I've had physical therapy in Chicago and here in Hawaii. In Chicago it was for adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) and bursitis. It was extremely helpful. It took a while but with careful attention, my shoulder was unfrozen. The therapists were always by my side watching everything I did with some additional massage to help the pain.
Here in Hawaii I had tendinitis a few years ago and had to have more therapy on my shoulder. I liked the therapist who took care of me a lot, but I didn't much care for the way therapy was handled. You were taught how to use some machines and do some exercises. For the following sessions, you were given a stop watch and told to do an exercise while the therapist spot checked you occasionally.
In June, I hurt my back. It was the worst pain I'd ever had on my back and I wasn't even doing anything out of the ordinary.
By the time I had my appointment to see my nurse practitioner and physical therapy was approved, the pain had gone away after I spent four days in bed.
I couldn't have therapy in July because we were on the mainland so I went to Rehab at Aiea in August.
What a difference! This was more like Chicago. Stephanie was my therapist and she stayed by my side throughout my sessions. I had just four sessions spread out over two weeks to teach me some strengthening exercises. Stephanie carefully instructed me on each move, correcting me when I wasn't doing it properly. She also gave me hints on how to protect my back.
Ummm... crunches and sit-ups were recommended to help my back as well, but ummmm.... I couldn't do a single one. Sigh... I kept thinking I could, but alas... no. Stephanie kept encouraging me saying, "a little more, a little more...". But no. Sigh...
As I left my last session Stephanie smiled and said, "It would be lovely to see you again, but I hope I don't have to."
Me too... but I have a feeling physical therapy is not over for me.
Here in Hawaii I had tendinitis a few years ago and had to have more therapy on my shoulder. I liked the therapist who took care of me a lot, but I didn't much care for the way therapy was handled. You were taught how to use some machines and do some exercises. For the following sessions, you were given a stop watch and told to do an exercise while the therapist spot checked you occasionally.
By the time I had my appointment to see my nurse practitioner and physical therapy was approved, the pain had gone away after I spent four days in bed.
I couldn't have therapy in July because we were on the mainland so I went to Rehab at Aiea in August.
What a difference! This was more like Chicago. Stephanie was my therapist and she stayed by my side throughout my sessions. I had just four sessions spread out over two weeks to teach me some strengthening exercises. Stephanie carefully instructed me on each move, correcting me when I wasn't doing it properly. She also gave me hints on how to protect my back.
Ummm... crunches and sit-ups were recommended to help my back as well, but ummmm.... I couldn't do a single one. Sigh... I kept thinking I could, but alas... no. Stephanie kept encouraging me saying, "a little more, a little more...". But no. Sigh...
As I left my last session Stephanie smiled and said, "It would be lovely to see you again, but I hope I don't have to."
Me too... but I have a feeling physical therapy is not over for me.
I am surprised. I wouldn't do crunches or situps for my back. Of course, maybe different problems in different areas.
ReplyDeleteThere are many things I could use therapy for, knees elbows and back. There is no point in going to the doctor in the UK for this and private just soon mounts up cost wise. I'll stick with resting.
ReplyDeleteI am doing therapy here at Vantage House for my shoulder. I know exactly how I hurt it last December but thought it would get better on its own. I didn't know it was my rotator cuff, but thought it was my upper arm muscles. Therapy here has been great. Just ride the elevator to it. With massage, exercises, heat and stimulator (?) it's doing much better. Therapist also taped my shoulder like they do football players.
ReplyDeleteI had rehab therapy in 2000 when I fractured my pelvis. It wasn't fun but it sure did help me get better! I've hurt my back in the past and use a chiropractor and time to get over it. Glad you're doing so well again, and I won't make even a small comment about those crunches. :-)
ReplyDeleteI want to suggest that you check out the availability of Feldenkrais method in your area. I have done these very gently guided exercises in a group setting. It kind of feels almost like nothing exercise wise, but it made a huge difference in preventing aches and pains. In any case, take care.
ReplyDeleteDo not give up on the sit-ups if they are important to your health. You just have to keep trying and those muscles will strengthen over time. Core strength is so important to the joints.
ReplyDeleteThe sooner we start physical therapy when the doctor orders it, the sooner we get help. It has never failed to get me up and going.
ReplyDeleteI know you walk, but you might consider water aerobic too. I can do crunches effortlessly in the warm water of the pools.
ReplyDeletegood luck Kay, no fun here!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are able to avoid reinjury to your back. I have heard that it is one of the absolute most painful things to have. Take care, cuz!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lorna. My back feels fine now, but I still can't do those darn sit-ups. Arrrghhh...
DeleteThe body does heal itself, given time and proper care. Good luck and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for recognizing your need for therapy. Us older people need to get over our inhibitions about not needing therapy and get it with it. It will certainly keep us moving a lot longer and we all want that.
ReplyDeleteYour stomach muscles are what keeps your back stable. I don't do sit ups but do leg lifts and stretches which also strengthen the core and are easier to do. I do them every morning while in bed and it has kept my back healthy for years. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI have an appointment with my massage therapist, something I do for myself every six weeks or so. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you have been in pain and hurting. Physical therapists are so important for healing and for believing we will heal and yet, the experience can be so different depending on the place where you go. I'm so glad you we with a good therapist and that she helped you with the journey towards healing. Take care.
ReplyDeletethere's always some challenge!
ReplyDeleteThere are some great chair yoga videos on you tube, if you are interested.
ReplyDeletePhysiotherapy certainly helps. I like to get the exercises and work on them so I don't have to keep on going back.
ReplyDeleteYou just reminded me that I have not done my exercises yet today! Better get at it.
ReplyDeleteI have had a lot of sessions of physical therapy, for foot pain and for all kinds of symptoms associated with my back problem, and then after I had my surgery. That was two and a half years ago. I still do my physical exercises for core, balance and hip flexing, since now arthritis is attacking my knees and hips. It will be this way from now on. Gotta' keep moving.
And I hope I never have to visit one ever.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you'll never have to walk through those doors again.
Wishing you the best, Kay. When I lived in Switzerland one of the sisters was a certified Alexander Technique practitioner, and she helped a lot of people. You have that in Hawaii?
ReplyDeleteGosh... I have no idea. My back feels fine now though.
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