Heading to physical therapy

[horseshowmom]

I know there a many of you with good pt experiences so I'm hoping for some input! I've written before about my chronic sciatica issues. The chirpopractor had *cured* me, but now it's back and nothing is helping. I went to the doctor yesterday and got some meds (yeah!) for pain and inflammation, but she is also sending me to PT.
What should I expect and how do I know if it's a *good* therapist? She is recommending some sort of electrical stimulation to the nerve which sounds freaky.
I just don't want to waste time with a quack. I'm heading into my 7th month of this and it's very aggravating! I was surprised that, as opposed to the chiropractor who kept telling me to rest (I do like him , don't get me wrong, it's just not the right treatment apparently) the doctor told me to keep exercising as long as it doesn't hurt while doing it.
Thanks for any info!

Becky

 

[shanihib]

My daughter had the electrical stimulation which is painless (I don't think she felt it) but it did cause the problem (in this case a pulled hamstring and then an imbalance in the strengths of her quads from overcompensating/limping) to go away faster. It isn't a quack procedure and is used by reputable physical therapists.

I've found PTs to be very knowledgable (in some ways more knowledgable than doctors in how muscles interact and the body works in general. They really helped my daughter and as long as you continue the exercises as long as they suggest, you can see real differences. My daughter had a reoccurance so she is headed back into PT and I'm starting next week as well as a follow up to spraining my ankle. I have a feeling you'll be happy you went!

The first visit, the PT will evaluate you, ask you questions and do some simple tests. Then they'll start you on exercises/massage/electrical stimulation etc... to start getting the area back into proper working order.

I hope this helps!

Oh, PTs go to school for a long time (graduate school) and have a lot of training before they go into practice. My brother in law is working toward his degree right now so I've had an inside look at the degree. Intense!

 

[horseshowmom]

Thanks Shani!
I hope no one thought I meant physical therapists are quacks I just wanted an idea of what a *good* PT would offer!
I don't want to waste any more time or quite frankly, money, so I hoped your input would help me identify whether or not I've found a knowledgeable therapist.
Thank you for giving me a very good idea of what to expect! Oh! and also for re-assuring me I'm not going to be electrocuted!

 

[shanihib]

Yeah, I'm not sure of how to know if you have been sent to a knowledgable or quack therapist, but I'm sure that after the first visit you'll either have a good feeling or not feel sure. I know the first time we saw the PT, I was pleased and felt like my daughter was in good hands.