Myofascial Pain Syndrome Support Group
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (or MPS) is a term used to describe one of the conditions characterized by chronic pain. It is associated with and caused by "trigger points" (TrPs), sensitive and painful areas between the muscle and fascia. The symptoms can range from referred pain through myofascial trigger points to specific pains in other areas of the body. It may be related...
Hi guys,
Recently I posted about my disagreement with my PT who asked me to do exercises that I felt were too repetitive and too much of a jump from what I had been successfully doing. Even though we compromised that day and I did less than asked, it still caused a flare. After discussing the situation with her and not agreeing on the amount of reps that I could do, we did agree to let my doctor decide how to proceed.
I saw him today and he was very surprised at her sudden change in my program as he felt that the three of us were "on the same page". He agreed that what she asked me to do was not acceptable for myofascial pain, but he feels that with a new PT prescription from him that she can accomadate my needs and adapt. The only other therapist that he would trust to work on me is across the S. F. Bay from me and would be a 45 min. drive. So it is best to try to work with this PT because he feels that she is good, but that she just doesn't understand myofascial pain. He does understand MPS, and he will take responsibility for educating her. The first two months had gone well, so I agreed to continue to see her.
I asked him if he would write Chronic Myofascial Pain as well as Hypermobile Syndrome under diagnosis and he agreed. He rewrote the PT prescription to indicate that I should be treated with the PT program that is used for people with polio because with this prescription she will understand how SLOW, GENTLE and non repetitive my program needs to be. He said he would call her today and discuss my case with her, because I have an appointment with her tomorrow. I asked him if he could write on the prescription, "listen to the patient". He laughed and said that he couldn't write that but he would tell her on the phone in a way as not to offend her. (He doesn't have an ego problem, but she does.) This doctor is exceptional and I told him that I was so thankful to finally find a doctor who understands myofascial pain. I felt my appointment with him was extremely productive and now we will see how things go with PTwith my new prescription.
P.S. I told him that I had bought the book Managing Pain Before it Manages You and that we had started a separate support group to discuss the book, one chapter a week. He was very excited to hear that others will benefit from the book and that we are supporting each other.
Recently I posted about my disagreement with my PT who asked me to do exercises that I felt were too repetitive and too much of a jump from what I had been successfully doing. Even though we compromised that day and I did less than asked, it still caused a flare. After discussing the situation with her and not agreeing on the amount of reps that I could do, we did agree to let my doctor decide how to proceed.
I saw him today and he was very surprised at her sudden change in my program as he felt that the three of us were "on the same page". He agreed that what she asked me to do was not acceptable for myofascial pain, but he feels that with a new PT prescription from him that she can accomadate my needs and adapt. The only other therapist that he would trust to work on me is across the S. F. Bay from me and would be a 45 min. drive. So it is best to try to work with this PT because he feels that she is good, but that she just doesn't understand myofascial pain. He does understand MPS, and he will take responsibility for educating her. The first two months had gone well, so I agreed to continue to see her.
I asked him if he would write Chronic Myofascial Pain as well as Hypermobile Syndrome under diagnosis and he agreed. He rewrote the PT prescription to indicate that I should be treated with the PT program that is used for people with polio because with this prescription she will understand how SLOW, GENTLE and non repetitive my program needs to be. He said he would call her today and discuss my case with her, because I have an appointment with her tomorrow. I asked him if he could write on the prescription, "listen to the patient". He laughed and said that he couldn't write that but he would tell her on the phone in a way as not to offend her. (He doesn't have an ego problem, but she does.) This doctor is exceptional and I told him that I was so thankful to finally find a doctor who understands myofascial pain. I felt my appointment with him was extremely productive and now we will see how things go with PTwith my new prescription.
P.S. I told him that I had bought the book Managing Pain Before it Manages You and that we had started a separate support group to discuss the book, one chapter a week. He was very excited to hear that others will benefit from the book and that we are supporting each other.
deleted_user
Katty, This is such great news! I am so happy for you. Your Dr sounds amazing. I am so happy you got from him exactly what you needed. It's great he is going to talk to the PT as well, that way there will be no misunderstanding. Plus he wrote out a whole new script for you too. I can't wait to hear how PT goes today. Please let us know what she has to say to you! It should be an apology. Good luck today!
deleted_user
Sounds excellent Katty!! My GP is the same way, compassionate and willing to listen although what he knows about MPS is the info I have given him. It is great yours knows and understands MPS. I know nowadays you have to have everything written on the PT script as it is a procedure that they follow. If only Hypermobility would have been written, then there would have been no regard for your MPS, even if the PT knew that. They have to have that little piece of paper. Great that you are having them communicate as well, like a team as it should be. SOunds great.
bisja
Katty that is great! Wow I hope all goes well now with the PT and hopefully once she sees that you knew what you were talking about that there will never again be a problem. Good news thats for sure!
Katty2
Thanks, guys, for you support. Had my PT appointment this morning and the doctor had not reached her yesterday, but had left a message to call him. She tried this morning, but didn't get him so they are playing phone tag. He had given me the new PT prescription to give to her, so she give it a quick look. With my doctors support and instructions, I feel that she and I can work together. She did the usual routine with me today and didn't ask me to do anything else. I told her that I was almost over the flare, so would add back more of my home exercises when I felt my body was ready. I have been doing some of them without problems, but will slowly add in all the ones that I was doing before the flare. Hugs to all.
Zingara
I'm relieved that you're back on track with your physical therapist AND that you're coming out of a flare. It's great that you have a compassionate doctor who understands your condition. Good things lay ahead!
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