Physiotherapy?

[john_z]

We are thinking about starting physiotherapy for my dad.So,we contacted a physiotherapist but we had a strange answer.He said that he is not available because his programme is full,but also he mentioned that he is afraid that physiotherapy might "blocked" my father because we are talking about a brain desease.Have you heard that before?Have you seen any benefits from physiotherapy?Thank you so much once again.

[jillannf6]

Hi John

Yes physio can b of help in lots of ways

A) for preventing falls

B) strengthening muscles

C) learning how to walk heel then toe etc

D)just doing exercises to help mobility

Lol Jill

[Kathy]

Dear John,

I'm sorry that you got such a negative response from the therapist you contacted As a physio I have never heard of patients being "blocked" by therapy. Indeed, there is lots of evidence to support physiotherapy in long-term neurological conditions.

Are you based in the UK? If so you should be able to access physiotherapy via your Dad's GP. If you wish to go privately, can I suggest you look on the Health Professions Council website

hpcheck.org/

to find a registered practioner.

Alternatively on the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy home page

csp.org.uk/

there is a search option to help you find a private physio and you can specify geographical area and "speciality" for which you should select neurology/neuro surgery.

If you are not in the UK I can only suggest you look around for another therapist. It may be that the therapist you contacted felt that a neurological condition was outside of his area of expertise/scope of practise.

Good luck in your search! Don't give up, as I'm sure your Dad would benefit from some input

love

Kathy

[AmandaF]

John, I agree with Kathy. My mother has benefitted hugely from physio, both physically and in terms of her morale.

The way I look at it is that by doing physio, my mother is helping to mitigate the degenerative impact of PSP and maintain optimum mobility for as long as she can. Also, the more she can do for herself, even small things like adjusting her position in bed or washing her face, the more independent she feels.

Please do try again to find a more sympathetic and informed physio-therapist. If they do not know about PSP, I would print off the excellent materials from the Association website, (for example the carer's guide), which will help explain your father's needs.

Best of luck,

Amanda.

[john_z]

Thank you all very much for your replies.We will try to find another physiotherapist and i hope we 'll be more lucky this time.Kathy,we live in Greece and specifically not in a big city,so as you understand the knowledge about psp is very limited here.I strongly agree that except physical benefits,any positive effect in phychology is very important too.Thanks for your kindness and support,best wishes,John.

[kpsmail]

Here in INdia doctors say there is no medicine for PSP anddice the patients to see a physio. I am haing PSP and I go daily to phsio and their is no blocking ,8nstead some improement in moing etc.,

[john_z in reply to kpsmail]

Thanks a lot,kpsmail.Finally,we found a physio and i hope we will see some improvement too in my father's condition.The new physio seems a very good person and i believe that's also very important apart from his professional skills.I wish you the best,John.

[coleen]

My father was seeing an Occupational Therapist once a week, and that really seemed to help him. Unfortunately his body is so rigid now that very little will help. I think it is disgusting the way you were treated by this therapist, and am glad you found someone else. It can only be for the good.

[john_z in reply to coleen]

Thanks very much for your reply, Coleen.It's soon to say if physiotherapies help my father,but the positive is that the new activity seems to have a positive effect in his phychology.Yes, the first therapist was a bad experience, luckily the new seems a lot different.My best wishes to you and your family.