Physiotherapy

[sssglsjhs]

I have been going to physiotherapy for months and see an experienced physiotherapist in Fibromyalgia. I've not attended my last appointment as I feel so far nothing has been advised, what I already know. The appointment lasts 20mins tops, no examination on progress or my main pain area at present and I just get handed another exercise sheet which most is advised not to do. Has anyone else going through the same process? Or anyone feeling the benefit of physiotherapy?

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

healthunlocked.com/fibromya... Hello there, I hope you get some helpful replies, I personally have only had physio when a certain part of my body has needed it but in general I was never told to see a physio experienced in fibro, it might be a question I will ask my doctor as anything beneficial to help with this condition is worth knowing about, if you would like to lock your posts I’ve posted a link above as then only our community can see and normally generates more responses if a post is locked for members. Take care

[Hidden]

Hi

Physio for me has been a waste of time. No advice or checking me over etc, just given a sheet of exercises to do which are if no help at all. Love and hugs to you all Lynne xxxx

[Lou1054]

I found physiotherapy helpful, I don't attend anymore but their help has kept me mobile, always in pain but I can get around slowly x

[Echoblue]

I have found physio and acupuncture from my physio helpful.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

The physio doesn't sound like their experience in working with people with fibromyalgia is doing much benefit.

I've seen physios over the years for working on various muscle groups including one physio who specialises in fibro (and has done for 20+ years)

She taught me how to do conditioning exercises, wish are very gentle stretching exercises worked on main muscle groups prior to doing any other type of exercise activity. I have been using these exercises daily for over 10 years.

Some physios I've seen have had an understanding of how you need to adapt exercises for Fibro - others have not had a clue.

But simply sending you away with more exercises, without checking in with how you are managing the previous ones or if you are noticing any improvement is not going to help you any xxx

[johnsmith]

What it comes down is what is the nature of the physiotherapy. Some physiotherapy is one size fits all. This type of physiotherapy is not helpful.

Exercise sheets are not helpful if you are doing the exercises on the sheet in a destructive manner. What is important about exercise is not about doing them, but how you do them.

[worried4me5]

It was actually my physio who felt I had Fibromyalgia and recommended my GP refer me to Rheumatology which is how I got diagnosed. However, my physio then discharged me as they felt there was nothing physio could do to help with my pain, as the exercises caused more pain.

[Nuttyshirlz]

Hi I was seeing a young lass and she kept giving me sheets. Then after two weeks she said bye 👋 lol week later Remy dr ask if I was going and explain what happened and had being discharged. She wasn’t impressed and rearranged for me to go again. I now see a different phyo who seems to no what they talking about. Now I go every week but it’s not for my Fibro it’s for my arthritis.

[Mollycooper11]

I see one and she gently works on usually my lower spine as I have terrible pain there. I always feel better after but it doesn't last. She showed me how to do some tai chi type stretches.

[suewood59]

hi i was seeing a physiotherapist for my back but trained in fibromyalgia also but just felt it was a waste of time in the end i stopped going

[Hidden]

Physio did little for me too. What might is water therapy. Actually going to old timers aqua therapy helped me twice in my life. Also the rowing machine at a gym. It engages a lot of muscles and I can use low resistance I have terrible cardio. Tai chi it good too the moves soothe nervous system. I do restorative yoga but you just lay there with fancy supports and nice words if you need that then you might like the relaxation. I’m ok with it. I just go to get the people in and to feel I’m doing something for myself lol.

[sssglsjhs]

Hi everyone, thank you all for your replies. I am frustrated with physiotherapy as this is my second physiotherapist. The 1st only dealt with one joint at a time and pretty much every joint gives me pain some more than others but also it can change daily. So I was on the waiting list to see a physiotherapist experienced in Fibromyalgia but all over joint pain so with also having severe osteoarthritis and recently having knee replacements, I was really looking forward to it. I asked if she could do a sports massage focused on my calves as they are rock solid and very protruding but was told a sports massage could make Fibromyalgia worse.

I give up, as nice as she was I find it abit insulting to have 20mins max to be given a sheet.

[Micro]

I didn’t find NHS physio helpful. My experience similar to yours.the physios did not seem to comprehend my exercise limitations.

I paid to see a physio privately at the Bingley hospital.

He had a post grad qualification in working with like us. [those who find ex’s very hard]

The first 3 sessions were helpful . He gave me ex’s I could do for my.legs while in bed, sitting, basic ex which work one muscle in the leg at a time.

I stopped going cos the next step was to attend a specialist gym [a bit too far away] but I hadn’t reached a level where I felt capable of using gym equipment, ie Cycling machine.

I Kew it would just blot me and increase symptoms.

I still do the ex’s he gave me. When my leg starts going funny and not working, I do them and it helps allot.

Sorry, I am shaking loads and typing is hard.

I could describe these ex’s to you. Another day if you ask me. Have not gott the notes here at moment.

Best wishes. Micro.