I wasn't overly impressed by the hydrotherapist I saw, who didn't follow the guidelines on pacing and continually asked me to do too much, also didn't really understand my condition/biology. The hydro sessions proved far too painful. I noticed another woman in the pool being given a much gentler session and not being pushed nearly as much, so maybe they thought I just looked like I could do more? (That happens a lot). I should have stood up for myself more and said no, it's too much, I'll be in agony later. I didn't: I just stopped going. It's hard say no. I found myself skiving when they wasn't looking! They also noticed that by the end I was limping: I hadn't even realised I was, but it shows how it had all been so much I was already in pain (pain is generally delayed for me). Maybe they need to build up more gradually and ask patients 'do you think this exercise will be ok?' 'have you done enough or can you continue?' etc. As for physio, I saw one for an assesment and they seemed quite nice. I have noticed, though, that they seem totally unnerved by pain that can't be fixed. Roughly 25% of people with Ehlers Danlos III don't find physio helpful, so they need to be prepared for that. It is to their credit they seemed sad about it, though, I suppose. On a philosophical note though, I think physiotherapists and hydrotherapists (like most of the general population) find it hard to accept that some health problems can't be fixed... that exercise isn't the answer to everything. I had so much physio over the years, I eventually had to draw a line and admit it hadn't helped at all.
"Could be more gradual and interactive"
About: Manchester Royal Infirmary Manchester Royal Infirmary Manchester M13 9WL
Posted via nhs.uk
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust