posted
Has anyone had success w/PT? I am expecting that the therapist won't know much about lyme.. I actually do not have much physical pain (knock on wood) except for my knees sometimes.. but my LLMD thought it would be good to get me back into conditioning, stregnth training etc..
anyone know of a physical therapist in central nj who is familiar w/treating lyme in case this doesn't go well?
Posts: 245 | From East Brunswick, NJ | Registered: Oct 2008
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posted
I had pt every year for, oh gosh, 20+ years, for my unknown health problem, and never got anywhere with it.
What has worked best for me is doing stretches and light swimming in the pool.
Initially I put a torso float around me, and snorkle and goggles so I wouldn't have to turn my head to breathe, then found every stretch I could to do, and swam light laps inbetween.
That's the work that pulled me out of all the spasming I was in, and I did that two years before I found out I had Lyme.
Posts: 13171 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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You might want to be proactive in educating a local PT by providing ILADS oriented websites, articles, books you have come across.
I personally find exercise within tolerance limits helpful unless I try too much. Start easy and build on success is my recommendation.
Best wishes, Grannie LA
Posts: 67 | From the state of Lyme | Registered: Sep 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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My advice is that PT can be very helpful but ONLY if the PT is thoroughly educated in lyme and even in chronic neuro-lyme.
Most PTs simply do not have the knowledge or skill and can do a lot of harm and heap tons of judgement.
See if anyone in your area lyme support group can offer any recommendations - and your LLMD or those in your area may be able to offer names as well.
I find massage therapy far better than PT. Myofascial Release is fabulous. John Barnes' web site has a list for around the country to find someone.
Remember that a PT usually will not do any massage. They are more about instruction these days.
They seem to compartmentalize the body - working only on certain parts and not relieving some of the underlying kinks.
If you need instruction for a certain problem, they can be great but I've never found them very helpful in general. If you are sound or light sensitive, be sure to ask for a private - quiet room. Not all PT depts. can do this, so be sure to ask in advance.
Tai Chi or Qi Gong are excellent to improve strength, endurance and balance. Many groups are all around and there are some on DVD. There are many styles so you want one for rejuvenation purposes. Some can be rougher.
Soaring Crane Qi Gong is very healing. Some forms of yoga can be very nice, too.
posted
I have been going to a lyme literate PT for a few years.
I cannot manage my pain without her.
She is located in Hunterdon County, NJ.
You can pm me if you want more info.
-------------------- This is NOT medical advice - and should NOT be used to replace your MD's advice. Info is only the opinion of those who publish the site.
The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at a time.
cb Posts: 669 | From somewherebetweentherocks | Registered: Mar 2008
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