9 replies to this topic

[Beautiful]

If you could go back to physical therapy, what would you want to work on or learn? Work on balance? Core? Certain transfers? Stretching?

Recently I've gone back to PT with my main goal being using the FES machine. My therapist had put some smaller goals in the plan too, but wasn't really putting much thought into them. Well, I found out I couldn't use the FES machine, and I've accomplished all those small goals already. I enjoy being back in PT a lot, but my insurance doesn't know why I'm still in it if I've already reached my goals. I feel like I need more work on my core (well, a lot) but I have to have defined goals that I can show "great improvement" on.

So, what would you guys want to do/learn?

[Scrappy]

Beautiful, on 05 January 2012 - 08:07 AM, said:

If you could go back to physical therapy, what would you want to work on or learn? Work on balance? Core? Certain transfers? Stretching?

Recently I've gone back to PT with my main goal being using the FES machine. My therapist had put some smaller goals in the plan too, but wasn't really putting much thought into them. Well, I found out I couldn't use the FES machine, and I've accomplished all those small goals already. I enjoy being back in PT a lot, but my insurance doesn't know why I'm still in it if I've already reached my goals. I feel like I need more work on my core (well, a lot) but I have to have defined goals that I can show "great improvement" on.

So, what would you guys want to do/learn?

well i always like goin 2 pt bc i like working out and have someone do the range of motion for me haha.. and i hav enuf arm strength to support my body so my therapist lets me go on the standing bars and he helps stabilize my knees and thers other ways 2 stand up at home like a walker against a wall.. but i get on the bike with my feet up and a loose wrap around my legs.. i also work on my trunk stabilization amd other arm chest exercises

[nomis]

You could work on your posture when sitting. There's no end to improving it and it'll mean so much later in life - you can't afford to get out of alignment from sloppy posture. Your PT should be able to define and point out to you any faults that can be improved upon which should also take care in clarifying specific goals. It's not just balance but also strengthening the relevant muscles that help hold you upright.

[wheelie182]

Id go back for the Physio therapists. At Rookwood hospital they were FIT.

[physiotherapist]

This could be an interesting discussion for me to follow....

I am a specialist physiotherapist and have worked at more than one SCI unit in the UK and abroad. I've just set up a new company offering specialist treatment, training and consultancy services and the website has gone live in the last couple of days. Feel free to take a look at www.sci-services.co.uk for an overview of what we offer.

I know from experience that you guys often have trouble accessing specialist knowledge at community level so am hoping to help solve that problem for you. I am really wanting to deliver what people want and need so any advice of things for me to look at would be greatly appreciated.

It's early days but I'm hoping the business will be constantly evolving and expanding and with your help I can hopefully do the best job possible!

[pjcstoke]

I think the most important part is core strength whatever level of injury - it helps in so many ways

[Beautiful]

I know the physical therapist will usually point on what you need to work on, etc. I know I need to work on my core/balance. However, the last session I had, one of the therapists said that is something I will be continually working on throughout my life. The place I go to is for sport & spinal rehabilitation. But the whole spinal rehabilitation part is different for a spinal cord injury patients. Like, they focus on the neuro part of it all.

Because they're not really trying to help me find a way to stay, I think today is actually going to be my last visit. I'm really sad because I feel like the last 4 weeks were a waste of time. I didn't improve much of anything. I really want to go back to P.T. to get my strength up and work on my core. I mean, I see people who are 2-3 years post injury still in therapy, and they're sitting on therapy balls and lifting weights. I want that. I see them being stretched and everything. I need that. Two weeks ago my therapist was stretching my legs as I was on my back, and my right leg actually got 15 degrees more extension!

Do I have pointless goals? Should I even bother looking for another place that will help me?

Edited by Beautiful, 11 January 2012 - 10:40 AM.

[Edinburgh Colin]

Beautiful, on 11 January 2012 - 10:39 AM, said:

I know the physical therapist will usually point on what you need to work on, etc. I know I need to work on my core/balance. However, the last session I had, one of the therapists said that is something I will be continually working on throughout my life. The place I go to is for sport & spinal rehabilitation. But the whole spinal rehabilitation part is different for a spinal cord injury patients. Like, they focus on the neuro part of it all.

Because they're not really trying to help me find a way to stay, I think today is actually going to be my last visit. I'm really sad because I feel like the last 4 weeks were a waste of time. I didn't improve much of anything. I really want to go back to P.T. to get my strength up and work on my core. I mean, I see people who are 2-3 years post injury still in therapy, and they're sitting on therapy balls and lifting weights. I want that. I see them being stretched and everything. I need that. Two weeks ago my therapist was stretching my legs as I was on my back, and my right leg actually got 15 degrees more extension!

Do I have pointless goals? Should I even bother looking for another place that will help me?

As a L2 injury I think your desires are exactly right. You should be working on posture and strength. Excuse the plain talk but apart from the fact that you don't have a normal bum to sit on you should be able to function from the hips up as if you were able bodied although a little unstable as you do not have the input of your legs as anchors.


Core strength and posture (from your toes up) are crucial to you feeling well and balanced, this should result in better functionality for you in a whole manner of ways, most of which you will already be aware of. I would have thought that a proper gym instructor could help you with core strength and balanced muscle development in your upper body to improve posture. Your stretching and positioning of your lower body is where the specialist assistance is required.

I would like to hear "physiotherapists" comments on this as it applies to a great many of us, I'm T3/4 and my posture is deteriorating as I approach 3 years post injury and I need to work on it asap.

Good luck Bre,

EC

[Beautiful]

We were using two poles and the therapist was holding one end and I was holding the other. She would pull them apart, push them together, move them to the side, etc. I did perfect on all these. Then she had me sit with my arms crossed and she pushed me. Not even that hard. I fell over. We found out that I'm relying on my shoulders/arm for strength instead of my core. Obviously my balance is affected because of that. I can't even use resistant bands without leaning back on my backrest because my balance is so bad. I am NOWHERE near what an L2 should be, and to be honest, it is embarrassing. I'm also bypassing the muscles in my upper back and putting pressure on my lower back. Like if she pushes down on me, I depend on my lower back, if that makes any sense. Certain muscles have just stopped working and my shoulders have gone into overdrive and are overworked. My posture is bad as well, so that doesn't help with balance. Because of my pelvic obliquity, I have a big lean. Finding my "balance point" is really hard. I'm supposed to be scheduling another back surgery soon though, so maybe it'll improve. Fingers crossed.

[Beautiful]

Update: I found a way to private pay them! I'm praying they'll accept it. They should, right? There won't be any third party billing or anything, and they'll be getting paid, so they should be fine with that, right?!