Excellent physiotherapy appointment today

mp1952

Hi folks

I've had my first community physio appointment today to see if I can get any better movement in my right leg (after my hip replacement in May!)...

Well, I wish I had been referred sooner, cos the physio was great and he has given me quite a few 'strengthening' exercises to do.. and has explained why I walk 'stiff legged' and 'throw my leg out in a circle' when I walk, instead of doing a simple 'heel and toe' walking movement.. Already I am feeling the benefit ( have been round m and s this afternoon practicing walking properly!) I have GOT to practice all the exercises cos I am seeing him again a week on Monday and he expects an improvement!!

Just wanted to share my 'cheerfulness' with you all!

Marion xx

ironic

Hi Marion,
What a brilliant appointment you had today. It’s great that you are reaping the rewards so quickly. Gosh you must have been exhausted and in pain after walking with your leg so stiff. Was it because you felt unsafe or worried that you would be putting a strain on the joint?
Sorry it’s just I am not familiar with hip replacements so I am probably not asking the right questions.

So pleased for you.

Lv, Ix
PS. Did you get something nice from M and S? )

dorcas

Hi Marion x:)

great to hear how well your phys appointment went today!

amazing how one person (who knows what he's talking about) can quickly identify what needs fixing.... and how to do it x

good luck with the exercises..... hope it brings you a much improved walking 'gait' and less stiffness in the joint.

so pleased for you.... )

Iris xx

speedalong

Hi Marion,

that is great news. I'm so pleased your appointment has finally come through and that your physio is a good one (always luck of the draw!)

So come on ... tell more about why and what you have to do!! How you tend to walk - swinging your leg out is I'm sure very common after a hip op, especially when no physio follow up is given. It is what I did with my left hip for 13 years post op, until I had physio for my right hip recent op.

Great that your next appointment is next week - though you sound very motivated. Don't over do it though will you - as you will be using muscles you haven't used in a long while.

Thank you for sharing your cheerfulness, much appreciated.

Speedy

dreamdaisy

Cor! This is sounding good marion, it does make such a difference when you find someone who knows their stuff! As speedy wisely said, don't overdo the exercises - find the right balance/limit for you but I certainly hope they work. I think walking round M&S is an excellent place to practise! DD

skezier

Hi Marion,

Really glad it went well for you flower and fingers crossed the exercises really help and help big time! (((( )))) and a cuppa, Cris xx

chris7

Hi Marion x:D

Good to see it went well for you and you are already feeling the benefit. Hope you don't overdo the homework, and good luck for Monday. Pity you had to wait so long for the referral but am pleased you have a good physio. and hope it continues to go well.
take care
Chris

julie47

Marion that sounds great, I am so pleased the physio is helping
and well done to you for keeping it up.
BUT dont over do it, remember to put your feet up from time to time.
You take care
Juliepf x

mp1952

Hi Everyone

Thanks for your support.. The physio has given me 'hope' and also confidence to try the exercises- which was just the boost I needed!!

He said I had F.O.M (which stands for Fear Of Movement) - which a lot of 'hippies' suffer from!

Speedy - The physio said I was rushing when I walked and I needed to walk slower and really focus on walking 'from the hip' and not swinging my leg out..
The exercises are-
Alternating standing on one leg and raising the other knee to the count of 3;
standing up straight on one of those balancing/half-ball things (or a pillow) and rocking forward and then back;
sitting on a chair, raising my right leg and doing the alphabet with my foot;
sitting on the bed, with a football under my right knee, and slowly raising my right leg and slowly down again;
Putting a reistance band round my feet and stretching right leg to the side, forward, back and across (I'm a bit worried about the 'across' but the physio said it would be OK)
He also strongly recommended hydrotherapy and is going to arrange this, if my Rheumy approves (ie issue about catching infections) ...
I've done a lot of walking today (no stick) and I can 'feel' my muscles - but my right leg does feel 'stronger'...

Hope everyone is having a 'reasonable' weekend...

Marion

speedalong

Hi Marion, not surprising hippies often suffer from
F.O.M considering how hard they emphasise hip restrictions, but don't give info readily on when these can be stopped.

Thanks for info on exercises, some of these are new to me;
standing up straight on one of those balancing/half-ball things (or a pillow) and rocking forward and then back;
sitting on a chair, raising my right leg and doing the alphabet with my foot;sitting on the bed, with a football under my right knee, and slowly raising my right leg and slowly down again;
I too would be concerned about the across movement with the resistance band ... be careful you are standing really upright and don't twist or lean whilst doing it. The football one is interesting too - this is a movement we do everyday when dressing but never one I've been given permission to do ...

Hydro will be great if you are allowed to do it.

Your post made me think about how I was walking when out and about today. I can still walk further and faster with my stick - but only use it when walking distances.

Speedy

tillytop

Hello Marion

Belatedly I have seen your thread and wanted to say how pleased I am that your appt was so positive!

Good luck with the walking "properly" and really hope it continues to help you.

Love Tilly xxx