Physical therapist

[ssdw1958]

Hi ALL this afternoon I have a physical therapist coming to my house. Does anyone have any tips for me so that I can get more out of this visit.

Thanks

ssdw1958

[greaterexp]

My PT gave me print-outs of the exercises she wanted me to do, as well as ones to advance to when I conquered the first set. She included specifics like which muscles I was focusing on, how many reps of each, etc. I would have forgotten them later had I not had a hard copy.

If you can set reminders on your phone so you actually do them, it may help with compliance.

I hope it’s a great experience and a helpful one.

[ssdw1958 in reply to greaterexp]

Thank you for your input.

[Iona60 in reply to greaterexp]

Yes, ask for prints. I was left with only the notes my husband was about to take. It didn't take long to forget how to do the exercises.

[Fancy1959]

Ssdw1958, it's Fancy1959. Relax and enjoy the physical therapist professional help with whatever your therapy is for. If they're working on a specific muscle group try to relax it and just go with the flow. Make sure you are totally honest with the physical therapist. Tell them when it hurts a bit. Tell them when it hurts more than a bit. Hold nothing back from them or they cannot compile a true feeling for what they're working on. The physical therapist I had they came and worked on my shoulder after my shoulder replacement was fantastic. He not only worked on my shoulder but he worked on my MS as well. It seemed his wife head MS and he gave me all kind of fantastic ideas and tools to use that he had helped his wife out with. I think I got more from that physical therapist then I got from any other I had ever used. He showed me a special kind of knife to get to help cut my meat easier when I ate. He showed me a brace to use on my left hand that tends to curl up. I've got it in when I remember to use it at night the next morning my hand looks pretty normal. So they can work wonders just relax and enjoy. And once again be totally honest with them about any restrictions and movement that cause you to stress or Falls or things that have happened around the house that could have reinjured your area of concern. I hope this helps. Take care and let me know how it goes. Fancy.

[RoyceNewton]

Get them to tell you how to sregthen your core, make them go way beyond situps.

[ssdw1958 in reply to RoyceNewton]

I need to let you know I don’t sit on the floor at all. Only way I am on the floor is if I fall and I don’t plan on doing that. What I did do was sit in my recliner, I had to have it the sitting position and then stand up then sit down. I was on a timer for 30 second and I did it. I sat down and got up 6 times. He said he was pleased with that. He was here for 2 hours and it was mostly him doing paperwork. But next time it shouldn’t be like that.

I want to thank everyone for your input.

[RoyceNewton in reply to ssdw1958]

At least you learned and tried something, you always have to start somewhere, so good job.

[TonyiaR7]

You can record your sessions with your therapists permission. Do what you can. No pressure, no stress. Just doing the exercises everyday is the best, but just keep moving and ask your therapist any questions you may have and share/give feedback on how you feel and what you think about the therapy you are receiving. And get a plan before your last session so you can continue at home or at some other facility.

[lbenmaor]

ssdw1958,

Make sure they understand what your problem is and you should write down

what they suggest you do so you don't forget. Since you're paying for this make

sure you get everything you need. Don't forget to offer them some water.

A comfortable physical therapist is probably going to give you more

than an uncomfortable one.

Keep me posted.

Leslie

[RoyceNewton]

doing your core work in bed might actually be an option if your bed is not too soft. Have to do it every morning anyway.

[livewell2]

There is an app that my PT uses called "MedBridgeGo" The PT can enter the exercises in an account for you in MedBridgeGo. You then put the app on your phone and log into your account to access the exercises your PT has entered for you. The PT can add to the exercises as you progress.

Once logged into the app the exercises actually have animated pictures and notes how to do the exercises, how many times and how often. You can also set reminders that will alert you to do your exercises. You can log your exercises which your PT can also see.

You will not forget which exercises you are supposed to do or how often, or how to do them. It is all right there - take it with you anywhere!