My Physical Therapy Appointment: A Little Off?

i went to my first physical therapy appointment on friday and i felt like it went well, but one thing felt a little off to me?? i asked if i could use a cane for harder days, like days where i feel like i literally cannot use my legs, and he was Adamant on me not using a one. he said he didn't want me to "rely" on it. i thought i made it VERY clear that i would only use it when i really needed to? he taught me that FM is just reactions in my brain and that my joints and muscles are all fine on a cellular level. and now that i think about it, he was a little weird here too. i had to say that i understood about 4 or 5 times before finally moving on. other than these things, the appointment was fine. i agreed to do the exercises such that he recommended, practice mindfulness, etc. and i intend to incorporate these things into my everyday. i guess i just don't know if the other things were strange or it's just in my head.

Your answer

sleep

2y ago

I agree.. use the cane. There are people that still think fibro is all in a person's mind.... it is your pain receptors that are on overload... the part of your brain that tells you that you are in pain are overloaded.... you are in pain... excessive pain... I know. Use whatever helps you get you thru the day

wise

2y ago

Nope, ditch him. He's not a good physical therapist if he's advocating AGAINST the use of mobility aids. fibromyalgia is not in your head, it's a full-blown neurological disorder. you can't condition your brain to not have fibro, it's not like FND (which is what it sounds like he thinks everyone with fibro has). I'm so serious, cancel every future appointment with him and do not go back. would he tell a person with a spinal cord injury not to use a car with hand controls so they don't "rely" on using their hands? because that's how stupid he sounds lol. Also, a word of advice: don't ask if you're allowed to use a mobility aid. just do it. you're always allowed to use tools to make life a little easier to navigate. you don't need permission. go get a cane that feels comfortable and right and just use it

Belugabear

2y ago

If the practice has other PTs definitely consider asking for another one when you schedule. It doesn’t hurt to try different ones! Some providers just really don’t get it. If it’s use a cane or be in bed all day, certainly they would want you to use a cane. The problem is that they think it’s use a cane or do all the same activities without one. That’s not how it works. If it will improve your activity level, then use it! Maybe try explaining it to him that way, see it it helps. I’m glad it went well otherwise! Sorry he sounded condescending, that’s always the worst

blue89

2y ago

Unfortunately, some providers are against any mobility aid or accommodations despite the good they can do I had a doctor who wanted me to stop wearing compression gloves so I wouldn't rely on them, something that confused my physical and occupational therapist I've found hydro/pool therapy to help in particular, but it depends on each person and how fibro works for you

Ashby

2y ago

It sounds like he doesn’t have fibromyalgia and therefore can’t understand the pain. It is hard to understand to other people who don’t have it so I say just listen to your body, you know what is best for you! I think using a cane is much better than staying in bed all day which is usually the alternative (been there done that lol) If you need a cane to push through some days, go for it!

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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