. Then on about my third visit the gal next to me was getting exactly the same exercises. I don't remember what her condition was but it wasn't neuropathy. I actually felt worse after each session. I stuck it out for another four sessions only to feel even worse, so I stopped. I'm not sure what exactly it takes to get the exact program that matches your condition, but I didn't find it there. Glad you are able to do all that walking. Keep it up! You are doing something right.

I have a spinal cord injury from long ago. I’m what’s called a “walking quadriplegic “. I had PT three times over two years. It was very frustrating as I knew what they were doing wasn’t getting at what was wrong (I work in healthcare). Now I go to PT at a dedicated spinal cord injury center. Yeah, it’s annoying to drive 45 minutes each way twice a week simply for PT but it’s sooo much better.

I don’t know if there are specialty PT centers for neuropathy, but especially if you live near a city, there just may be one. Start by asking your neurologist. Google it. Try neuropathy associations. Use all the resources at your disposal. Maybe someone here knows something. I suspect specialty PT would serve you better.

I, too, discontinued going to PT. And like you, I was feeling worse-not better when I came home. , I do a stretching program every morning and--I do not do those exercises that I know will cause spine pain for me. This program does not advocate using weights. I am also working on balance. I wonder how many of these therapists are fully certified. The walking for me is not so bad. It is the sitting that causes the pain. I am also concentrating on diet as a means to help me. No processed foods here. I had to eliminate gluten and it made a big difference. I try to eat less sugar. I know I have osteoperosis and I will check with an endocrinologist to see if he can help.
The bottom line is that I am angry that this had to happen. So much to deal with since 2025 came along.

The neuropathy is not a problem for me. I have a mild case--just some numbness and a little tingling. Cannot call it pain. I went to PT to build up muscles that had wasted due to celiac disease. The first PT place I went to put ankle weights on me- The PT was too aggressive and my spine and glutes were too weak and I ended up waking up one morning with lower back pain. The second place I went to was also overly aggressive--30 reps of this and that and reminders that I had degenerative disease. Not supportive in the least.So I would be interested in a spinal center PT that can actually help me. I am going to get acupuncture at NYU Langone's spine center. Today I did one hour of walking at my local reservoir--good to be out in nature and listen to honking geese. I do not drive. I am grateful that I can walk. I am careful not to do any heavy lifting and I try to eat and sleep well. I am sorry for your spinal cord injury. And, it is good that you have healthcare knowledge. In these times we need to be our own advocates. As for me, I am angry that I have to deal with this and believe that perhaps these PT establishments are not well-regulated. Still, I need to find some solution to get on with things--my dog needs me.

I, too, discontinued going to PT. And like you, I was feeling worse-not better when I came home. , I do a stretching program every morning and--I do not do those exercises that I know will cause spine pain for me. This program does not advocate using weights. I am also working on balance. I wonder how many of these therapists are fully certified. The walking for me is not so bad. It is the sitting that causes the pain. I am also concentrating on diet as a means to help me. No processed foods here. I had to eliminate gluten and it made a big difference. I try to eat less sugar. I know I have osteoperosis and I will check with an endocrinologist to see if he can help.
The bottom line is that I am angry that this had to happen. So much to deal with since 2025 came along.

Sometimes certification and two bucks can get you a cup of coffee…and not much else. I pray that the rest of 2025 will be better than the first part.

Perhaps a psyiatrist (rehab doctor) could help you