NEED ADVICE: Physical Therapist is WAAAY more conservative than the Surgeon
So I went to the Physical therapist for the 3rd time yesterday and it is becoming apparent that it is a complete waste of time.
All 3 times it consisted of the following:
PT: “Do you have any pain?”
Me: No
PT:”Lets see you move it.”
I then move it to a bit further than neutral
PT:Wow you are doing great. This is one of the best cases of progress I’ve seen in an achilles rupture. The doctor is really impressed too. blah blah blah”
PT: You should have a few lifts left in your boot right? I wouldn’t take anymore out of there for now, this is a very slow process”
Me: I have just 1 lift left to remove and just 2 more days until it’s gone
PT: I wouldnt take it out for a week or so. Actually if things get swollen ( my ankle has not swollen at all since the 1st week post surgery) it might not be a bad idea to put one back in. Make sure you stay on 2 crutches too, very little weight bearing” ( I have been on just 1 crutch for a week FWB and for the most part I dont even use that crutch except for around the office and back and forth to the car)
PT: Well I will see you next week I don’t think we need another session this week,, you are doing so well!
This whole process takes about 10 minutes
I know my surgeon is far more progressive. He initially told me that in 4 weeks he wanted me to be at neutral in the boot, FWB with no crutches, which I am on track for. At my 2 week post op was was surpised I had not removed all of my lifts from my boot yet, and said my ROM was off the charts.
It seems to me that this PT is a waste of my time. I chose him because he is in the same office and my surgeon and would be able to communicate with him as much as needed.
Anyone else have this experience with the PT. It seems to me like if I’m 3 weeks ahead of schedule, then I should be doing whatever it is you do at that mark now? Make sense?
January 23rd, 2013 at 3:45 pm
Mike, I think you know the answer here. Next time, sit down with your PT, and tell them you don’t feel you’re benefiting from their current approach. Maybe show them a rehab protocol/schedule that’s closer to what you want. I’d give them an opportunity to adjust- but if they are unwilling to change, find a new PT. No point in you, or your insurance company, paying for something that is doing no good. Your insurance company likely has a limit on how much PT they will pay for- make sure you get the maximum benefit from those sessions.
You might looks for a PT who specializes in working with athletes- just like surgeons, there seems to be a lot of variability out there with PT’s.
January 23rd, 2013 at 7:10 pm
Just my opinion, but I would look for a new PT now. A 10 minute session is crazy. My sessions have always been at least 45 minutes.
I agree with Ryan to look for one who works with athletes. When I first was having issues I went to a PT connected with a surgeon’s office, and it quickly became clear that athletes were not their usual client and I never felt the PT and I were on the same wavelength. Much better when I switched to a sports PT.
January 23rd, 2013 at 10:31 pm
Yup, I’d say follow either of those approaches. Or look at gerryr’s old post about how to shop for a suitable PT and follow that.
January 27th, 2013 at 7:38 pm
I agree with all of the above. And my PT sessions are 3 times a week an anywhere from 60-110 minute sessions. In the beginning where you are my sessions were 60 minutes, 15 of those ice and elevation. Although, my surgeon didn’t let me start physical therapy until week six.
May 21st, 2020 at 12:18 pm
Yes, this is true. Physiotherapists are conservative in their thinking than surgeons. They think and apply just old techniques. However, surgeons are always up to date and try new techniques and methods with a new day. Thanks for sharing this article for the awareness of people.
April 20th, 2021 at 11:23 pm
Yes, of course, I am agree with you, and you should focus on your health which is important for everyone. If you take exercise on daily basis, you will get positive result.
October 6th, 2022 at 1:13 pm
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