Sep 22 2009
Week 9 post op and problems with my therapist!
Well today is the start of week 9 post op. Things have moved a lot faster than I would have imagined. I never would have thought that I would be walking without the boot and crutches this fast. I feel I’m doing pretty well. I have a bit of a limp which is totally understandable. My AT actually feels pretty good. I don’t really have any pain, if I feel anything from that area it’s a tad bit of tightness here and there while walking. I’ve been doing my normal exercises and also walking around my neighborhood with my shoes on. When I first put on my shoes I could definitely tell my ankle was weak. I barely made it half way around my block before I had to turn back. I could tell my muscles in my leg needed more work. Since that first day I have been able to go all day with my shoes on and now I can walk a few blocks with no problems. I can still tell I have work to do on my leg muscles. Everyday my leg on my injured side feels like it had an amazing work out. The muscles are sore and a little tight feeling. I remember that feeling all too well from the days where I use to work out pretty regularly. I can tell my limp is probably due to over compensating for my weak calf muscle. Obviously, that will change in time.
Here’s where my real concern is. I’m starting to get really concerned with my therapist at PT. Seems like she is NEVER around. With how rapidly my status changes I’ve never had 2 visits be the same. Today was the first session of week # 4 of PT. I’ve been schedules 2X a week since my first visit. Like I said, with how fast everything has changed I’ve never done the same things two visits in a row. Without my therapist there I have no idea what to do. I always start out my visit with some bike riding. I’m away from the recumbant bike and now on a normal exercise bike for 15 minutes. During the time I get on the bike to when I’m done my therapist always disappears. Before today I would just keep riding for the extra time until she showed up. Sometimes that was 20 + minutes. Today I just got off and stood there. There is another therapist that I have only worked with twice there and she came over to help me. She’s always with her people and always helps out the other therapist’s patients when my therapist isn’t around. Seems like my therapist is too busy in back on the phone, talking to a co worker or acting like managment. I hate to rock the boat but I feel like my progress is getting hindered by this.
Today was my first visit in 2 shoes so after the bike i wasn’t sure what to do. So while standing there after my bike ride, the nice therapist came over. I basically told her I didn’t know what to do and she led me to the parallel bars to try some new exercises. I really want to ge the most out of my time there and would actually prefer to go 3X a week. I do each exercises with perfect precision. I don’t rush anything. I go slow and as controlled as possible with each rep and when my normal therapist isn’t around I do extra sets. Eventually, my therapist comes over and acts like nothing is going on. As if all the other therapists that are covering for her are HER workers and that is their jobs. I don’t want to make waves so I just ask her what I’m suppose to do next. Eventually, between the 2 therapists I get through my visit. If I ever had 2 visits exactly the same I would have no problem taking the lead and just doing my own routine. That has never been the case. I’m starting to wonder if I should just can my current therapist and go to the other woman. I don’t want to cause hard feelings but it is my own body. I’m scheduled for the next 2 weeks with the therapist I’m not too thrilled with. I was wondering if I should just play it off for the next 2 weeks and then when I get rescheduled for another chunk of time in the future to ask for the other therapist. Should I confront her and tell her that I have been less than thrilled with her performance. Or should I talk to someone higher up and see if they can help me.
I’m definitely not one to complain, but my focus is to get better and hopefully get back to work in the not so distant future. I don’t have a problem with my therapist personally. I just want what’s best for my recovery. I’m not sure, I was just curious about if anyone else had this issue or any advice. I hope to hear from some of you.
Ryan
Ryan,
Tomorrow will be 8 weeks for me and I expect I’ll be in two shoes here in a week or so as well. I’ve had some of the same concerns you do as this being the first time in my life having to do PT there is nothing to compare to. Are we getting what we’re paying for, ect…My doctor requested that I go 3 times a week for 8 weeks, which hasn’t happened. I’m told I’m progressing really well and only need to come twice a week and now once a week. For me my therpist does go into his office while I’m doing what is asked but returns promptly when I’m done. He usually starts off by massaging my foot and pulling on my joints. Then he has me going through exercises that he’s had me doing from day one. Each time adding something different to the list. If it were me I think I would complain. You are the one paying them and if they aren’t meeting your expectations then something needs to change. You could also look into going someplace else although I think that would be a last resort since you’ve been working with these individuals for a few weeks now.
Joe
Ryan - It doesn’t sound like you’re receiving the service that you should from your PT. 15+ minutes warming up on the bike seems excessive. And, you shouldn’t have to take the lead during your appointments. That is why you’re paying a professional. I know it can be uncomfortable to do so, but I would just politely mention to your PT that you don’t feel like you’re receiving proper care. Tell her that you need her to be more attentive. Talk to her about the plan that she has for your rehab. Ask what you can expect to be doing in the next couple of weeks. If she brushes you off or doesn’t provide you with the answers you’re looking for, then it’s time to find a new PT, either in the same office if there is someone you feel comfortable with or go elsewhere. Don’t worry about making her feel bad. As you said, this is your recovery and you have to do what is best for yourself. Don’t be afraid to speak up.
Hi Ryan,
My physio sessions aren’t anywhere near as intensive as yours yet, so it is perhaps unfair to compare, but my therapist spends the whole session with me and only goes away if she needs to get a new sheet of exercises or some equipment or for me to change clothes.
I agree with the other comments, you are paying for professional help and you should get what you pay for. The therapist should be watching you to see how you’re improving each time and judge what else to give you.
I should think the other therapists would like their colleague to be spoken to if she’s not pulling her weight or doing her job properly as it could reflect poorly on the rest of the practice too.
Best wishes,
Sam
Ryan - she sounds quite useless! Also potentially dangerous if you keep working away unsupervised beyond what you are supposed to do or else standing around like a lemon. Trust your instincts. You sound like an intelligent, rational person to me so it you aren’t happy it’s probably with good cause. Try and have a chat and if she’s not ‘getting it’ then I suggest you switch to a different practise asap. Don’t waste any more time there than you have to, this is a crucial stage in your recovery.
Smoley
Thanks for all the great advice everyone! I’m going to have a talk with her tomorrow and tell her how I feel. Then if things don’t get better tomorrow I’m going to ask to be switched to the other therapist who’s there.
Definitely talk to her. You pay - they are there to serve you. If not, you could exercise at home for free. You go there to be monitored and guided.
You could try a different physio therapy clinic, too, if you are not happy.