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Physical Therapy

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Physical Therapy Empty Physical Therapy

Post  Admin Tue Apr 30, 2013 2:00 pm

Didn't think that physical therapy quite fell into the medicine area so thought I would start a thread for it here since there are a few of us who are or have been doing therapy. Anyways for those who may not know I suffer from severe psoriatic arthritis along with severe psoriasis and diabetes (type II). I am wheelchair bound and haven't actually walked more than the five or six steps (accomplished with a walker) it takes to cross my bedroom in years. I began having neck and arm pain and losing the use of my arms a few months ago so my doctor sent me to an orthopedist who order physical therapy as he says there really isn't anything else that can be done. After some regular in office visits to the therapist they decided aqua therapy would benefit me more. I personally love the idea of being in a pool again, I have always loved swimming and if water exercise can help me feel and move better yay. So that will now begin this week. Told my therapist that Mom and Dad are installing a pool and her first thought was to teach me things I can do here at home once it's up running. So far so good, right? Who knew that pt could be so exhausting? I now have a list of 15 exercises to do at home some using a theraband, all to be done 3 times a day in sets of 10 for some and 30 for others.
Ah well I guess if it does all it is supposed to it's worth it. Will update my progress here so it doesn't clog up other areas.

On the funny side of things I have an assigned therapist, I saw her for my first appointment then she was at a conference learning techniques for the second week. I had thought she looked familiar but couldn't place her. Went yesterday for the pre-pool eval required by my insurance and she had figured out where she knew me from. Turns out she was the one assigned to Dad for his in home physical therapy after his knee replacement, small world.

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Post  samtibbs123 Tue Apr 30, 2013 7:19 pm

Weesa that is soo wonderful, it will be great for you from my experiences with PT it only works as well as the person learning how, while I was working with my little gal in the wheel chair she was going to PT 2 times a week and was supposed to be doing exercises the other 3 days unfortunately her folks couldn't see the benifits so they only partially did the routines, needless to say it became more of a massage and relaxing time for her than therapy, she benifited from the relaxation but never regained any of the strength needed, it would be wonderful to hear you are getting back some strength and beginning to be able to move around a bit! I know you can do it! Supporting you 100% you go girl! It is a small world for sure!
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Post  Maxecat Tue Apr 30, 2013 9:26 pm

Well,Weesa,you know how excited I am for you...and the thera bands are great too,because you can self adjust the tension. I've had my bands and rubber tubes for ages and only now have to replace them.

I'm sure your therapist will ease you into the work...though, every time you challenge yourself with something new your body will probably fight back..at least mine does (with a vengeance). Rolling Eyes
Guess the best thing about water work is the after effects don't usually include pain. Occasionally I'll forget to keep my feet on the pool bottom and I'll end up with tight calves...but other than that I find pool work so relaxing afterwards.

I can't wait for you to post your journey..hope you give yourself lots of rewards when you meet certain goals. You inspire us all. I love you
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Post  Admin Fri May 03, 2013 9:23 am

Well I have to say even almost 24hrs after my first pool session I am not sore like she thought I would be. I was talking to Mom and we think it could be due to the pt exercises that I've already been doing. My therapist did end a little early, only did about 40-45 minutes, but that was because she wasn't sure how my body would react to the change in activity. I did two regular pt sessions here at home last night in addition to what I had already done in the pool. The goal is to keep the damage to my nerves down and give me a safe way to be active. The problems with my feet just won't let me return to walking around on land again. Having said that the pool was great once I was able to get my balance in the water (been 10 years since I went swimming last) and I have to get used to the water shoes. She had me walk forwards, sideways, and then backwards for a distance. Then I used these blue things(pictured below) to do some underwater resistance work with my arms, followed by some exercises using one of those noodles that kids play with in the water. Then some where I had to hold onto the wall, seemed like I should have been standing at a ballet bar for them. She also has some water dumbbells that will be added at some point. Was pleasantly surprised that the chlorine didn't bother me at all. I did take some lotion with me to use after so that it wouldn't dry my skin out or irritate the psoriasis any more than it usually is. Once our pool is put together ( a dangerously leaning tree has to come down first) I'll be able to do most of the things here at home. Overall a very good start. bounce

Samtibbs I feel bad for that little girl. It's to bad her parents were so blinded to the benefits. Even if the therapy did nothing but get her out of the chair for a short time each day it was a benefit to her physically and mentally. Unless you live it there is just no way to know how it is to be stuck in a chair all day every day, I can't see why they would deny her the chance to leave it for a bit.

