Physiotherapy
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Training my muscles to do their job properly in supporting my back is taking some work. While I can only see minimal progress, Liz, my physiotherapist, is extremely encouraging. It was she who discerned in the first place that physiotherapy alone was not going to improve my pain, and recommended a surgeon she described as ‘a lovely, really lovely man.’
However, in common with many (most) surgeons, once his job is done, he doesn’t see the ongoing work that goes into progressive recovery. He was keen for me to be discharged without any walking aids, as he wanted me to stand up straight. The hospital physio had a discussion with him and changed his mind. I said to her, ‘I’ll be in trouble, won’t I?’ and she said, ‘No, you won’t.’
I had the impression that it’s a conversation she often has, along with other physios. It was just as well she obtained his permission, (for that’s the impression I had) as although I could stand up straight, I could only stagger one or two steps in a drunken, unbalanced fashion, without support. It seems a long time ago, now.
I was a little nervous about seeing him again for the customary post-op consultation, thinking he would expect me to be striding along like a soldier on parade, but Liz wrote to him this week, setting out my progress thus far. As she said, there’s no rule book for recovery – everyone’s different. She, and the other physios, just wish the surgeons could see at least part of their patients’ postoperative journey.
A good physiotherapist is worth her or his weight in gold!
I agree, a good physio sees much more than the surgeon. I'm glad she advocated for you. And that the surgeon listened.
ReplyDeletePhysios speak their minds with calm and balance.
DeleteGood physiotherapists are seriously underrated until one has benefited from their services. Nice to read that you are progressing. All power to you building up your muscles again.
ReplyDeleteThank you, F.
DeleteI agree with you on physiotherapists. They've kept me going for years, When they tell you to do something so many times 4 times a day, they mean it. It has to be done that much to do any good.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the exercises seem so simple that one wonders if they're doing anything. They are, of course.
DeleteYour journey highlights just how essential skilled, compassionate physiotherapists like Liz are
ReplyDeleteShe's great - deals with all ages and conditions.
DeleteI have never yet needed a physiotherapist, but I am happy to learn from reading here in case I ever do need one. It's good your physio spoke to the surgeon and he listened. Perhaps he might take it upon himself to learn a bit more about what goes on after he has done his bit.
ReplyDeleteI rather doubt much will change, but the physios will keep plugging on.
DeleteYour physio sounds brilliant. xx
ReplyDeleteShe is. Fun, too.
DeleteI'm glad you are making progress. It's so important to have the supporting structures like muscles all up to strength. Just look at the careful way athletes, dancers and musicians develop their bodie to avoid debilitating problems later on. A good physiotherapist is worth their weight in gold.
ReplyDeleteI often watch musicians and wonder about the strain they're exerting on their bodies. Repetitive movements, hour after hour . . .
DeleteHi Janice - so good to read ... and yes keeping in touch with our medics as to our progress - I've been doing that ... and it helps them. Good for you (and your physio) - enjoy the sunnier weekend - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI hope you're making good progress, too, Hilary. Doesn't the sun make you feel good?
DeleteWhilst it might be a race to return to good health, it never should be a sprint, just hope your recovery is a good one.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm a tortoise, not a hare. 😀
DeleteI am so glad to hear you are making progress and you have a caring therapist. 24 years ago I was in a critical head on car crash. I spent 6 months at 3 times a week in therapy and my surgeon counted on them to give him the results. Don't get discouraged about the the length of time, slow and sure is perfect.
ReplyDeleteGoodness me, what a traumatic event. You were lucky to survive.
Deleteyours therapist sounds really good at her job. in 2015, I could barely walk because of pain in my right knee. Ortho doc said it was arthritis spur and sent me to a physiotherapy program 3 times a week. it worked wonders and when I said I can't afford this, they did not kick me to the curb but said make one more visit and we will train you in what to do at home. it worked so well, and since she said to me, learn this and do it at least 3 times a week for the rest of your life. and I have and that is why I can still walk at age 80. I do believe that.
ReplyDeleteHubby went to therapy in 2017 and I had to drive him and wait with him and was allowed to sit and watch. I incorporated several more things that I saw them do on other patients and added them to my early am, right out of bed, 15 minute program. I do all of it faithfuly every other day unless sick. Bob refused to do them and he can't walk and I can..
it does work and work well.... thanks for sharing your story
Well done, you.
DeleteA good physical therapist is worth his or her weight in gold, to use a cliche. I've seen that with a close family member. Good luck with your continued recovery.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alana.
DeleteThank goodness for your physiotherapist. The surgeon may be good at what he does but it's the physiotherapist who gets you across the finish line
ReplyDeleteVery true.
DeletePhysio is not terribly well supported in our system. I mean it is there (if you’re lucky) but often not for long enough.
ReplyDeleteThat's disappointing to hear.
DeleteEveryone I've talked to that's had physical therapy says they've benefited from it
ReplyDeleteI can believe it.
DeleteDoes sound like you've been lucky with your physio therapist. I had one in the past that was really helpful and supportive as well. (I was also less lucky with another one - but that's ancient history by now...)
ReplyDeleteThere are good and not so good in most walks of life.
DeleteBit by bit. There will be good and bad days. But hopefully slowly thing will improve.
ReplyDeleteThank you,Tasker.
ReplyDeleteIt's great when you have a care team that listens to you and works for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good when your voice is heard.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have someone advocating for you. That's always good. I hope you keep getting better and stronger as the days go on and you heal 100%.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary. 😀
DeleteSounds good. Glad you had a decent one.
ReplyDeleteI've actually not been to a physiotherapist! first time i've heard they're worth so much.
LIAM :)
Go on recommendation if you have to have one.
DeleteI'm glad someone is in your corner!
ReplyDeleteMe. too!
DeleteI agree with your conclusion.
ReplyDelete😀
DeleteWow she sounds like a great physio.
ReplyDeleteI was recommended to have physio on my ankle after a sprain wouldn't heal (really long story there). I went twice a week. I found it really painful. I ended up crying after most sessions. When I finally went back to see the orthopedic doctor, he concluded it wasn't doing any good (after about six months) and put me back in a boot and then on to surgery. My gripe about the physio was that (as I'm in America) it was really expensive and not covered by my insurance. It ended up being a really expensive exercise!
That's so bad. My son-in-law had a similar experience - misdiagnosed, told to keep going and 'of course it will hurt,' and finally had surgery. N ow he's healing. Not all physiotherapists are good at their job.
Delete"A good physiotherapist is worth her or his weight in gold!"
ReplyDeleteI agree with your words ...
All the best Jan
😀
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your physiotherapist knew exactly what you needed!
ReplyDeleteSharing your view on surgeons, as Jos is in the same boat, although your ailments are completely different. xxx