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BrookeButtons · 01-07-2011, 02:19 PM

Alright ladies and gents... apparently I am getting old lol!! I know I am silly, and still young, but my body doesn't feel that way.

When I was born, my hips were not in place. Lucky for me, my ped. picked up on it and sent me to a hip/bone specialist and was put in a brace for the first 6 weeks of my life. I guess from what my mom has said, it is rare that my doctor picked up on it, that most the time, it goes unseen until I would have started walking and would have needed surgery. But problems could later occur.

Off and on for a while now, I have been having some pain. Some of the gents may or may not have even noticed it in an appointment, but if my right hip/leg is moved the right way, I am in an enormous amount of pain.

Today I went to my primary doctor to have it looked at. Of course, the way my doctor moves my leg didn't trigger the pain but she still prescribed me an anti-inflammatory, sent me down to get x-rays of my hip/lower back and I have to start going to a PT 2-3 times a week for a few weeks. Yikes!! I know that's what I thought as well!

But these are my thoughts...

I have never been to PT, Never broken anything, and have heard they really don't do a whole lot, other than show you how to manage different pains/aches and so on..especially when a break hasn't occurred
Maybe I just need to start working out again and keep with a schedule but don't want to risk hurting my self.

So I guess my question to all of you would be, what is your take on PT. Is it worth going to and seeing someone? I know the co-pay is like $30-50 dollars a visit and to me, if I can just get the same information from my local gym trainer, I would rather save the money and see them ya know?!

offshoredrilling · 01-07-2011, 02:29 PM

PT?

jimxbeam · 01-07-2011, 02:37 PM

PT = physical therapy.

A couple of years ago, I had a pinched nerve problem in my lower back, and had PT to help alleviate the pain. I was given some exercises that did actually help move the offending vertebrae back into proper position. For the first few sessions, I didn't experience significant relief, but almost overnight, the pain began to lessen. Now, whenever I feel a twinge, I start up the exercises, and get relief. I have also started some strength training at my gym, and the additional muscle tone has made a remarkable improvement. Both approaches have their advantages, but a good physical therapist can really help you, at least in my experience.

Laker · 01-07-2011, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimxbeam

PT = physical therapy.

A couple of years ago, I had a pinched nerve problem in my lower back, and had PT to help alleviate the pain. I was given some exercises that did actually help move the offending vertebrae back into proper position. For the first few sessions, I didn't experience significant relief, but almost overnight, the pain began to lessen. Now, whenever I feel a twinge, I start up the exercises, and get relief. I have also started some strength training at my gym, and the additional muscle tone has made a remarkable improvement. So, I am a believer.

I'll Ditto JXB, been twice for spinal problems, last year herniated disc, most pain i ever felt in my life! PT very helpfull both tims and is as Jim said, at first you dont think anythiing is working but do what they say and they will help. If you em or pm me i can tell you who i saw.

elghund · 01-07-2011, 02:55 PM

I've done PT for a nagging knee issue....it works!!!

elg....

offshoredrilling · 01-07-2011, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimxbeam

PT = physical therapy.

thanks

MMMM Ok I see now. One of the few I see allot had me go with her for PT. And had me learn what she needed. So I have done it for free, so she can go in less. And not pay out as much. Crap, now I bet they think I am her SO. ERRRRRR. Well it makes her feel better. I just hate it if it does not work and has to go in to see them. Well ok nothing is free!!!!!!!!!

justforfun14213 · 01-07-2011, 03:50 PM

PT. Make sure it is a therapist that is really observing you at all times, the good ones pick up on things that you are not aware of and the bad ones just give the exercises from the page of the book with your problem. I am currently dealing with a herniated disk and have been seeing PT, ND who also performs classical Chinese medicine(acupuncture & herbs), and chiropractic. They all know that they are working together and approve. I would consider talking to someone about acupuncture to see if it may help, it often helps to relax the muscles that are in trauma so that the PT exercise work better and faster. If you have any questions feel free to ask me. Someone that performs ART(Active Release Technique) may also be worth talking to in conjunction with PT.

offshoredrilling · 01-07-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justforfun14213

PT. Make sure it is a therapist that is really observing you at all times, the good ones pick up on things that you are not aware of and the bad ones just give the exercises from the page of the book with your problem. I am currently dealing with a herniated disk and have been seeing PT, ND who also performs classical Chinese medicine(acupuncture & herbs), and chiropractic. They all know that they are working together and approve. I would consider talking to someone about acupuncture to see if it may help, it often helps to relax the muscles that are in trauma so that the PT exercise work better and faster. If you have any questions feel free to ask me. Someone that performs ART(Active Release Technique) may also be worth talking to in conjunction with PT.

Now that is what the UTR provider has that I posted. Do worry I will not help you with your exercises. I feel for you and booke anyways(I hope all read that as meant)and all that have that kind of pain. For I know and see the pain the provider I know is in at times.

ekkkk I'm the only one in this thread so far with out pain. I hope you all get better. Or find what is needed to live with the problems. As I get older I hope not to join you all.

duke1956 · 01-07-2011, 05:32 PM

I'm all for the PT thing. As for exercising, try something low impact like swimming. Another thing you may want to try is fish oil. It's not only good for your heart, it helps to lubricate joints. The effect won't be noticable right away, maybe after a few weeks. It's not a cure all, but may work to alleviate the symptoms. I've heard from a few arthritis patients (including one family member) who have benefitted from the stuff. I personally take krill oil (a form of fish oil) as it is more concentrated. Considering I've had a few knee and back injuries through the years (I'm a little long in the tooth) I have no body aches. I attribute this to both exercise and the fish oil........Good luck!!

