post op physical therapy

[burdzmom]

hi everyone -

im curious.....im 8 weeks post op today and have been in physical therapy 3x's a week for the last three weeks.  i have had an increase in pressure headaches, difficulty bending forward (feels like my head is a brick on a stick) alot of muscular tension in my shoulders and neck also.  

did anyone else participate in physical therapy post op? if so, how soon post op and what type of activities were you doing?

im nervous that what they have me doing is setting me back and is the reason i have had a pretty rotten two weeks.

thanks for any input. :)

sweet dreams
jil

[soccero]

I started pt. 1 month post op and I was in it untill 6 months post op. They tried to get better rotation of my neck and to loosen up my back and sholders. I went three times a week
Molly

[*Stormy*]

I do go to PT, I started going 6 weeks post op and now I am 3 months. One thing that stuck out for me is that my PT right off the bat said that we would be going very slowly at this. I only go every 2-3 weeks and that is to assess my muscle strength so that she can adjust my home exercises. Also, I usually get some time with the interferon machine to ease the muscle spasms. My PT had heard of Chiari and had actually treated someone before me. Another important thing, there have been a few exercises that I have felt may not be a good fit, my PT told me not to do them if that''s the case and then she adjusts them so I can do them a different way. However, if you have muscle weakness like I do, she told me that there would be more pain before you would see improvement b/c those muscles have not been used properly in a long time. I do find for the most part it has helped me and I seem to have gained some strength. Also, she is the first person who has really pointed out to me the exact reason that I still walk with an unsteady gait, therefore I trust her completely. I do admit there are times when I am suffering so much that I don't do the exercises b/c I just can't but she supports that too and just tells me to go at it slower. I am wondering if it is a question of PT being good for you or if you just need to find a therapist that is more in tune with what you are going through?

Carolyn

[ChiariWolf]

I did go pre-op but wow was a big mistake. Post-op it was prescribed but I could not find PT in this area who even knew what Chiari is thus didn't go.

Let your body talk- if your body is telling this is not helping then it may be a good idea to speak with the NS about the problems as selma mentioned.

Wolf

[selmaS]

HI...I didn't got to PT, but had it in the hosp...and continue to do those exercises at home.....PT is too expensive and my NS said it was good I didn't go...my stinosis has progressed to the point that would not have been good for me.

Is ur physical therapist familiar with chiari?

If not, u may want to call ur NS and mention how u r feeling.

"selma"