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Post  Maxecat Fri May 03, 2013 8:32 pm

Weesa,I can't stop smiling when reading of your water therapy. Too bad you can't make your pool salt water...swimming in the ocean always improved Larry's psoriasis.
You'll be amazed at how challenging the pool "dumb bells" can be.

Depending on the style,those water shoes can take some time to get used to but they're the best for moving safely.I'm so happy you have the opportunity to be active again. I think it will make a positive difference in your life. Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy
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Post  Admin Sat May 04, 2013 9:17 am

It seems that salt water isn't as main stream for home pools as one would think. The salt causes corrosion naturally and they just won't warranty the pool if you install it with a salt system. We did
go the sand filter route instead of those dreadful cartridge ones. I'm just happy that the chlorine didn't bother me, it's more chlorinated there than we will be here at home so as long as I take a shower after and use my lotion it should ok. Yeah my therapist said the shoes would take some getting used to, especially since I only wear street shoes when I leave the house. Can't wait to see what she has set up for the next session.

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Post  Admin Tue May 07, 2013 8:17 pm

Therapy was much more intensive today. Did the full time today. She added some resistance exercises as well as some more of the ballet type stretches and squats. Then she had me doing aerobic style step ups holding onto the railing for added balance. All of these things I would never be able to do on dry land. It's so nice to be able to feel like a normal person being able to get up and move about bounce . She says my balance is improving in addition to my posture. Was also able to use the baby oil gel after rinsing off the pool water and it worked better than I thought it would. Used it again after my shower this evening and was actually able to use my fave scented lotion without it burning the flare ups cheers Oh and an added bonus I didn't think of before, all this therapy has caused weight loss. On a whim last night I tried a pair of jeans that have been in my closet for a year or so because they just didn't fit comfortably. Was pleasantly surprised to find that not only did they fit good, but are really comfy, was so happy that I wore them today. Very Happy

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Post  samtibbs123 Fri May 10, 2013 6:48 am

Oh Weesa

That is fantastic news, glad to hear you are getting so much out of your therapy sessions, what a wonderful workout! I know you will see ups and downs while you learn these exercises, but I'm sure as you get stronger and such you will get more ups than downs! Hugs dear!

The thing with the gal I cared for is a long story,but suffice it to say our favorite times together was Wednesday evenings when we could stretch her out on the couch with her head on my lap and watch cartoons, her folks didn't mind as they were out for the evening it was a win win all around.

You go girl we are with you all the way!
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Post  Admin Sat May 11, 2013 10:20 am

Ups and downs is a correct assessment Samtibbs. Everyone else has been busy getting things ready and moved out of the way for the tree guy then the leveling guy to come that I ended fixing dinner Wednesday evening. Was a bit overly ambitious in my menu, all the cutting and stirring put my right shoulder out of commission for the remainder of the evening. Don't think it helped that I had already been cutting quilt pieces half the day so Mom could repair mine. Told my therapist about it the Thursday morning and she had me do some shoulder strengthening stuff with the water as resistance. Of course this was in addition to the other things I had been doing and a some new things too. Was very tired afterward. Learning loads though that I can do at home so that's good. Of course if I could learn when to let up on other things it would help. Had a wonderful theory that cleaning the stainless steel appliances would be a good at home therapy session yesterday morning. Ouch, bad idea got all of them done, proceeded to the bathroom counter and finished getting it all cleaned up. Fixed dinner again, nothing fancy this time. Seems that after about 45 minutes of continuous use my right arm is just useless. Evil or Very Mad Really have to work on that.

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Post  Karentia Tue May 14, 2013 1:18 am

cheers Congrats Weesa! Not about the sore shoulder, no, the other stuff! So happy things are progressing so well with the water therapy & learning new things! Yes, moderation is a good friend for when you are out of the water.

