My goal here is to be as impartial as possible. So please, readers, view this page as an example only. My bottom line: PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN WORK MIRACLES--IF you get a good therapist, AND a good personality match between you and the therapist.
I asked the hospital to try to set me up with someone who would not have a negative opinion of fitness professionals, (especially trainers!). They succeeded.
My therapist has come to my house, 3 times a week. My insurance dictates how many visits I am allowed: 12.
Her focus from the beginning has been the way I walk. Not just the pattern caused by having surgery, but what she sees as a life-long pattern. Maybe if she had worked on me when I was 12, I would not have needed this surgery!
She has also educated me about what should be expected at each stage along the way, which is someone that works for me. At times I want to be frustrated because all this work on my walking gait doesn't seem to be making my knee function better...I so want to bend it fully!!! But I accept her assessments.
Here's the thing I really want to share:
BE PROACTIVE WITH YOUR THERAPIST!!!
- Ask for what you want
- At some point you will be on your own, make sure you are learning what you need
- If you don't feel a good connection with the first 2 meetings, ask for another therapist
- Make a list of the activities you most want to get back to doing. I wanted to be able to sit on the floor and do yoga..accomplished by week 2.
- It helps to look at some anatomy and know where your muscles are weak or strong
- Don't neglect stretches. Most stretches should be held 30-60 seconds, and that's a long time!
- REST is part of therapy
I hope this is helpful, and that you can make the most of your own therapy.
No comments:
Post a Comment