Unless you are an athelete true exercise dynamically helps; if it is done correctly and someone sticks to it.The "third" physical therapist told me outright that I have to do the exercises she assigned me on my own time and that I will have to do them every day for the rest of my life.

The previous therapists simply wanted me to do their exercises in their office but this third one told me it was unethetical for her to milk my insurance company simply because she could.

That "third" therapist subsequently changed my life for the better.

Amen to both comments. I was told sometime ago I would have to be having PT for the rest of my life - walking or not. You have to keep moving as best you can.

Melanie

I'm glad that you have had the opportunity to be heard about the importance of P.T! I am always dismissed when I tell others about how p.t. REALLY helps me out. All because now I need to use crutches on most day and can only really function if the air conditioner is on!
Whenevea I tell my Mother about her needing to actually do the exercises; she just complains and says to me that "Oohh nothing is going to help me! Just forget it, I've done all I can do by getting out of my chair. I am not like you! I don't have MS! I'm just headed for the bone yard!!"

She is only 67 and yes has severe arthritis among other issues but refuses to help herself with at least SOME exercizes that her general Dr. had her learn.
It's soo depressing to hear her talk most of the time; I'm Sorry for my little rant.
Good luck with your daughter and yeah p.t. is great!

I have been very active my whole life. Danced, ran track, always exercised, had a dance studio in my home, taught scuba at the university, etc etc. When MS really hit, I still kept up my own routine with yoga, Pilates, hand weights, etc. I even got a Wii to work on my balance in a fun way. But I definitely felt the loss of strength over the past 4 years, and was fighting hard to keep what I could.

Last year though, I had some spasticity in my hip that really hurt and decreased my range of motion considerably. I went to PT and it got better. Then I got sick with c diff, and had to stop. I planned on continuing with PT in the neuro department, for just general help all over until I got sick. Well, I am 3 months post c diff, I've just finished 5 weeks of my own yoga/Pilates everyday, and I have an appt for an evaluation for PT this Friday!! After a whole year, I can finally get the PT I was hoping for. I love my yoga and Pilates, but I agree to let the professionals figure out the balance of exercises and what's best. I will keep up my own stuff at their direction, and incorporate what they give me. I'm really excited and can't wait :)

I'm not sure what I would do without physical theraphy. Everyone can excercise at home but, unless you know exactly what excercises to do and which muscles to target, it won't be as beneficial.

I'm glad your daughter's PT is helping her out!

Use it or lose it!

Hi, the Dr that evaluated me for pt, made it clear, that we needed to learn the routine and do them at home, because insurance only pays fifteen or thirty sessions and if we have new challenges to come back and insurance would pay, this was really good because he was clear from the beginning. Anyhow I asked for cash prices,,,to see Dr,$50,,and $25 per session, which is not expensive to go two or three times to learn new routine. If we can spend $40 going out to dinner, we can do this instead, it'll last longer,,,LOL.

Thanks, Alma

I was always very active played sports n all..sigh now im happy if im able to last a few hours without my damn cane.. stayin active is essential!!! We may not be able to keep up with track stars or anything but we maintain our existing function so we can slow progression..being i dont have insurance i rely on exercises that i learned while working ina PT office for 3yrs helping patients with exercises..my cuzin is a PTA n on his last rotation to become a PT n i ask him my ques..i cant play sports anymore but i walk daily whether i like it or not..stretch n stay active as much as i can to maintain wat i can still do now