Sending you healing thoughts as well sweetheart! Amazed at how well everything is going so well, the jeans are fitting better too - very cool.

Good luck with getting the home pool finished. Very Happy
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Post  Admin Wed May 15, 2013 10:18 am

Well the home pool should be built in a day or so. The sand arrived yesterday and the building should start this evening when my brother and his friends come over to do the heavy lifting.

As for the physical therapy, went on Tuesday and it was pretty good. She changed out some of the things (she doesn't like to keep it easy) and added others. She always asks about pain levels and I told her about the trouble I had after all the cooking I did Sunday. Seems it could be what she calls infringement on that area of my shoulder. She suggested switching to my left hand for repetitive tasks like stirring and using the mouse whenever possible, and to switch stirring between counter clockwise and clockwise so it's not as repetitious. Will be in the office for the next session as she has a morning graduation to attend and the pool is only available during morning hours. Overall pretty happy with Tuesday's session, I was able to some of the pool walking without her by my side. My balance in the water is much improved apparently. bounce

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Post  Karentia Wed May 15, 2013 11:47 am

cheers Glad to hear of the improvements! Always good news!

As for switching off, yes, very helpful for stirring & such! When I do my hand stirring for the cookies & such (which you know I did a lot of) I started doing it with both hands, and switching directions, years ago. I have over worked my right arm so much with so many different activities over my life, I've had to become more ambidexterous. In fact, some of my mural painting has been with my left! Until I need the fine detail, back to the right for fine control. Glad she is helping you with these ideas. I never thought about sharing them with anyone else Embarassed
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Post  Admin Fri May 17, 2013 7:13 am

Never thought of them either and being right handed it is proving difficult for me with some tasks to try being left handed. Wish I was like my uncle he's ambidextrous. Remember him feeding my youngest brother at the dinner table and still being to eat his own dinner with the other hand.

Had my session in office yesterday morning since my regular therapist had a graduation to attend. It was brutal. Did many of the exercises from my home routine (increased the hand weight to 2lb.) and then also did about 10 minutes each on two separate machines. Very tired afterwards, but if it helps me with the pain and some movement I'll keep it up. Back to the pool for next weeks sessions, prefer those as they allow me to move more fluidly since there is no real pressure on my joints. Water is amazing.

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Post  Admin Thu May 23, 2013 8:50 pm

Seems my therapists thinks that once you accomplish the "simple" exercises it's time to take those out of the rotation and replace them more difficult ones. Yep two pool sessions this week and both wiped me out completely. On the upside I do feel less pain and have learned some tricks to being able to repetitive activities without causing to much discomfort.

Maxecat she's going to give me papers for pool exercises to do here at home. When she does I'll let you know what they are so you can see if they are similar to the ones you know.

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Post  Admin Tue Jun 04, 2013 9:57 pm

Ok today was the last day of aquatic therapy for me. I will have final therapy appointment at the office when I will be discharged and given the papers for continuing at home. I have to say I wasn't sure about the benefits for me when I started but adding the pool to it really did help me in more ways than I thought. I went and bought nice new bathing suit before my first appointment, it is pretty and has tiered layers of material so when you are in the water the tiers float. This was not good it kept me from seeing well what she was trying to show me, so I purchased another suit that works better. Being from different stores and brands I thought nothing of the size difference between them. I had been doing normal land bound therapy for a while and hadn't realized I had lost weight. Well I figured it out quickly last night. I put the first suit on and it was extremely different in fit Mom will have to alter it so that I can wear it. Will be curious to see how things go in that area as continue the exercises at home. Was able to find some adjustable weights that Velcro around the wrist or ankle to add to some of the routine to and at a reasonable price. Overall I have to recommend therapy for anyone who is in need of greater mobility and pain relief.

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Post  Karentia Wed Jun 05, 2013 1:26 am

Woohoo! Conrats on the graduation from PT! And the weight loss! Once you get moving, yes, really can melt away!
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Post  Admin Thu Jun 06, 2013 8:08 pm

Thanks Karentia went for my final appointment today and the therapist basically re-did all the assessment tests that I did at the beginning and middle of the process to see where I am now. She
said I've been progressing nicely and gave me a three page printout of pool exercises to continue at home in addition to the ones I already do in the house.

