I haven't been able to be here much in the last couple of months because of family illness but I have missed all your comments and information. I do appreciate all of you and try to remember to be praying for you all and the struggle we all face with Chiari and syringomyelia.
I would like to ask quickly, since I have an appointment with a physical therapist today, what are your insights and thoughts on physical therapy, physical therapists, etc....? Here are a couple of questions that come to my mind and I m sure that all of you have had these questions. I realize that many of us don't have options in terms of who we choose for a physical therapist, but if you could choose what would the ideal setting be for physical therapist and physical therapy?
1. When choosing a physical therapist what things are important to consider? (someone who has had a patient with Chiari, etc????)
2. Is it important to have someone who will push you hard and check up on the current research in regards to Chiari and syringomyelia?
3. When is it the most important to have physical therapy?
4. What type of physical therapy to have?
5. How to deal with health insurance and physical therapy?
(I have waited on having physical therapy until after I have surgery because my insurance company told me that I only have so many times of physical therapy approved in my lifetime. My assumption was that I will need it more after surgery than before....... is this a wrong assumption?)
Any insight you have would be greatly appreciated.
(I am in the Czech Republic for part of the year because I am a missionary there and have experienced physical therapy there along with deep tissue massages in spa towns, but the cost of it there is very minimal....... and I did go to physical therapy in the US once as my doctor sent me there and I was told the insurance would cover it. This was before I knew that it was Chairi that was causing my struggles..... and I found out after having PT that my insurance wouldn't cover it.)
Arg! Finding a physical therapist to help with Chiari is hard work! Here area some items I have found useful that are mostly geared to the physical therapists knowledge base.
1. No new grads. Chiari has a complicated presentation and needs someone who has been around.
2. Has taken neuro orthopaedic classes to help with the neurodynamics of the spinal cord and attached nerves (slow and gentle)
3. Course on primitive reflexes to help with secondary Chiari symptoms (those symptoms that are shared by those with brain stress)
4. Able to diagnose motor control issues in the neck and shoulders and provide progressive exercises
5. Watch the use of modalities (machines) as insurance companies are increasingly not providing coverage for these "treatments" as they do not have proven research backing their effectiveness and are used to fill up the treatment time
Thanks so much for your amazing insight and help. I used it when talking to the lady who I hope to go to for physical therapy after surgery. I really appreciate it! Sorry, it took me so long to thank you! God bless you, Joanie
gabby jazzypants said:
Hi Joanie
Arg! Finding a physical therapist to help with Chiari is hard work! Here area some items I have found useful that are mostly geared to the physical therapists knowledge base.
1. No new grads. Chiari has a complicated presentation and needs someone who has been around.
2. Has taken neuro orthopaedic classes to help with the neurodynamics of the spinal cord and attached nerves (slow and gentle)
3. Course on primitive reflexes to help with secondary Chiari symptoms (those symptoms that are shared by those with brain stress)
4. Able to diagnose motor control issues in the neck and shoulders and provide progressive exercises
5. Watch the use of modalities (machines) as insurance companies are increasingly not providing coverage for these "treatments" as they do not have proven research backing their effectiveness and are used to fill up the treatment time
Thanks for your help. I agree that it makes a huge huge difference as to how you are treated and this also extremely helps in healing! God bless you, Joanie
Nykki said:
You are so right. I think it is best to wait untl after surgery for physical therapy. I think that water therapy is the best because it is gentle on the body. I was never athletic or in shape. So, if you are in shape you may do okay with land therapy. Good luck with finding someone who will educate themselves on chiari before working with you. A physical therapist thinks that they are qualifiied to help everyone regain their strength regardless of what brought them there.
Me personally, bedside manner is EVERYTHING to me. I can't take rudeness. You can push me physically just be nice about it lol
I'm so glad that you have an excellent physical therapist. I am also from an area where few of the doctors have had Chiari patients and it's amazing when someone is willing to research and learn to be able to help. It's always difficult when someone just disregards it as if it isn't important just because they haven't dealt with it before. May you continue to find the help you need for healing and daily strength. God bless you,
Glad to hear. I hope that it goes smoothly after your surgery.
Marie said:
Thanks so much for your amazing insight and help. I used it when talking to the lady who I hope to go to for physical therapy after surgery. I really appreciate it! Sorry, it took me so long to thank you! God bless you, Joanie
gabby jazzypants said:
Hi Joanie
Arg! Finding a physical therapist to help with Chiari is hard work! Here area some items I have found useful that are mostly geared to the physical therapists knowledge base.
1. No new grads. Chiari has a complicated presentation and needs someone who has been around.
2. Has taken neuro orthopaedic classes to help with the neurodynamics of the spinal cord and attached nerves (slow and gentle)
3. Course on primitive reflexes to help with secondary Chiari symptoms (those symptoms that are shared by those with brain stress)
4. Able to diagnose motor control issues in the neck and shoulders and provide progressive exercises
5. Watch the use of modalities (machines) as insurance companies are increasingly not providing coverage for these "treatments" as they do not have proven research backing their effectiveness and are used to fill up the treatment time