[AliM]

I'm trying to decide if trying physical therapy for my RSD foot would be worthwhile. Because it has taken 7 months to come to my diagnosis, I'm running very short of funds thanks to medical bills, and with a daughter in college, money is so very tight. So I don't want to throw what little money I have into PT if, as a rule, it's hit and miss with RSD.

So I'd love to know if PT worked for you. Maybe that will help me decide how best to spend (or not spend) my money.

[LIT LOVE]

There are less expensive ways, for sure. It really depends on what's going on with your body though. Will PT alone put you into remission? Unlikely. You need to aggressively treat with multiple therapies and meds. The sooner you do so, the better your odds.

[LIT LOVE]

Try finding a warm pool. Easter Seals, YMCA, etc. Start with trying to walk in the shallow end, gentle stretches, etc.

At home, instead of trying to push yourself past point that you flare, walk a short distance, rest, repeat.

Your child is an adult. (I have a son in college as well.) Sacrificing an opportunity for you to regain your health isn't good for anybody. There are always ways to make things work financially while in college--hunting down scholarships to apply for, student loans, taking a semester off for an internship, etc.

[birchlake]

I think it's more "hit" than miss with physical therapy in my opinion

My physical therapist was an absolute godsend to my condition. He helped control the spread and reverse it to a small area. And he increased my range of motion and helped my gait, then set me up with my own physical therapy regimen that I do at home. I see him only occasionally now.

I highly recommend a PT, but it has to be the right one. One that has experience with CRPS and is compassionate and understanding of the pain.

One of the first questions you need to ask them is this. "What do you know about CRPS and how many people have you treated with this condition?"

Good luck!

[anne523]

I agree with birchlake, you have to have the right PT and it has to be one that is experienced with CRPS. I am now on my 3rd therapist and am glad I changed. He is constantly doing more research and explaining all to me. He recognizes when I am having a bad day and adjusts his treatment. When I relay symptoms of what is going on or how I am feeling..thinking I am absolutely crazy.....he explains what is going on and why. Once your PT comes up with a good plan there is a lot you can do at home to continue.

Good Luck!

[free2frog]

For college look to see if they have a RA program (Resident assistance) My son goes to Prudue and Got into there RA program not only is his books and tuition paid for but so are his meals and I forget how much but there is a small pay check also. There is draw back to the program as he is the last to leave his dorm on breaks and has to be the first back and some breaks he could not leave as some students choose not to go home and he is restricted when on duty to be within 10 minutes of his dorm.

[Morgan Herritage]

I'm only on beginning stages of PT and we are doing desensitizing and range o motion. I hope it works some. I tried tens unit and the pain was crippling.

[catra121]

Physical therapy was HUGE for me. It didn't do much for the pain itself but really helped me regain the function and get my life back. I can't recommend physical therapy enough.

You havbe to be absolutley sure they know what they are doing, I was put on Hot and Cold water contrast therapy 3 times a day for 7 weeks, second worst possible treatment after Ice. Result permantently damaged blood vessels and restricted blood flow.
Also given extremely aggressive physio daily for 4 months another big no no so by the time I found a specialist he said it was too late to help