[sabimax]

hey all,
well neuro as of late, love this neuro cares!! Last visit when I described the stiffness pain issue I am having, he said it is spasticity. He put me on baclofen, and it was helping. But then lately all is worse, so they upped the amount, and still helping but my pain is again worse. He upped the baclofen again but also asked if I would consider PT. Which I was like YES OF COURSE, anything to help
me. Also to make sure I do not get worse.

I have been streching a lot and a bit of yoga for stretch and strength..but glad he mentioned PT, so I can learn the best stretching for me etc.

So wondered if anyone would share how the PT, helped the spasticity, or just sharing your PT experiences thanks a bunch, hugssss,sarah

[barb02]

Hi Sarah,

I have only have pt once before, but I have a appointment on Friday for an assessment. My pcp prescribed one month, but will prescribe more if I think it is helping. The last time I was in the middle of my first flare, and I think it helped some. My sessions were an hour long and we did some stretching, balance, and weight work. I am going this time for spasticity and problems with my knees (arthritis).

[sabimax]

cool Barb we can be PT for Spasticity buddies hehehe..and share notes hugss and good luck, hugs,sarah

[greta]

Hi Sarah!
Funny, I was just talking about this elsewhere! My mom has and my nephew had severe spasticity. My mom uses baclofen and my nephew used botox. Either way, PT has been really important to them because it's used to strengthen the antagonist muscles. These are the muscles that oppose the ones that are experiencing the spasticity. If you strengthen them, then they can help offset the spasticity. My nephew could get a lot more out of his botox because as soon as he would have it, the PTs and OTs would push really hard to work the opposing muscles. Hope that helps and that you get some relief soon.

[sabimax]

thanks Greta, excited to see PT and get some info and help...hugss,sarah

[barb02]

Started PT today. They just did an 30 minute assessment and only gave me exercises for my knees --something about the muscles on the outside of my upper legs. I am going to go 2x per week. I mentioned spasticity to the therapist, but I guess I will have to ask her agian next week about exercises for stretching my legs. I did find out that they have a massage therapist at the hospital who is doing reflexology. I may try it -- $40.00 for 45minutes.

[sabimax]

cool barb, I too when can try to suck it up and spend money on me...have done massage and the lady does a good job, and always in tune with asking about my symptoms.

I did 15min of walking, marching and side stepping and squats in pool. She was cautious as pool there is warm... she was nervous I would come out all falling over after we discussed my sxs hehe

I did have troubles a bit after pool but nothing cooling off with cold shower and drinking cold water cured.

she as you will see on insights, she mentioned MS and about the idea of taking meds to check if it helps the flares slow down. I told her tell my neuro that idea hehehehe but she gave me lots of tips on what to ask him and say.

hugssss,sarah

[FinLady]

So I take it the advice about having cool water helped some? Hope so.

I haven't been in a PT pool since last year. I have to admit that during the winter - I couldn't wait to get in! LOL!

Balance training was a little rough. I lucked out on having someone familiar with MS as my PT guy. He could tell by looking at me if I was having a bad day. He was still a bit of a drill sargent, but was a little easier on me on those days.

[sabimax]

Hey fin, yes the water, and also a very cold shower before and after helped too. Although I left a bit off but managed. They may eventually add some balance exercises too as they seen how bad my balance is. She also was surprised how weak I was on right side, and said you have learned how to compensate a LOt for your ailments. oh wait I might have said that already haha

tired out from work, I go to PT monday after work and thursday on day off. twice a week at first. hugss,sarah