Physio Started Today…
March 9, 2012
So, I had my first physio appointment today, 45 minutes this morning at my smaller local hospital in Wimborne. It was interesting and I am assured it went well by my PT. She started by taking my history of the injury, how it occurred, the operation, any niggles I had and what my goal was, she had a copy of my protocol issued by the hospital and felt it was reasonable.
We had an interesting discussion on protocols, apparently Poole NHS had been trialing the Vacoped boot 6 months ago for ATR treatment, all the PT’s had some training but there was a supply issue with the boot so they went back to Aircast and the protocol I am on, still quite forward thinking in her opinion but with a fixed boot.
Boot off, my natural position for my injured foot has become 35 degrees flexed, I can move it at present to 25 degrees flexed. My good foot moves just past 0 degrees (I am not very flexible) so that is my eventual goal with my ATR foot. My foot is still a bit swollen and is bruised.
We embarked on some exercises and I am to take my boot off and do the exercises 4 times / day as follows:
- 10 x Foot flex from 35 to 25 degrees or as comfort allows while sat on the end of the bed.
- 10 x Foot flex from 35 to 25 degrees or as comfort allows while lying on my front with my leg raised 90 degrees.
- 10 x Foot flex with toes on floor lowering my heal to the floor to 25 degrees or as comfort allows (I like this one, it feels more controlled and ’safe’ to do).
- Wiggle toes to get some circulation and just relax with the boot off.
Then, put boot back on (still 5 wedges, these start coming out at week 4 or 5 post op). I am then to lift my toes into the top of the boot, push them down and put the boot against a solid object left and right and push my foot left and right, again, 10x for each action, gentle.
I am also allowed to PWB with crutches in the boot at this stage while walking, initially at a grape squashing pressure over this weekend into next week, perhaps moving to larger fruit over time! This is also allowed while standing still. PT advised me to listen to my foot, if it feels tired and swells a bit, back off for a while. I have another PT scheduled for Monday so she can review my thoughts on initial exercises and set me up for next week and weekend.
Thoughts right now are:
- It scares me to take it out of the boot and move it but my PT says it is ‘designed to move’ and early movement will help circulation and healing of the tendon (blood supply).
- Moving it scares me, my brain no longer seems connected to my foot, my free movements are hard, my brain is trying but my foot is listening to an IPod or something else, not my brain.
- I am pleased to be making progress but am happy to stick to the protocol suggested, things seem to be flying along all of a sudden and I want to feel in control.
Sorry to ramble but thought I would be thorough for anyone reading this in the future and going through the same thing!
Wishing everyone a good weekend, I have no big plans!
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1. Janus | March 9th, 2012 at 18:52
Not a ramble at all. Very detailed and well-organized. I also — I think — understand your point about the “foot-brain” connection. The body protects itself against further injury — but sometimes that protection gets in the way of recovery and rehabilitation. Your instincts and gut reaction are often right, at least early on; but later become part of the problem. Tricky business — being worried about doing more damage and so not moving; and yet you have to move some to make the recovery possible, to get the different bits working together and — as it were, on the nervous system level — speaking properly to each other again.
Well, sounds like you have a solid and tested plan to follow: one with proven effectiveness and results. All good. Thanks again for the very detailed and organized posting. Best wishes for you.
2. stalledminidriver | March 9th, 2012 at 21:13
Wow - Now I’m really jealous! I think I may have to move to my sister in laws in Poole for a while…
Great news for you though. It looks as though you’ll make Le Mans easily if you carry on at that rate. Keep going, I’m taking notes
3. rosethorn | March 10th, 2012 at 21:32
It’s interesting you’re doing PT while you still have wedges in your boot. I had to wait until week 12 (thereabouts…) before I was allowed to start. Also, was FWB when I started PT and am now only two weeks from wearing two shoes. It seems like it’s almost not enough time for me to regain proper strength, especially after three ruptures in the same foot in one year and a very comprehensive surgery. But my doctors seem confident and my PTs know me very well by this point!
Stick with the plan they have given you and I’m sure all will go well for you. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this blog, very few people operate on the same time line with this injury. Good luck!