Marionite Alumni

I've been engaged in phsyical therapy for some nine months now.  While I have progressed since September 2008, the progress has been very slow as has been expected according to my doctors.  For those of you out there who have ever been treated with phsycial therapy, I am sure you will be able to identify with some, if not all of the comments I'm making here.  Those of you who haven't, please take the time to read my experience.

Physical therapy can be a "good thing" when taken at the right facility and with someone who is dedicated to maximizing your benefits for you within a "reasonable" amount of time.  Case in point.  After being seen in the emergency room last year for an onset of excruciating back pain, I was recommended to an Orthopaedic surgeon's office for evaluation and subsequent treatment at a Chiropractor's office for physical therapy.  I was told by my Orthopaedic that I had arthritis in my low back area from an old injury and changes due to my age (sweet 60 now).  I continued to treat at the Chiropractor's office getting physical therapy and spine manipulation for some 6-8 months three times per week.  The treatment lasted a  long time and quite frankly kept getting increased because I would get re-injured because the doctor's manipulation was too strong for my weakened back or injure myself trying to do too many of the stretching exercises or doing them improperly trying with all of my might to feel better quicker (NOT). 

I was later referred out to have an MRI test done which suggested that I had two "bulging discs" in the L-4, L-5, S-1 levels of the spine near the tail bone (ouch!).  I was also told that physical therapy and traction was needed and that I continue on this slow process to recovery.  It has now been nine months - four or five months past the time that was originally suggested by my doctor of physical medicine (Physiatrist) that it would require for me to heal. 

Two Orthopaedic specialists later and a prescription for MOTRIN 600 is finally doing the greatest good! Because of the ability, at a high level, to help eliminate the "inflammation" that has built up in the affected area, the mega dose of Motrin was very beneficial.   I have finally been referred to a "full fledged" physical therapy place rather than remain at the Chiropractor for minimal physical therapy.  This new office is concentrating on  more exercises to strengthen my "core" abdominal muscles.  Without a strong "core" it's just like diriving over a "bridge" without the proper support beams!  You can not have a strong foundation without a strong core.  As you get stronger, a great "Pilates" program is highly recommended.  I am currently doing exercises that will finally help me reduce the amount of back pain I experience on a daily basis.  I wish that someone had been able to tell me how I could have gone from point A to point B in less time than this. 

It has been a very frustrating 9 months and thus I am sharing this experience to save others the same grief I have experienced in this process.  I am not trying to knock Chiropractors, but each professional in their own specialty have their limitations.  Consider wisely your decisions at every step of your recovery.  If things are not working for you as you feel they should continue to seek out answers, network with others who have been there and done that.  All in all - three orthopaedic Specialists, a Chiropractor, Pain management specialist and one full fledged physical therapy and rehab - I am finally getting the most care I need.  One last word on physical therapy and the most important - don't allow even the experts to have the last say so regarding your body -  when you feel unnecessary pain after so many reps of exercise - save the next ones for another day and another time.  No one has more experience with your body but YOU.  I have had to learn this, my friends, the hard way.  Good health to you all!