Physiotherapy and lack of understanding

[Cb1963]

So, I've had a demanding physical life, mainly in the building trades, I've been diagnosed with arthritis in both shoulders and now my back is giving up, and hip is giving me problems, so after telling the various jobs I've done I told him that I used to do " hod" carrying now I suppose age was against the young man I attended, however I tried to explain what this involves, he just gave me a blank look and I said have you ever heard of this work, no was his reply, I just felt that he didn't understand the working of the building trade and I told him to Google it!I'm unsure how many of these younger physiotherapists can grasp how hard manual work is, they sit in warm offices typing away on a keypad,still wet behind the ears and telling you that you need to do exercise 🙄 obviously I'm not a youngster anymore (60) and the body is getting worn out.

I don't want to be forced into something, I had enough orders being barked at me in the armed forces, yes I know perhaps I'm being a bit harsh on him, but understanding how people feel and knowing the background rather than just producing a printed leaflet off could help those giving exercises help them understand, you can lead a horse to water but can't make them drink it🤷‍♂️

[Agora1]

Cb, I hear you with every ouch and ache of my body. xx

[Cb1963 in reply to Agora1]

Awe thanks, hope you aren't struggling to much 😊x

[Agora1 in reply to Cb1963]

Fibromyalgia...this is my busy time of year in setting up the front garden.

I'm good though. xx

[Cookie2217]

So sorry your frustrated with the doctor's your right CB they don't understand what hard labor entails. My husband Paul was a roofer for 10 years so he gets it and so do I. I don't blame you for being harsh on him. You should be with no apologizes. Wishing you peace and well-being. Take care of yourself.

[Cb1963 in reply to Cookie2217]

Yep I've done roofing as well, out in all weather's, the only trade I haven't done is electrical work don't fancy being electrocuted 🤣

[Cookie2217 in reply to Cb1963]

I don't blame you. Electrical work is crazy they have them guys out in hurricanes and all sorts of storms to get the electric back up.

[Pitalife]

Wow, I too feel your pain,think u hit the nail on the head,I'm doing PT w bunch young pt therapists,young and over weight,I'm also male 60 yrs old have bad arthritis in shoulder joints,hip knees,lower back,it's no joke I'm killing myself w otc meds,just to get through the day and I've been caregiver of my elderly mom who's in very rough shape,no help or family left,I hope you can find relief,it's terrible living in chronic pain, I suffer more thenni show cause I've learned to hide it best I can,itsvruined my social life and I've become severely withdrawn from public eyes..

[Cb1963 in reply to Pitalife]

Sympathy with you pal, and I get little sleep, I get tension headaches due to the lack of sleep , I'm just wondering what other goodies are in store as I get older, take care 🙂

[Perseus0396]

I'm 65 and have had both hips and shoulders replaced -- the left one was just done outpatient on Mon. Same w/ my older brother, except I think he's ahead of me - arthritis runs in our family. It is an option and a real game changer, and for the better. Hope you find some kind of relief!

[Cb1963 in reply to Perseus0396]

Thanks for your reply, sounds like you've had a fairly decent result 👍

[bethelbee]

HiCb1963!

I am writing as a retired Occupational Therapist(am getting ready to turn 69) so I definitely understand what you are going through! I have also been the recipient of therapy following a back surgery(need another one, too) and following a fall which resulted in a shattered then replaced hip. My former career is what led me to back issues, plus I also have osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease in my back and hips. As a PT your therapist should have an understanding of how your job impacted your body. Try to follow through with the therapy if you can. Are you going to a clinic for therapy or doing exercises at home? I have a friend who is a PT Assistant who is presently going for therapy for a worker's comp shoulder injury and she is not thrilled about having a much younger "wet behind the ears' therapist telling her what to do when she knows what she is supposed to do. If you don't like your therapist, ask for another.

[Cb1963 in reply to bethelbee]

Yes a discussion was had regarding my various issues, a couple of exercises done, a bit of stretching and a leaflet telling me what to do, obviously he couldn't do all the ailments in the one session I've had, back again in June to go over my other problems, it's strange how football and heading a ball is now recognised for head trauma in later life, but nobody understands the hard graft on building sites, manual digging, plastering, tiling, and all labour intensive jobs, I feel its a paper exercise, perhaps they should have someone who's got the same ailments trying to tell you what to do, perhaps I'm being a bit hard on him, and obviously I didn't expect to have so many issues all at once,they've crept up on me, and I feel I'm still to young to have these problems, I struggle getting out of bed in the mornings, these people don't understand the impact on my mental health, it goes hand in hand, I really don't enjoy getting old, and trying to convince my brain otherwise is a difficult call.

[Hidden]

You remind me of someone I cared about very deeply, I'm not sure how long you've known the person, but maybe they're trying to make you happy? Some like physical labor! Some don't! Few like both. I think with so much "knowledge" at our fingertips, the younger generations heads spin a bit more, and shut down.