Physical Therapy?

[puppylove]

I have my first appointment with a physical therapist tomorrow because my cardiologist thinks it would be a good way to get me back into exercise. They know what POTS is but they aren't specialists. I'm kind of scared because I have no idea what to expect and I went to a personal trainer once last year which was horrible... What does a physical therapist do? Thanks!

[looneymom]

Puppylove, don't be scared. They should do an evaluation to figure out your weaknesses and strengths. When I took my son to his first appointment, they had never heard of it. So I took them the latest information I could find on POTS. If they work with MS and CFS patients, they will even have a better clue of how to help you. We have been with our physical therapist for over a year and she is beginning to understand how unpredictable POTS is for my son. A physcial therapist basically shows you specific exercises to do to keep your leg, arm, and core muscles strong.

[puppylove]

Okay, thank you . Do you think it's helping?

[blueskies]

Hi Puppylove,

In my experience with physical therapists they are very careful and go slow. (Nothing like a personal trainer). It's all about building up strength slowly. Tell them if anything starts to feel uncomfortable and they should back off, is my experience. All my pt was done on the floor. They can give you exercises for in bed, too. Must get back to see mine and practice what I preach.

blue

[azmusiclover]

I just started PT for my hypermobility and to help me get back into exercise. My PT is very willing to go at my own pace, while helping me push just a little. So far it's been going well. We do exercises to help strengthen my core and my legs. Your PT should do an evaluation on you in your first appointment to target the areas where you have weakness and also get a feel for your restrictions and concerns and what you want/need to work on. Every PT does things a little differently and of course they are going to be providing you with direct support and guidance. Be sure to have someone that you trust, that you feel listens and you feel like you can work with and trust them to push you, even when it's hard! I like my PT a lot and I'm looking forward to going to more sessions. I kind of look at it like having my own trainer who is medically based and my insurance covers it! (without being in a sweaty gym with people staring at me if I have to sit!) Good luck!

[Kellysavedbygrace]

Hi Puppy. How did it go?

I am planning to post a thread soon about my exercise journey this past year. And I am so thankful to have been working with nurses in cardiac rehab and then with a personal trainer who is a former PT. Honestly, we are still trying to figure out the best exercise regime for me. During this journey Ive learned that:

- movement is good. (the skeletal muscle pump helps the body circulate blood which is helpful)

- exercise is good, but there is not a one size fits all approach.

- to develop a good exercise program you have to be willing to pay the price- rest, and recovery before, during and after.

- the degree to which you are paying a price is often a good measure if you are pushing yourself too much.

- a good exercise therapist will encourage you to slow down, reduce your push because we tend to push ourselves too much.

- it is important not to compare yourself to others, just compare yourself today to yourself yesterday.

- POTS pts who also suffer from CFS should be aware of and look for signs of Post Exertional Relapse/Malaise

- use a HR monitor

- drink lots of fluids before, during and after (about 4oz every 10 mins)