I may have mentioned this countless times and forgotten (that's for another thread), but I've had major pains in my neck and back, especially with the cold weather this winter. Saw my PCP yesterday, and she scheduled an MRI (cervical spine only) for this Thursday, just to make sure there's nothing new going on. Also, she set me up with physical therapy on Friday, since I won't take any prescriptions for the pain (make me too sleepy/loopy)..I'm just wondering if anyone here has had good experiences with PT and pain control..I'm trying to think positive, but this is not an area I'm real familiar with..Any info would help. Thanks!

I just learned something recently (I think); that "PT" in the US is "physical" therapy, whereas in Canada PT is "physio" therapy. I now understand physical therapy to be like exercises, whereas physio therapy is more like a chiropractor manipulations, TENS, ultrasounds, etc, and done by a licensed therapist.

Could you please clarify what you are referring to?

Cherie

Sorry for the confusion..Physical Therapy.

You were clear . . . it was me who was messed up about the definitions between the two countries.

I've done "physio" therapy lots of times, but not physical. Do you know what kind of exercises they might have you doing?

I agree a MRI of the spine (T and C) is a good thing before you start. If I have active inflammation in my lesions, many types of exercises do not go over well with me.

Light exercises, that improve posture, stomach and back muscles, strengthen tendons, etc. have been a life-saver for me though.

Cherie

That's good to know..I don't know exactly what kinds of exercises they'll show me, but I do know pain management is a part of what they'll go over. I suppose they can't really say for sure till after the MRI. I'm glad the appointment is on a Friday, though..Doesn't take much to wear me out any more, and I'll have Saturday to re-arrange any body parts I might misplace..

Hi there,

I have had physical therapy for my TOS pain and it helped, especially the ultrasound.

Just a caution though, sometimes the PT's can be a little aggressive. So if it hurts tell them and dont do anything that hurts it could make things worse.

The physical therapists I've seen here in the states also utilize TENs units, ultrasound, and other equipment whose names I do not recall.
The spinal therapist does manipulation and checks stretches she has /had assigned me.

The knee/ankle therapist did exercises and ultrasound and the balance person did, well, I don't know what to call them, but I guess exercises...

Back when I was having disc issues I also had my C-spine stretched by machine and had the exercises BGB mentioned as well as ultrasound.
I have my own TENs unit and it helps for some pain, but certainly not all. Still I am real thankful for that prescription.

I loved PT, made me feel as though I was participating in my health care, and gave me a little feeling of control.

I have had PT in the past, both in home and at a PT center.

It was from the in home PT where I learned to enjoy using "therabands" and when those finally wore out I found Pilate Bands. The bands have helped me with pain and stiffness....I still use them

At first I did have pain from the PT but, I hadn't done any exercise in awhile and using muscles and moving in ways I hadn't in a long time. The PT was mainly for my ankle which I had broke and non-weight bearing for 7 weeks.

Until the PT could work specifically on the ankle she was working on upper body strength and leg strength. It was at this time I also learned you can exercise from the comfort of your own bed - who woulda thunk it

Hoping you have a good experience from PT

I had physical therapy for my C spine. I have DDD, bone spurs, reversed lordosis, disc bulges, etc.

They did exercises-
corner wall push outs
Rubber bands (thera bands)
Exercycle - just the arms, not the pedals
Flex wands - I called them wiggle stix.
Neck moves - turn side to side, tip side to side
Shoulder shrugs and arm circles

And they did -
electro stim ( light electricl zaps that make your muscles twitch a little)
Heating pad
Gentle massage on the neck

After this I was worn out but not sore. I did go home and rest on PT days.


hope that helps some.

I have had PT on numerous occasions...twice involved pain and the PTs were excellent....both pains were corrected with exercise....

So you get big recommendations from me! Good Luck!