Beware therapists who don't watch you walk!
Posted by Sandra Z on 2/23/99
I am improving daily and I believe my new physical therapist should get the credit. My doctor sent me to PT months ago, and the old therapist apparently treated all PF cases the same: I was given a sheet of stretches that were too intense for me, and that actually made the pain worse, and ultrasound and some other passive heat-type treatments that did nothing. My foot got so bad I went into a cast for six weeks. When it came off, I still hurt, plus I was stiff. Then I went to a new PT who is a sports medicine specialist. She mainly works with younger people who want to return to athletic activity. The first thing she does each week is watch me walk, and then she modifies my stretches and exercises for the week. I started off with baby, non-weight bearing stretches. She also gave me exercises to train the muscles I haven't been using since I modified my walk to compensate for the pain, and she massages the knots out of my tight calf and foot. I only see her once a week but I AM IMPROVING DAILY with this personalized approach. I may even dare to go dancing this weekend. My conclusion? Everyone's injury is different and if your doctor/therapist doesn't watch you walk and just prescribes some "cookie-cutter" cure, chances are you won't get better. Find a sports medicine PT and get a personalized program!
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