I need some advice on physical therapy. - Hyundai Performance Forums

atrimble_2001 · 11-28-2006, 01:35 AM

Reference my OTC pain killers post if you need to freshen up on my injuries.

First off I would like to know some ways to build up the muscle in my left leg that aren't going to be extremely painful.

I lost alot of muscle tissue over the last 2 years cause of the accident and I was too lazy and scared to do physical therapy. I cant handle the pain anymore it is seriously starting to effect my daily life. I try to hide it as much as I can but when I'm walking up the stairs to work and the office manager hears me grunt and notices the grimace on my face from the pain she always asks if I'm ok. I appreciate peoples concern for my well being its one of the things that keeps me going, but it really depresses me that so many people "look down" on me because of my limitations. I know if I would have done the therapy like I was supposed to 2 years ago I wouldn't be in this situation, but you have no idea the amount of pain I was in then. I just want to be able to walk normal and not have people stare at me, I know I'm not supposed to care what people think but I do, and I cant help it. Any ideas on some exercises I can do at home to strength my leg, mainly my abductors cause I think thats the main cause of the limp. Any advice or constructive criticism is appreciated.

cclngthr · 11-28-2006, 11:26 AM

That depends on the extent of the injuries and how bad things have gotten since the time you were injured. You may be able to regain some strength and range of motion, but it will take a lot of effort and time.

I am not a doctor, but having Cerebral Palsy, I have had a lot of PT and there, at least for me, is some benefits to retain range of motion. I would first go to a doctor specializing in the type of injury for their opinion. It is possible that you have some permanent damage and surgery is necessary.

atrimble_2001 · 11-28-2006, 12:11 PM

Ive already had multiple surgeries and have been told I will need more.

Doc · 11-28-2006, 03:23 PM

Recommendations of those really need to be made by a medical person(s) who can examine to find deficits (weak muscles, tight muscles etc...) and make the right choice based on examination findings and follow up with further exams to make sure you are headed in the right direction. Either a Chiropractic Doctor, Physiatrist, or a PT should be able to help come up with a plan.

If you keep putting off getting help, it may get to the point you are beyond help. Don't let that happen.

atrimble_2001 · 11-28-2006, 04:07 PM

Thanks Doc and cclngthr I think I will go to the doctors and get an appointment with a physician.

Its nice to have a well versed person such as yourself here to give free advice and such to the board. Doctors and Teachers have always had my highest amount of respect, Bravo.

Breezy · 11-30-2006, 06:22 PM

You would need a prescription for PT. But if you did not do any PT after your surgery and just layed around then chances are you will actually need x-rays to see how much scar tisue has built up and if you need to go into surgery again to remove some of it. People dont realize how important it is to do Physical Therapy and do their activities of daily living after surgery. Yes you need to rest and take it easy but you also have to do your exercises for your body to heal properly. Yes it hurts after surgery but if everything is done correctly after surgery then you will not be in pain. I just saw a commercial on tv last night about insurance that cost only $2 a day. I will try to find more information for you. If your leg is really bothering you then you cant just let the pain go because you dont have insurance. Maybe you could also talk to a doctor and work out some kind of cash deal or if you go to church the congregation would probably more than willing to help you. But do get into the doctor and make sure you tell him that you didnt do PT after your surgery so that he can evaluate from there.

atrimble_2001 · 11-30-2006, 07:28 PM

Breezy I have health insurance, Just right now food and a place to live are more important then the pain in my leg. And I did do some PT after my surgeries just not as much as I should. BTW my surgeries where back in the begining of 05, so its been getting better for awhile then starting getting worse.

cclngthr · 11-30-2006, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atrimble_2001

Breezy I have health insurance, Just right now food and a place to live are more important then the pain in my leg. And I did do some PT after my surgeries just not as much as I should. BTW my surgeries where back in the begining of 05, so its been getting better for awhile then starting getting worse.

I recommend a re-eval to see if what has changed (sounds like it has). Until then, trying to figure out yourself can do more harm than good.

Breezy · 12-04-2006, 06:12 PM

Im sorry I though that you had said you did not have insurance. Why dont you try the state they probably have a list of dotors who would help you based on your income or situation. Or go to the doctor who dsi the surgery, exzplain the situation and maybe they would be willing to work something out with you. People are usually willing to help, all you have to do is ask.

atrimble_2001 · 12-04-2006, 06:48 PM

LOL, Breezy im not low income either. I have a very well paying job, its just right now alot of my bills are behind so im making double and triple payments to catch back up, cause I was unemployed over the summer. I cant go to the guy who did my surgeries cause he is in California and im in Washington, plus hes Kaiser and my new insurance is Blue Shield.