Usually with your kind of pain the best Physical Therapy is pool therapy, so your body weight doesn't work against you and hinder any benefit. I have a Degenerative Cartilage Disease that affects most of my Joints and Advanced Osteoarthritis and I do PT in the pool 5 times a week to keep my mobility up and pain down. I also use PRP (Protein Rich Plasma) Therapy, it's a newer therapy for Ortho Chronic Pain, and not offered everywhere. I also use Corticosteroid Injections in my knees, shoulders, elbows and wrists for pain control as well as Acupuncture.

I used to be on several LA Narcotic pain meds but I detoxed myself off of them a few months ago and now just manage my pain with other methods.

Doing PT in a pool can help strengthen your Core so standing and sitting doesn't cause as much pain, and it will strengthen your legs. Do you have an Orthopedic Dr. who manages your knee pain?

Hi TC40. I also am new and have pain similar to yours. I have bone on bone in my right knee, and my left knee is deteriorating. I have impingements in both rotator cuffs, but they don't bother too much as long as I don't raise my arms over my head. I have arthritis in both my hips, and have had back pain for several years. I also herniated a disc in my lower lumbar last December and my idiot spine doctor (at the time) never diagnosed it. It wasn't until I went to a new spine specialist who ordered an MRI and diagnosed me correctly. I, too, have had several injections and still have no relief. I now have to lose weight (easier said than done) and trying to get through my day-to-day activities is pure hell. I'm also looking for a job and am holding off buying a new interview outfit until I have one lined up because I can't bear the thought of walking into a store, browsing, and trying on clothes. I struggle with doing laundry, cooking, even showering. And I've given up trying to clean my house. I'm going to have to hire someone to do that.

I really like the idea of pool therapy and hope I can give that a shot. But I understand how you feel. I have pain in both my legs now, and maneuvering the stairs in my house is becoming too difficult. I even have a hard time when I need to use the restroom and have to find some way to make that easier. Just to keep my spirits up and continue to do things I love, I have to push through the pain, but I pay for it later.

I wish I had some helpful suggestions for you. But you're not alone. Good luck. If I hear of anything that might help me, I'll share it with you.

I'm so sorry you're having to deal with so much pain. The pool therapy does sound like it could be helpful, less impact on your joints. I wish I could help with who to see and what to do but just know that we're all here for you! We are all in this pain day in and day out. -hugs-

I'm sorry to hear that you have painful health issues. I have chronic pain in my back also. Recently, I started swimming and taking exercise classes in the pool at a local gym. The water therapy feels great. I can exercise more in the water than I can on land. I avoided everyday activities and got weak also. Some Personal Trainers are helping me build up my strength again.

Hi-so sorry you are hurting. I have done both land and pool PT. Success was very dependent on the practitioner him/herself and the approach they use. I’ve had from great to horrible—for both land and water. But, having said that, it is worth the struggle for tiny bit of pain relief and to stave off further reconditioning. The problem is chronic pain often requires “chronic” physical therap—something insurance companies don’t seem to get... Just restarting the process myself, again. May we both find strength and some relief!

So sorry you are in so much pain but then again, we wouldn't be here f we weren't right? Aqua therapy does wonders. I had my leg in the BEST shape ever after a femoral osteotomy by walking circles in our above ground pool- kids loved it too cause I created a whirlpool! Unfortunately I went back to work and was kicked in my bad leg by one of my patients- they say that he didn't have the cognitive ability to know what he was doing- BULLSHIT! He looked right at me when he did it. Couldn't charge him for assault as it was a condition of his handicap and worse yet, it was too cold to use the outdoor pool and I was back to working full-time (and a mom of 2 little one!) My leg has never been the same. I now have scoliosis in 2 areas of my back and am deemed inoperable by the 4 best surgeons in the US. I have Lupus so my joints are an issue to begin with. I also have a blown right knee that they said needs a replacement. Unfortunately, I have 4 more months of daily injection for osteoporosis to see if my bones have become stronger. The knee replacement is an ify situation as I have a 6 inch rod, titanium plate and 5, 3 inch screws through my femur. They would have to remove some or all of that hardware before the knee replacement and with my current levels of osteo- this may shatter the femur. Don't know how much more I can take- have had the knee drained twice already and its not holding up well. Hence the aqua therapy to strengthen the other muscles- It does feel good after you get out- your spine is elongated for a period of time so no bone on bone. Good luck to you, keep us posted! xoLyn