Physical Therapy is causing me more pain than expected.?

That seems to me, to be too much, too quickly, or all at one session.

I would definitely tell them, and ask if you could shorten the sessions, or lower the number of repetitions, until you can build up more gradually.

I hope they show some flexibility and individualize their plan for you.

Also drink extra water, after each session.
 
That seems to me, to be too much, too quickly, or all at one session.

I would definitely tell them, and ask if you could shorten the sessions, or lower the number of repetitions, until you can build up more gradually.

I hope they show some flexibility and individualize their plan for you.

Also drink extra water, after each session.
(y) Any knowledgable PT therapist or gym fitness trainer would definitely encourage the client to listen to your body and modify as needed.
 
My neurologist referred me to Physical Therapy for my neck/spine issues. I have been twice and each time I have been in more pain for a few days than when I went. It can get so painful have difficulty sleeping. Anyone else have any similar experience like this?
Yes! My 88 year old mother has just started having a physical therapist come to her house 2x per week, and since then, she has been in so much pain. Mom had to go to the hospital two days ago via ambulance. She was howling from the back pain. They put her on morphine at the hospital. My sister took her home, and I told them that they should stop the physical therapy! That's the only thing that changed recently.
 
I’ve been through a lot of physical therapy for helping to put off joint replacements as long as possible, the replacements themselves, a broken leg, etc. Try to be as relaxed as possible into the first couple of sessions. Ive often noticed that the first two sessions can be more painful coming out than when you went in. Try not to give up then. If you are given any exercises to do between sessions try to do them .at least gently but don’t knock yourselves out and get more sore.
if you are assigned a “drill sergeant “ type, see if you can change to someone else. They do have different personalities and let them know at your assessment or first session that you want someone who starts where the patient is at . Ideally it should feel like a cooperative process when It’s going on. That’s when it’s worked best for me. Like any other form of physical care, you have to feel comfortable with the provider.
 
It has been mentioned to pay attention to ones body. I agree completely, as such. IMO if a person is experiencing [acute] pain caused by a recent [mostly recent] situation, then yes that may be overcome with exercise/movement.


However , if a person is experiencing [and living with] chronic pain for a long exsisting condition such as arthritis, bursitis, sciatica, etc. Again opinion ... there are very few days/times when any movement can be tolerated without pain during and/or after said movement ........ again jmo , consider it as you please.
 
Be sure to speak with your PT therapist
Good advice, I have found the physical therapists I work with very open to working to maximize recovery whilst minimizing pain. Some pain is to be expected, but I don't think lasting for days is right.

For my knees the therapists tell me that pain during sessions is necessary, but if it persists after the sessions I have over done it. Guessing the story is similar for you.
 
I had a similar night. A lot of pain. I used a heating pad on my forehead and an electric blanket with my regular one. I slept maybe 4 hours. Now I have a whole day of "listening to my body" and how to manage the pain. I am calling my PT this morning and talk with him. I have no idea on how to help this situation. Thanks for all the posts about this, believe me it helps to know your not totally alone in this painful situation. I know and feel for all those who are not feeling well for whatever reason, and hope they all find some relief soon.
 
In Canada we have these physical therapy folks almost on every block. Just like "Farmer Jane" who keeps selling her cannabis to customer with hoodies.

I have been to physical therapy many years ago. When I got home there was awful pain. I never liked the way they wanted to book appointments for the next 6 months. I think they love $$$$$$$.

Now, I walk for 45 minutes 5 days/week. I do floor exercises when I get up 5 days/week. I also go on the treadmill 5 days/week. I walk straight, I walk fast and I feel no pain. You might say I'm my own doctor in that way.
 
I talked to my PT and decided to not do the new exercise because it was causing the pain. Good! Hopefully tonight will be good to me. Interesting info: Your muscle can stretch up to 30% and the nerves can only stretch up to 6%.
 
I'm sorry you're suffering @Paco Dennis. You've been around the block with this, and not much seems to help alleviate the pain. I understand your frustration.

Have you heard of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), commonly known as "tapping"? I think it's worth checking into. It might offer you some relief. I hope so. You've got nothing to lose by giving it a try. :)

Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions: A systematic review > https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.951451/full

Neuropathy Symptoms and EFT > https://eftuniverse.com/pain-management/neuropathy-symptoms-and-eft/

How Tapping can Help in Pain Management > https://sanguinebio.com/2020/11/06/how-tapping-can-help-in-pain-management/

Tapping 101 > https://www.thetappingsolution.com/tapping-101/

Tapping through Pain - EFT with Brad Yates >

Releasing Chronic Pain: EFT/Tapping with Julie Schiffman >

EFT Tapping For Physical Pain > https://vitalitylivingcollege.info/how-to-use-eft-on-physical-pain/

How to Use EFT Tapping for Pain Relief - Nick Ortner >

Bella ✌️
 
It seems like the conversation you had with the PT was productive, and that you made a good decision. I hope the pain will abate, and that your nights will have less acute pain!

Gosh, that 30% to 6% ratio sounds significant!:oops:
 
I'm sorry you're suffering @Paco Dennis. You've been around the block with this, and not much seems to help alleviate the pain. I understand your frustration.

Have you heard of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), commonly known as "tapping"? I think it's worth checking into. It might offer you some relief. I hope so. You've got nothing to lose by giving it a try. :)

Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions: A systematic review > https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.951451/full

Neuropathy Symptoms and EFT > https://eftuniverse.com/pain-management/neuropathy-symptoms-and-eft/

How Tapping can Help in Pain Management > https://sanguinebio.com/2020/11/06/how-tapping-can-help-in-pain-management/

Tapping 101 > https://www.thetappingsolution.com/tapping-101/

Tapping through Pain - EFT with Brad Yates >

Releasing Chronic Pain: EFT/Tapping with Julie Schiffman >

EFT Tapping For Physical Pain > https://vitalitylivingcollege.info/how-to-use-eft-on-physical-pain/

How to Use EFT Tapping for Pain Relief - Nick Ortner >

Bella ✌️
I appreciate this very much. I have been becoming aware of how my self talk/value really makes a difference in my perception of my "pain". Your post awakened in me the sense of actually valuing much of life that I have neglected. I lost a lot about 15 years ago. People I valued very much died and the society changed drastically for me. I began to see the world in a negative way. I found very little to appreciate. Then this illness came on so suddenly it really through me off. It has been very difficult to find things to appreciate. Thank you for posting the very thoughtful theme. It worked. :)
 
That's the best outlook to have. (y)
Thank you for that comment. I am a very strong believer in preventive health. If you let your body "go to pots" then it's going to be pretty hard to fix things.

I feel that we are just like machines. Use the machine and it runs. Leave the machine for a long, long time, it starts to rust. I think those folks sitting in front of the TV all day are rusting. They might not notice it but, believe me, they are rusting. I am not going to rust. I like to keep moving.
 
A friend who's 85 also had the same experience. She figured it should be painful at first, in order to benefit later.
But she stopped having it because it got too painful.
Some things are better left alone, IMO.
 
I talked to my PT and decided to not do the new exercise because it was causing the pain. Good! Hopefully tonight will be good to me. Interesting info: Your muscle can stretch up to 30% and the nerves can only stretch up to 6%.
I did Yoga yesterday for the first time in several weeks. I have a pretty sore muscle in my right upper back. A hot compress is giving much gratifying relief. I'll make sure to warm up better next time, and listen closer to my body.
 
That seems to me, to be too much, too quickly, or all at one session.

I would definitely tell them, and ask if you could shorten the sessions, or lower the number of repetitions, until you can build up more gradually.

I hope they show some flexibility and individualize their plan for you.

Also drink extra water, after each session.
I agree. Say something. You should not be in more pain, and if you are, something isn't right. @Kaila is right about keeping well hydrated too. It can help. Best luck.
 


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