How long should therapy last

[duge]

I was just wondering how long should we go, or keep doing therapy?

I have not done any for about 2 yrs now. Is it time to give in and just be content with what I have?

[Jim]

Fight as hard as you can :mad:

[dgrotz]

You should do some kind of strengthening program but you don't necessarily need a therapist, unless your like me and need someone to make you do it. I'm seven years post and still get in home PT once a week.

[christopher]

Dave is right. It's gotta be up to you to get into a physical training regimen. you're an incomplete L something right? Get yourself to an accessible gym.

[queen]

I'm a burst L#1 with sci...on May 20, 2004...I did 6 wks, rehab. hospital and 8 weeks outpt. rehab. til insurance ran out...I had them give me exercise sheets to do at home when I got my brace off. I was admitted at 150 lbs.
discharged at 123 lb. so lost all my muscle mass and had to start from scratch.

I do about an hour couple times a day...and getting stronger and stronger..still no feeling from knees down, but now I can control where I put my feet at least. My core is alot stronger too. And slowly getting strength in balls and toes to keep me from falling forward on my face....

I also get into a pool periodically, so between floor exercises and the pool I get renewed energy, less pain and more flexibility.

Even my para belly is seems to be getting flat again..I say don't stop the exercises. Even if it's on a standing frame or just range of motion,,,your keeping your body as fit as possible.

Queen

[Aly]

It depends on what your goal are. I quit doing physical therapy for a while, but then my spasms that way out of control and I had new strengthening and sitting unassisted goals. So now I'm back in physical therapy again, with a little range of motion, a lot of weight training, and working on some balance sitting unassisted. When I reach my goals or start showing little to no improvement I'll get kicked out again. I'll then use my creative mined come up with some new things and go back a few months later.

[SCI-Nurse]

If you are still changing neurologically (getting return), then I think if you can get insurance to cover it you should continue with PT/OT until you plateau, then get a good home exercise regimen you can follow yourself. If you should then later change neurologically, get another prescription for some more therapy. I also think it is a good idea to get at least an annual therapy "check-up" which should include an evaluation of your strength and sensation, range of motion, pain issues, ergonomics for chair pushing and transfers, and an equipment re-evaluation. This is standard in the VA system, which can serve as a model (and help with getting justification for this with some insurances).

(KLD)

[vickylynn]

i just went back to shepards for above beyond i was asa a now asia c after 4 yrs i started moving left foot and right toes. i was tested and all my muscles in left left leg are firing. sooooo its 9 hrs a week now. i can see a difference in me will be tested again in 6weeks to see where we are but in pool i am doing
squats with help.

[duge]

I had a T12"incomplete" burst, But I guess the main thing I am worried about is trying to keep the strength that I have. I do try to do things to help keep it, but the thing's I need more strength in I can't seem to get too working. My ankles are getting weaker, My insurance will pay no longer for therapy and I did Not get any settlement to help offset the cost. I can't keep my feet in a set of pedals to like bike it sO I have seen a pedal pusher and think I am going to give it a try.
Thanks to all for your responses!!!
Doug

[MikeC]

Good luck Doug. I'm like you - I can't keep my feet in pedals without my AFO's. And if I wear my AFO's they stick out so far that I can't pedal. So, I have to rely on walking for exercise. Can you try an elliptcial trainer somewhere? It gets your heartrate up and puts your legs through a good range of motion. Between that and using the pool I feel like I'm able to keep my strength. However, I'm not improving much anymore. Mike

[Lindox]

duge,
If you have good upper body strength get into the water..Work that water.
Not only is it a life saver for aging joints..but it can be used for cardio health..this requires some very determined lap swimming..also lowers or keeps your blood pressure in a very youthful range..helps with weight control and even weight loss when you do regular cardio type swimming.

If you hurt doing something on land..it will be much less painful in the water.

Good luck and PT is a life long effort when your paralysis is lifelong..no matter what anyone says.
IT CAN HELP.

[duge]

Mike I am not sure if I could get up on one or not. My feet will deffinately not allow me to be on anything very long.

Lindox, I have not been in any water since before my accident. And now it's time to close the pools here. My father-in-law has a pool but I would catch hell if I had a B or B accident while in it:nono:

[Shaun]

Mike I am not sure if I could get up on one or not. My feet will deffinately not allow me to be on anything very long.

Lindox, I have not been in any water since before my accident. And now it's time to close the pools here. My father-in-law has a pool but I would catch hell if I had a B or B accident while in it:nono:

Ya know man,your killin me...I never hear the words try or will do ever come out of your posts,its always the same thing..People offer up advice,you load up your double barrel excuse gun and let rip.The nurses have told you what to do about the penis problem,you never reply to them..Mike C,Lindox and others offer advice,ya fire your gun..Your not helpless man! How about a post where you accomplished something..just one thing..please,one positive post...A nice example would be ''Mike C,i took your advice and im bearin down and workin hard at er'' or ''Thanks for the advice guys,im in the pool and its great''...Something like that.

