Went in for my first PT session on Friday, exactly 3 weeks post-op. The swelling had increased a bit, so she began massaging and working my leg and lymph nodes to help reduce swelling. After several minutes, she measured my foot and the swelling had in fact gone down a little.
We began with some stretching exercises, mainly the knee, as I had kept it bent pretty the entire time since sugery. It felt great to outstretch my leg fully without fear of affecting the achilles. Then the hard part came in trying to bend my foot and point toes towards my body. Hands down the most discouraging moments I have felt so far throughout this experience as my toes would not move. As much as my brain was telling the foot to move, it barely twitched. Patience, she said.
Before ending the session with an ice wrap, she taped my leg with a product called Kinesio tape. If any of you are familiar with this, it was widely popular in the Beijing Olympics. She said it would help to alleviate the swelling by increasing the circulation and flow of the fluids and muscular activiy in my leg. I didnt understand this process, but it seemed very interesting so I read up about it directly after leaving PT. the website is www.kinesiotaping.com . I also have some pics below.
Starting next week, I will have PT 3 times a week so I am now officially on the road to recovery!
Entries (RSS)
March 9th, 2009 at 5:31 am - Edit
The bandage in unique looking.
My experience is very similar to your. I was casted then booted for 7 weeks without movement at the ankle. Also disappointed over ankle range of motion. I was given home exercises, which I do, however, I feel the swelling and inflammation is limiting. Is the bandage to be kept on during exercise? All the time? And, where is it available?
March 9th, 2009 at 12:24 pm - Edit
You leave it on all the time until it falls off. The tape should last several days, even with showering. It seems to be available online http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=kinesio. I’ve just heard about it from my PT so just wanted to share the info.
March 12th, 2009 at 4:42 am - Edit
Hey Tron
I have just had my 1st physio session.
Tip on the day - get a water bottle, put it in the freezer. Once frozen use it to roll up and down your calf and roll it under your foot.
My bottle is in the freezer now!!
take care
Robby (UK)
March 13th, 2009 at 5:02 am - Edit
Thanks for your note in my blog… I asked my PT person about the taping and swelling, and it wasn’t something that she thought would help… darn… was hoping for that cool look you have going on there. Sounds like you are coming along well!! Good luck with everything, and hope that PT keeps going well. And my toes are doing about as little as yours as well.
Tim/newleaf
March 18th, 2009 at 9:05 am - Edit
Yeah, we’ve watched every game during Championship Week, but my bracket will STILL suck!! Keep getting well.