Is anyone going to physical therapy? The reason im asking is because Im always in so much pain I thought that if I could have a therapist show me how to exercise without hurting my joints anymore that it would be good for me. I think my insurance would cover most of the cost. Do I have to ask my doctor about it or do they have to recommend a person to go?
momof3
Usually you need to get a written order from the doctor, specifying what they want them to work on, and sometimes which methods they want them to use. Most doctors have a therapist they like and refer most of their patients to them, because they know they can trust them.I'm doing PT right now. Yes, you have to have the referral for each specific thing you want to work on. When you go into your doctor, you need to be clear on what is giving you the most problems. This is because insurance companies require the doc to write for one basic problem at a time. Be sure to check carefully what you insurance does pay for. Some have extremely narrow limits on PT, which sucks. But even if you have to pay considerable amount yourself, it is very much worth it. The function you can gain back can greatly improve your health and reduce your pain.
It is a very smart way to go. This is my third round with PT and I had a round with a Fitness Trainer. Having someone guides you helps keep you from hurting yourself and will build your confidence.
Mom,
If your insurance is an HMO, you will need a referral from your primary care doctor. If you have a PPO you can book an appointment with a physical therapist without a referral.
The doctor will write his recommendations on the script if he's sending you, but if you go on your own you can talk to the therapist about which issues you are there for. Any good physical therapist does a comprehensive evaluation on his own to determine a plan of care.
I am an office manager for a physical therapy office. Any other questions feel free to ask.
Good luck and feel better!
I don't know if this is any help, as you may be needing standard PT rather than PT-advised exercise, but you might take a look at the exercise DVD done by the arthritis foundation. It is led by a physical therapist and the people doing the exercisers have various kinds of arthritis, including RA, and various levels of restrictions.
They talk you through how to do the different exercises if you have, say, hip restrictions, etc. I think it's pretty good if you're looking for careful exercise that still helps you with stamina and flexibility.
Thankyou so much everyone for your responses that helps me alot!!
momof3
I just finished a course of PT (15 visits) for knee pain & stiffness. I had a total knee replacement almost 2 yrs ago for OA. Deanna, quit reading this NOW! I had some complications so still have problems. Anyway, I had my PT in a pool heated to 92 degrees - all the exercises were done in the water, the therapist gets in too. It was great! At the end of therapy, I had improvement in 2 out of the 3 muscle groups they worked on. I highly recommend it if available in your area. Best regards, PatIs there something I should know felines4ever? Are you trying to scare me?No, not at all. Most people do just fine. I just happened to be a rare one that had a complication. Don't be worried, with a good doc in a good hospital you will be fine. It should really help your knee pain. Sorry! All the best, PatPT is great and they can give you ideas to try at home. IF YOUR INSURANCE is like mine you cannot get PT for a chronic condition. Basically anything that can't be "cured" in the short term. We found a way to get me the PT I needed. I often get tendonitis. This is not that uncommon in those with RA. My insurance will cover the same body part getting help for tednonitis, but not RA---guess what? The treatments help both. It is such a shame to have to "work the system" to get help, but it has helped the pain during flares and has increased my range of motion.
K-Lynn