As much fun as it is talkin about all the ladies breasts in R&S,its also nice to post some accomplishments..I know you can do it,others know you can do it,now get up and GIT ER DONE man...Get in the pool and swim,swim man swim..find away adapt and overcome and pedal the shit outta that bike..

Now quick,Shaun wasnt being very nice,get em!

[betheny]

That might have been the nicest thing Shaun ever said to you, duge. You gotta get up and do it. It hurts, I know, my feet hurt so damn bad. But you just gotta do it because the option is to ROT.

How about a pool at the gym? How about floor exercises? Exercise balls at walmart are $15.00.

It's too hard to do it but it's too stupid not to. I expect a full report on how your exercise routine is kickin' your butt quite soon. :)

[woman from Europe]

I was just wondering how long should we go, or keep doing therapy?

I have not done any for about 2 yrs now. Is it time to give in and just be content with what I have?

I did 8 month of rehab the first time and now I am in the rehab 10-20 days every year. Then I take PT twice a week most of the year for about one hour. And I wheel a lot, maybe two or three hours every day when the weather permit it. I am not very good to exercise at home, I walk a little and stand for half an hour but not every day

[duge]

I do do things, contrary to what is thought. I do alot of excersises here at home but a, limited financally!!!! I haven't had a bowel accident for close to 6 months!!! but I figure No-one wants to hear about that!!! Contrary to eveidently what some think I do NOT just sit around!!!!
I was just wondering how long that other people take therapy.
If I get into the floor I can't get back up. I know it sounds funny or like I am crying but my legs do not bend or work right to do it. I have enough upper body strength just not the cordination below. And I do try, Just doesn't work

And to be damm right honest I can't afford "financally" to go out and buy things, like excersise machines and such I can a ball.... Got alot of theraband!! But I can't go out and buy expensive equipment to do it on

[woman from Europe]

I do do things, contrary to what is thought. I do alot of excersises here at home but a, limited financally!!!! I haven't had a bowel accident for close to 6 months!!! but I figure No-one wants to hear about that!!! Contrary to eveidently what some think I do NOT just sit around!!!!
I was just wondering how long that other people take therapy.
If I get into the floor I can't get back up. I know it sounds funny or like I am crying but my legs do not bend or work right to do it. I have enough upper body strength just not the cordination below. And I do try, Just doesn't work

And to be damm right honest I can't afford "financally" to go out and buy things, like excersise machines and such I can a ball.... Got alot of theraband!! But I can't go out and buy expensive equipment to do it on

I think maybe the best therapy for you is walking. Take a walk outside for some hours every day. The best is to walk in the forrest but it is ok in the town too. Sit down for a coffee when you are tired or read a newspaper or what ever but walk every day.

[Shaun]

But I can't go out and buy expensive equipment to do it on

You said you had 7 vehicles in your driveway..sell a couple.Sell the Ford 250,sell the your lowered Chevy thats all restored..Whats more important? Getting in a pool doesnt cost anymore than your smoking habit a month..quit,whats more important? You always post when you have bowel problems,why wouldnt you post when you have solved them and share with others how you've done it? And you still havnt adressed the posts made by the SCI nurses about you erection problems.You like to remind everybody about it as often as you can,yet you completely ignore the fact that it probably DOESNT have to be that way..You like to talk to all the ladies about there breasts,yet you never mention your wife...anyways,this is getting off topic...as much as me and you have issues with each other,this is me trying to help..what can i tell ya,im a SOB..

So,how long should therapy last? Its never ending,mentally or physically..I find that along with it comes a constant state of reavaluating and prioratising whats more important to you...Get yourself well mentally also...good luck.

[duge]

By the way Shaun You still seem to want to burn me. I remeber offering a hand once and NO you continue! I came for help Not to be burnt and are you keeping score of when I ask the nurses something ?? Sure as hell sounds like it bud!
I am tired of you dude go fuck with someone else.

I do what and probably a hell of alot more than you!!!!!!!!!!!! since you have become the self appointed carecure police and are always on here but too damm afraid to be shown and have to hide when you are

You know all the vehicles are Not MINE!!!!

So what do Have to say now
fuck it

[Shaun]

So what do Have to say now
fuck it

Turkey in my sandwich is a little dry,but unfortunately im not a mayo user..so i guess it shall be..

I'll bet ya that felt good didnt it..just a little blown out of preportion maybe and not at all what i intended,guess it was the good luck part.Truth hurts i guess..If your really interested in my CC habits,you can just look at the times of my posts.Been busy with cattle papers and vet tags the last couple days so im here a little more than usual..sorry bout that officer..

Will,looks like this will be are last communication together so you have good day Doug..Im sure things will come up roses for ya..

[darlagee22]

Back to the "feet falling off the bike pedals". Below my knees all is flaccid, but I'm getting some quad and hamstring return- we put INDUSTRIAL strength velcro (velcro to the adaptive rescue again!) on the pedals and on the bottom of a pair of HIGHTOP shoes (I don't have AFO'S- only KAFO'S) and I'm pedalling slowly, but am improving a little...