Gail Said:

How important is physical therapy? Please answer?

We Answered:

NO you DEFIANTLY need to go to PT it is very important with the lateral release or your risk that surgery being a failure. I know it SUCKS having to pay a co-pay every time (I have to pay $50 per visit) but it will help prevent more problems later in life. It is a good thing that you are doing some exercises at home that gets you a jump start on the recovery process. There are other exercises that you can do at home other than just straight leg raises that will help, this is the site my PT sent me to before I left the hospital after my last lateral release so that I could get a jump start on healing

http://www.hipsandknees.com/knee/kneeexe…

Please stress to your mom just how important it is that you go to PT I know that the co-pay sucks but you dont want to end up with more knee issues and possibly a WAY more expensive surgery if the LR fails. I know this from experience because (yes i went to PT just did not work with as bad as my knees where to begin with) my second Lateral release on my right knee did not work and i had a major surgery that cost me $22,000 to try and help with pain and other issues.

I wish you all the best in your recovery!

Martha Said:

physical therapy question!?

We Answered:

The types of problems you describe are not readily fixed that fast...rather the repair process takes place over several weeks to months. I fully expect in one month you will still have discomfort...however, and this is where the profession needs to change...is that most people are capable of stimulating the healing process in themselves when given the proper education and instruction.

...It sounds like you've been in PT for awhile...so another month should really get you to a point where you can continue the exercises at home.

...good luck!

...we're used to being put under pressure to end therapy as quickly as possible...from patient's, doctors, insurance compaines, workman's comp...or in your case, your mom.

Rebecca Said:

gait specialist?

We Answered:

If your glutes are not working properly, the rest of the muscles in your legs MUST take over the work to keep you upright and moving. If you have no glute function, no amount of walking will help. This MUST be corrected first. Have you looked into seeing a Kinesiologist, as these doctors specialize in muscle function?

A simple way to correct glute function is to lay down on the floor flat on your back. Raise your legs, with knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Keep your knees and ankles together. Squeeze your buttocks tight. Then lift your butt high. This is called butt bridges and is often incorporated into Yoga and Pilates. Very effective.

Martha Said:

How do you "awaken" a semi paralyzed foot?

We Answered:

Paralysis, spasticity and numbness are potential long term side effects of an AVM. It may be time to consider anti-spasticity medication which I would discuss with a neurologist or a physiatrist (a medical doctor with a specialty in rehabilitative medicine). If this has already been addressed, I have had a couple adult patients have good relief from spasticity and numbness with accupuncture...yet there may be some barriers of a child willing to go through this type of treatment (even though it's relatively painless). I have no studies that I have researched...just seen it work in a few patients who were deemed to have "reached their maximum benefit of PT."