Oestoarthritis/physio

Sarah69
Sarah69 Member Posts: 21
edited 10. Jan 2013, 08:16 in Living with Arthritis archive
Im not sure if asked a similar question before but I'll ask again. I was diagnosed with oa in March last year, I had a THR in May. Since then I have had pains in other joints such as back, knees, shoulders, elbows and my wrists. My dr said she would refer me to physio, I have an appt for this on the 22nd of this month. Would it not be better just X-ray these areas first to see if it is oa or do the drs have a certain protocol of things, such as physio first then an X-ray if there is no improvement with the physio?

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I'm not sure if there's a protocol but I've had loads of physio sessions and, I think, only ever had x-rays first when I've been in hospital. I know x-rays are much safer than they used to be but I still try to avoid them as much as possible.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Gosh, that didn't take long, did it? Diagnosed in the March and operated on in May - that's pretty good going. I suspect that the other aches and pains could be caused by things being thrown out of alignment both before and after the THR, and therefore physio is the best first move as anything that helps to strengthen the supporting muscles is a good thing. Xrays are not good for us if too many are given at once so yes, I think it's probably best to try physio first. My experience of physios has been mostly positive and I still do the exercises recommended by the first one I met. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Sarah69
    Sarah69 Member Posts: 21
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Oh god no it took almost 2 and 1/2 years to get to the diagnosis!

    I really don't see physio helping with the aches and pains but guess if it's what I have to do then so be it. I just don't want it to take another 2 and 1/2 years for them to say I have oa in my shoulders or elsewhere!
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    If the 'aches and pains' are arthritis then physio is exactly what's needed as it will strengthen the muscles so that they support the joints better. I can't imagine where I'd be if I didn't do my exercises every day. It helps enormously.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I agree with Sticky. Use it or lose it and yes exercising or stretching exercises every day or most days is the way to go, for me anyway. You just have to find out what exercises you should be doing for what joints and more importantly what you should not be doing so as not to exacerbate matters.

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi
    I agree with the previous posts
    Physio def. I'm sure it will do some good and I think physios can be very underated.
    They know a lot.....certainly more about the skeleton than your GP does and X Rays.....the fewer the better
    Give it a try
    Go with a positive attitude.
    My physio has decided there isnt a lot more he can do except get me to keep on doing the exercises but he's going to try acupuncture this Fri.
    I know its a different situation...its THR, one still needing to be done and spinal problems with me.
    Love
    Hileena
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    There's no easy answer to OA (or any of the As for that matter). Physio is necessary, as is taking pain dullers and anti-inflammatories if necessary. One thing supports the other and it's best to remember that we have no say in where and when our arthritis will develop. I had my OA for years before it was diagnosed and that diagnosis changed nothing - actually, that's not quite true, it led to the crushing disappointment of being told to wait for three years before I would qualify for new knees. :lol: DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • kentishlady
    kentishlady Member Posts: 809
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Sarah. I'm another OA sufferer (back), so know what you are going through. Good Luck with the physio. I've had a couple of block sessions and am about to get my GP to refer me for another 'block' of sessions. Don't know if you, or any of the others who have been referred to physio, are only allowed 6 appointments with physio? My GP is always very reluctant to let me go as she says " you've been before". When I queried it with physiotherapist the last time I went (a year ago), the physio told me that there was no limit as to how many times you can be referred. Wonder if any of you have same problem, or whether it is just my GP?

    Let us know how you get on Sarah.

    Beryl.
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Bery
    Dont know if its your GP or not.
    I havent come across that.
    What I have found is that when he tried acupuncture about a year ago it was a 6 week block......then about a month break and another 6 week block.
    It helped in as much as the pain eased 5 days out of the 7 days.
    After the 2nd session he said that he couldnt do anymore {he was happy do do more] but the powers that be didnt think they could justify it with me :o
    I thought 5 out of 7 days almost pain free was a result :roll:
    Love
    Hileena
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    kentishlady wrote:
    My GP is always very reluctant to let me go as she says " you've been before". When I queried it with physiotherapist the last time I went (a year ago), the physio told me that there was no limit as to how many times you can be referred.

    This is pure guesswork on my part, Beryl, but it could be that your medical practice has some self-imposed rules re funding. If the physio operates from the local hospital, rather than the practice, her 'rules' could be quite different.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I apologise Sarah69, I wasn't clear was I? The 'quick' bit I was referring to was the three months from diagnosis to op. By the time I get my new knees I will have experienced a time lapse of at least three years between my diagnosis and op. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • CJHunter
    CJHunter Member Posts: 1,038
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hiya, I have OA in both knees, (they have finally decided) and have been doing and given excersises by phisio. I have found that as the muscles around my knees strengthen the better the OA is feeling.
    I do know the pain killers and anti inflam also help but they have been working well together.

    Keep trying and hope it helps you as much as me, positive positive :)
    Clare xxeyeore-1.jpg
  • Sarah69
    Sarah69 Member Posts: 21
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    dreamdaisy wrote:
    I apologise Sarah69, I wasn't clear was I? The 'quick' bit I was referring to was the three months from diagnosis to op. By the time I get my new knees I will have experienced a time lapse of at least three years between my diagnosis and op. DD


    Oh I see, to me it seemed a lifetime as I was in so much pain! I don't know about other areas but this was the waiting time.

    I will obviously give the physio a go but I think I will need to start taking painkillers again.

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