So now that I am finishing with my therapy Dad will be going for an evaluation next week to see if the therapist his doctor chose (not same one as I had) can get him on a program that will help him. He's been having some problems and went to the doctor today to see what his mri said. Hopefully this will help or at least won't hurt.

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Post  Admin Thu Jun 13, 2013 12:44 pm

Ok Dad's therapy started yesterday. His therapist gave him 5 exercises to start with to do twice daily at home. Dad asked him about aquatic exercise since we have the pool and the therapist gave him some for that to be done at least three times a week. Some of his are similar to what I do but most of them aren't. I'm thinking he may progress into the more difficult ones later. Any way I just hope that they help him feel better.

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Post  Siggy2010 Wed Jul 10, 2013 6:02 pm

Okay. So i had physical therapy five years ago for my arm. I am still having problems with it and the excersses they gave me for my arm are not helping. I have no idea what to do. Can anyone help me?

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Post  Karentia Thu Jul 11, 2013 1:18 am

Hi Siggy2010, welcome!

What was the pt for with your arm? Surgery? Accident? Repetetive injury/motion issues? Do you do your home pt regularly? When does it hurt? We may not know all the answers, but we do have a lot of experience in here.

Good luck & healing thoughts your way!
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Post  Siggy2010 Thu Jul 11, 2013 9:26 am

Thanks for the welcome Karentia!

The pt was for a softball injury. I am not sure if i pulled somthing or if it was from same motion over and over. It actually might have been from both. What i really remember is the pt guy asking me what in the world did u do to your arm.

I do my pt regularly. It hurts on odd days. Like one week no pain what so ever, then the following weeks pain like no other. I am wondering if it is because i have become so much less activie since i graduated high school. All i know is the pain has moved a bit up my shoulder and comes at odd time.

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Post  Karentia Thu Jul 11, 2013 9:24 pm

I would suggest you get seen again. It is possible you either tore something originally that was not seen, or you keep pulling it by moving a certain way? Either way, go in. Do you have arnica gel? Rub it on the skin (little dab will do) and it helps healing as well as easing pain from bruising, pulled muscles & even broken bones. Many of us have used it with great success. Good luck!
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Post  Admin Thu Jul 11, 2013 10:36 pm

Siggy2010 welcome to the site:!:  I have to second Karentia's advice of getting to a doctor for a new look. I have several pt exercises to do daily and I change them up so that I don't get bored with the repetition. There are also a lot of them for the arm that you can do in the pool. My biggest problem is my right arm (yup right handed), the computer is a major trigger for me and my therapist told me it was because of the movement of typing/using mouse causes infringement. Needless to say it puts my arm out for a day if I don't limit my computer time. Hope you can get it looked at and find the right treatment soon.

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Post  Admin Tue Nov 26, 2013 12:22 pm

Seems like the year of physical therapy at my house. Had my niece in to get her evaluation yesterday, she got the same therapist that I had. She gave the same opinion as the Orthopedist, mild patellar tendonitis that she will grow out of. She taught my niece some exercises and gave her a printout of them so she could do them here. No further appointments necessary unless the problem worsens. She also gave the go ahead to add my pool exercises to the mix for her when next summer rolls around. Good news all in all.

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Post  Maxecat Tue Nov 26, 2013 3:22 pm

Weesa,maybe you and your niece can work together to get stronger and more flexible. I'm starting to get back into yoga again...but at my own pace. My SIL is interested,too,but she's going to try one of the gyms in town first. I know the teacher..she's young and trained for Zumba.. Yoga can be tricky if not done correctly and it definitely isn't a one size (i.e. instruction) fits all.

I hope you're not experiencing the cold and damp we have today. It's trying to snow but so far only rain has hit the ground. The day is only fit for crawling into bed and praying for Spring. Even hard to type..

oh,have you heard of the Dragon computer program that allows you to speak instead of typing?
I think Eagle Skyfire has something like it.
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