Physical Therapy

[Deanne]

Has anyone had physical therapy before? I know it's different for everyone and depends on the issues, but what's it like / what kind of things did they have you do, and did it help? I made an appointment with our clinic at work to ask if they can prescribe therapy for me to try to combat muscle weakness caused by hypercalcemia and/or prednisone. Will it do any good, or should I just keep trying to push myself to walk as much as I can?

[Charlie B53]

PT can be beneficial for most ALL muscular and joint problems.  Range of motion movement without weight bearing vastly improves joint and muscle movement.  As movement freedom gains then very light weight, as in one or two pounds slowly helps build/regain muscle strength.

Walking is an ideal exercise.  Low impact on joints.

That old adage "No pain, no gain."  FORGET IT!  If it hurts you are pushing too hard, doing too much.  Defeating the whole purpose of PT which is to strengthen WITHOUT injury.

Take it slow, take your time, but stay at it every day.

That's my problem, I go until I feel better, then quit.  Wrong.

[Deanne]

Thanks Charlie.

I was thinking about canceling my appointment. Things are already complicated enough with involvement from my neph, an endocrinologist, and a surgeon. I don't want yet another doctor getting her hands on me to muck things up, but based on what you said, I guess I'll keep the appointment and just be very clear that I *don't* need a diagnosis or any other tests. I only need a way to rebuild what I've lost due to my diagnosis.

[Jean]

Having had some PT a few times, I can honestly say, it did me no good, so I just reverted to my daily walking. To each his own, I guess. They put my hip back into alignment 3 times a week and it slipped back out again the next day. Simply did not want to stay where it belonged. I walked 2 miles a day and then had a 15 minute soak in the jacuzzi. Felt wonderful.

[Deanne]

I ended up canceling my appointment yesterday. A half hour before it, the imaging place called to tell me they had a last minute cancellation and I grabbed it. It was hopefully the last hold-up before I can schedule parathyroid surgery. I'll probably wait until after surgery now.

[Athena]

Deanne, I haven't had PT before but I have had acupuncture with a very good practitioner to deal with shoulder tendinitis/frozen shoulder. It really did seem to help it heal & now I don't have any pain there anymore. So just another suggestion.

Apart from that, I definitely would include gentle walking as a way to rebuild your muscles.

[MooseMom]

I'm so glad you got that cancellation and were able to go to the imaging place!  Any idea when you will know something?

[monrein]

I have had a fair bit of contact with physiotherapy over the years and I currently have a great PT.  The one thing is that you have to be diligent with the exercises given. I've had physio for back issues, torn cartilage in a hip and now a hypermobile kneecap. Very beneficial for me. The exercises for each of these things didn't take up too much time in a day but really helped when I did them faithfully. My knee is ongoing and I still see her for refinements here and there. Worth a try I think. Best of luck.