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About Physical Therapy

Shannon Said:

What would physical therapy be like for a kneecap dislocation?

We Answered:

Same exact thing happened to me. I was at a movie with friends, next thing I knew I was waking up on the ground with my kneecap on the backside of my leg. Hurts, doesn't it?

I had to do physical therapy for six months. One of the main things he had me do was put a big elastic around both of my ankles and walk in this silly way that strained my kneecap a little, trying to make the muscles around it stronger. He had a series of five or six exercises using this elastic, I had to do them for about a half hour there and then he had me do it for an hour at home. I also did a lot of things that were similar to how you'd exercise in a gym, lunges and such. Jumping jacks, stuff to ensure your kneecap can continue to support your full weight.

It hurt at first, because it's straining the exact muscles and ligaments you've already hurt. But, after about three times of doing the exercises, it didn't particularly bother me.

As I already stated, I had to do it for six months. But, my case was a little bit extreme, considering my kneecap was on the back side of my leg for a period of time before I figured out what had happened and snapped it back.

I hope you feel better soon :]

Dorothy Said:

What should I expect in physical therapy?

We Answered:

"shock therapy" is not what you think...its actually called electrical stimulation and is usually quite pleasant. However, it's being used less and less because it really does very little to actually help a problem heal. Most physical therapy for neck and back pain is now focuses on either active patient care (exercise, advise) with or without the use of manual therapy...these are the things that the scientific literature say offer the most benefit.

Dawn Said:

What to expect for 1st physical therapy appointment?

We Answered:

Expect to spend the first 15 minutes or so discussing your history, both of your medical history and your current problem, how your current problem affects what you do on a day to day basis and what are your goals.

After that, they will observe your posture, how to walk, test your strength, flexibility, etc.

There may be some pain during the assessment, especially if what is wrong is not known (ie, if we have to try to figure out what is hurting/why). It's not, however, our goal to make you hurt.

Depending on the type of problem you are having, you should feel fine after the assessment, maybe a little more sore. I always try to give my patients a "plan" on what to do if it should be exceptionally painful later that day.

Your home program will depend on the nature of your problem...almost invariably it will include some gentle strengthening or stretching exercise...it depends on your deficits.

Good luck for a speedy recovery.

Rafael Said:

Is there a way to incorporate therapy animals when working as a physical therapist?

We Answered:

Some PT and OT have certified therapy dogs that they incorporate into their practice. There are also therapist that engage in hippo-therapy (therapy using horses)

Max Said:

How long will I have physical therapy after ACL/Meniscus surgery?

We Answered:

I tore my ACL and Meniscus back in 2000. My physical therapy was for 6 months. My therapist told me at that time it all depends on how quick you heal and how dedicated you are with your therapy sessions. It can take you longer than that or lesser, it's all based on how you heal.

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