Just found out I have spinal stenosis. What kind of physical therapy works best for this? Also lumbar spondylosis. I’m new to this problem.

[Nanny23]

Spinal stenosis. Lumbar spondylosis. I’m new to this and would like to know how people with this manage their pain. Thanks

[cyberbarn]

Have you been referred to physiotherapy? physio is really a very personal thing, it depends on what you are already doing, what your goals are, and how bad the damage is.

But generally, hydrotherapy can be really useful.

[Nanny23 in reply to cyberbarn]

Thank you I’m new to this. I’m doing physical therapy for a hip replacement which was doing fine. Fell on ice hurt other hip tore the labrum in good hip and rotator cuff in tight shoulder. The PT was too intense and triggered back issues. Found out from MRI I have arthritis in my spine. What is physiotherapy? I would think hydro therapy has to do with water. Thanks so much for responding. ❤️

[cyberbarn in reply to Nanny23]

Are you in the US? Physiotherapy is what it is called in the UK, physical therapy in the US.

Yes, hydrotherapy is gentle exercises and swimming in a warm water pool. The warmth helps relax and ease the joints and the water buoyancy takes some of the pressure of them so it is more gentle than some land based exercises.

Some physical therapists are of the old school where pain is good, and you have to push people to do more and more, but research is showing that although a very young sports person might be able to cope with that, it isn't right for older people with arthritis.

[Nanny23 in reply to cyberbarn]

That makes sense the hydrotherapy. After I asked the question I thought it may be a British term. Thanks for your response. Now I have to locate a place that does hydrotherapy. It sounds like what I need. Thanks. ❤️

[abellemed]

Have you had an MRI? Just asking because I had one (due to persistent lower backache) and was found to have the same "severe spinal stenosis" due to arthritis and disc degeneration in lumbar spine. I was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who has suggested an operation but he also referred me to the Pain Management team who gave me medial nerve injections which pinpointed the problem so they have now offered me radio-frequency nerve ablations to ease the pain (which can last for about a year or so). Due to Covid I am still waiting after 2 years so am now, at 76, beginning to feel that I might go for the operation instead before I'm too old!

I am in the UK where we never have to pay for any treatment, so hope you are too! However we do have to take our turn if we cannot afford to "go private". I will just have to wait, even though my mobility has deteriorated to having to "furniture-walk" around the house and bladder/bowel urge incontinence are beginning. So act quickly and get something done (no amount of hydro/physiotherapy will be of any use as the spinal bones are impinging on your nerves and nothing apart from freeing up the spinal canal can stop that).

Good luck and I hope you get sorted soon!

Best wishes, Eileen x

[Nanny23 in reply to abellemed]

Thanks so much for your reply. I am in the U. S. Fortunately with good insurance. I did have an MRI. That’s how this was discovered. I was surprised as I did not have back pain but had hip replacement last September. Did great with the surgery. Then the physical therapy bought our I had arthritis in my spine. I do hope you get your turn quickly. I am 71. Hope you feel better. I am know learning how painful this can be. Thanks again. Lynn