posted
I have been in physical therapy for about two months (before starting treatment for Lyme). Originally I was sent because of the nerve pain and the weakness I was having (I was falling a lot)
I can't tell you that it helped the pain...I wish it had. However, for me, it has helped the instability I had in my legs.
I have been very diligent in doing my excercises everyday, which I know was HUGE in strengthening my muscles.
The other thing my Physical therapist did was called myofascial release. She had been specially trained in this. It was pretty interesting. After she did this, I always felt more relaxed.
Physical therapy is worth a shot, but can be painful too. I was fortunate to have a wonderful physical therapist!
Becky
Posts: 68 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Nov 2007
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tdtid
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10276
posted
My personal experience with PT was back before I had a diagnosis and I was doing it to help with pain. But it would just aggravate my pain more after getting out of there.
BUT with that said, they had no clue what was wrong with me and from what I understand, there is a certain protocol they use for lyme patients that differs from some P.T.
I would say it's going to be dependant on your physical therapist. There are good and bad ones... just like good and bad doctors. If you find one that works for you, stick with it. If not, I'd say, move on to another. Just my two cents.
Cathy
-------------------- "To Dream The Impossible Dream" Man of La Mancha Posts: 2638 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Oct 2006
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
Read what Dr. B says about rehabilitation in his guidelines here and bring the relevant section with you to the therapist
I've found most physical therapists to be incompetent when it comes to Lyme. Most seem to only be able to help a person who has had an injury regain motion and strength.
The only good therapist I've worked with was based in a small pain clinic and then moved out on his own. The PT centers are like factories in my opinion.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
Physical therapy was one of my turning points. The thing is that you need to find a good physical therapist that really knows their stuff.
Mine found bones out of place (ribs, pelvis) that even my chiropractor did not find or even look for. Since I have neuro-lyme, any bones out of place make my nerves react which make my muscles react and I end up all balled up.
To this day, I still have to be very vigilent about my bones and whether they are in place or not.
I was very deconditioned, and the therapist helped me to slowly build back up my strength and stamina. I believe that building up the muscles again does help the pain because it helps to take stress off of the joints.
If you can get a good recommendation for a physical therapist from someone that would be the best route to finding someone good. My massage therapist gave me the name of the guy I used. He is a sports physical therapist. Very good.
After 7 months of therapy I was able to start going to the gym and I was able to start horseback riding again. I continued in therapy as I started these activities to keep my body in line.
Now, I see a chiropractor about once every 3 weeks. It is essential for me to stay active.
Before physical therapy, anything exercise other than gentle stretching or walking left me in a ball of painful, tight muscles. I still get tight sometimes, if I push too much, but my body is learning to release if I get a massage or see the chiropractor.
So, good luck with your adventure - I think it is great! It is not easy - I did alot of hard work to get back to where I am - but so worth it!
Robin
Posts: 276 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2006
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trueblue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7348
posted
I am having pleasantly surprising results with a PT that does Cranio-Sacral amd Myofascial release. And an Osteopath doing Osteopathic Manipulation (OMT).I've not gained anything from PT in the past other than getting some excersize.
This is actually reducing pain. It might take a while but I'm willing to do it and some Osteopathis manipulations. So far so good... time will tell but I am more hopeful then I have ben in quite some time.
I believe most of my problems are connective tissue related. I hope this helps a bit.
trueblue
-------------------- more light, more love more truth and more innovation Posts: 3783 | From somewhere other than here | Registered: May 2005
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posted
Thanks so much for your replies. I'm excited about starting. I don't really have anyone to recommend a PT (new to the area), but after hearing your responses, I won't be afraid to try another place if need be. How long do you think that I should stick it out with one? Also, I love the idea about taking the section in the treatment guidelines....I'll definitely do that! Thanks again!
Posts: 49 | From Holly Springs, NC | Registered: May 2007
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
If you are unsure of your therapist, then walk away.
If you tell your therapist something hurts and they tell you to do it anyway, then walk away. (Unless it comes with the question of what kind of pain it is and an explanation that it is a type of pain that is ok in moderation).
If your therapist does nothing but show you exercises and then walks away while you do the exercises, I would find a new therapist.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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