Kathmandu · 01-07-2011, 07:20 PM

Brooke,

Many years ago I broke my collar bone and it required extensive surgery. My left arm was in a sling for almost three months and as a result I developed a complication known as adhesive capsilitus (common name "frozen shoulder"). I needed many sessions of PT to regain mobility in my left arm. The therapist knew what he was doing and slowly over many months I got back the ability to rotate and flex my arm. Eventually I re-gained 85% mobility. So for me it worked!

I guess it depends on what the injury is, where it is and "if" it has been diagnosed correctly. Mine was pretty straightforward. I would suggest you make sure the diagnosis is correct. Get a second opinion if necessary. Give PT a try and hopefully the pain will diminish and maybe go away with proper exercise. Good luck!

Kathmandu

youngatheart · 01-07-2011, 09:31 PM

Brooke,

PT is well worth the investment of time and money. And it's a hell of a lot less than a hip replacement. As others have said, make sure the PT is watching you AND has experience in your particular issue. Like doctors some specialize in specific ailments. I won't bore you with my experience but it toook 10-12 weeks and I felt better than I had in 10 years.
PM me if you want the name of a good PT practice.

Deepthinker · 01-08-2011, 06:58 AM

Brooke,

I can see why it is enticing to come to the board with this type of question figuring that all us Geezers have likely developed hip problems in our aged decrepitude -- and in that regard , you may be right. However, in the end, you should take the guidance of your doctor who has the benefit of a more complete history, exam, and the XRay findings. The problem with answering your questions in a generic sense is that none of us know what your individual problem is and thus can't know whether PT will help. After all , PT helps some problems a lot and others , not much at all. Therefore, one can not really transpose another's experience to one's self unless you are identical twins with the exact same problem and the same attitude towards treatment. PT results will depend on the individual, her diagnosis, her specific anatomy, her therapist, and her willingness to actually work hard with the therapy and exercises to get better. Many people don't get good results from therapy because they expect therapy will "cure" them and are too passive. Most of the time, PT only works if you work hard at it.

You have heard some good experiences from guys so far, and I bet they worked hard at the PT. Kathmandu's problem is a good example of when therapy is a must. Almost no one can work through adhesive capsulitis without some help from PT and it tends to be extensive PT. Some of the spine guys have given you another example of how PT is used well. With the spine, it is often a matter of learning the exercises from the therapist and then most of the benefit is just doing those exercises on your own -- and employing them in the future for exacerbations. Those are two good examples of how PT can be successful.

On the other end of the spectrum is a condition such as a bone chip in a joint. PT does nothing for that. That needs an operation to get the chip out before it causes more damage. So ---- again, PT can be helpful for many problems , but requires participation and an accurate diagnosis that is amenable to PT types of treatment.

Remember that when doing PT , an active treatment (with stretching and resistance exercises) is typically better than a passive treatment (like endless stim and ultrasound treatments) , and a hands on therapist is better than one who just puts you in a corner and instructs you out of a "cookbook".

Speaking in general about your presumptive diagnosis the that you had as a child , congenital or developmental dysplasia of the hip, the sequelae can vary significantly (from what I picked up reading the back of cereal boxes and such since I don't profess any formal medical training or expertise) -- from some muscular imbalances to severe bony deformity and secondary arthritis. The XRays should have told your doctor about the latter. Assuming you do not have the severe bony changes, the most common reasons to have pain from the condition have to do with some asymmetry in the soft tissues. The symptomatic hip sometimes has developed some soft tissue contractures or weakness of individual muscle groups and the imbalance can result in pain as muscles , tendons, and ligaments get put into positions of trying to do something that they are not designed to do. In that case, a good therapist can help a lot. A therapist can often figure out where the contractures are, where the weak points are, and give you a program to bring about equanimity. Most of the work can be done on your own with periodic checkups to learn new techniques as you evolve. Think of the PT copayments as a relatively small price to pay if it cures you of pain for the next 50 years and gives you the tools to help yourself next time. A gym trainer will typically not have the tools to make the diagnosis, but would be more valuable as someone to help you complete the exercises appropriately after you have seen the therapist. Then , yes, a long term exercise program will be in your best interest,

On the other hand, the fact that you were born with hip dysplasia may be a red herring , and your current hip pain could be from something totally unrelated. That is why your own doctor's guidance is the most reliable since she is not looking at you through a computer.

Hope that helps and good luck....DT

GP · 01-08-2011, 07:04 AM

I have personally had ZERO success with physical therapy. I strongly suggest you listen to your doctor.

jamesm637119 · 01-08-2011, 12:36 PM

PT does work, but just prolongs the eneable what you really need done. I have just had knee surgery in Nov and it's going well it's still sore but in the long run it will be better, I dont have the pain like I did befor the surgery I prolonged the surgery for five years wish I would have done it sooner.

BrookeButtons · 01-09-2011, 10:20 AM

First and foremost, thanks for all the advice and feedback. I will be making the proper calls to get into PT.

The problem with my situation is that it happened/started at day 1 of my life and of course I don't know all of the details. I am going to be going back to my doctor and bringing my mom only because she may be able to better answer their questions than what I can. I know right, crazy that I don't know what happened to me 25 years ago!!!

I'll check into the fish oil as my problem could be one in a million right now... Just another sign of getting older. Our bodies start to feel the age.