1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

Physical Therapy

Posted , 9 users are following.

staceymaz
staceymaz

I have made it past my first six weeks my surgeon has released me.  I asked him if he could give me an RX for more physical therapy( hey might as well use all of my 24 visits that my insurance covers-my deductible is paid). He was a little reluctant and sent me with a list of exercises and pre-cautions against extreme range of motion.  No yoga or Pilates.  He warned me that some PT's push you too hard and too fast.

So I call the PT place and ask to be put with someone who specializes in hips. I got to appt, meet the guy and just double check that he is experienced with hips, using the anterior surgical method. He assures me he knows all about it and the proceeds to tell me that that hip surgery is "archaic". Umm, at this point I can't figure out what to say, I was taken aback.  I finally replied that I was so grateful to have the surgery, in the past the surgery was so much more invasive and I was so glad to be out of pain. Next thing I am showing him the papers my surgeon sent with exercises and the pre-cautions against  extreme range of motion.  The guy barely looks at it, and proceeds to tell me that he is "A DOCTOR TOO". And then goes into little lecture about he knows best, blah blah blah, do I want to work hard or just limp my whole life, blah blah blah, I have a bad attitude, ok well I tried to be nice and asked him where he went to school to get his doctorate.  St. Augustines he says- umm I couldn't figure out what he meant so I asked " oh you mean in Florida". No in San Diego (CA). Ok put that in the back of my mind, and try to shut up so Mr Know it all can actually help me.  At one point I tried to make a joke "just remember I am 60 years ".  Got the lecture again about do I want him to treat me like an old lady or an althlete.  If not I won't  get anything out of PT unless he pushes me, and yes there will be pain.  Gag, pretty sure I wanted to slink out of there but stuck with it and in the end he was pretty good.  No serious pain and I got a nice muscle massage at the end.

Fast Forward to when I got home and looked up "St. Augustine University". It is a for-profit on-line university. Really and he wants to equate his knowledge and expertise with my super acclaimed orthopedic surgeon.

2 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • maureen24786
    maureen24786 staceymaz

    Posted

    I was talking to a friend who has recovered from hip replacement surgery really well - posterior approach.  Her surgeon warned her repeatedly about the need NOT to overdo things and said don't listen to other people.  Go for long slow walks, don't rush things, etc. etc.  Stay away as far as you can from physios like the one you describe.  Thank goodness you are sensible...others might take his advice!  Horrors!!

  • betty07083
    betty07083 staceymaz

    Posted

    Hi Stacey,

    I'm also from So. Cal and proud mom of two daughters (read your bio smile

    I had to laugh ( sorry, I know it's not funny) at your experience with the PT. I hope you have since found a new one smile

    I'm wondering though, you said you were six weeks out - haven't you been having outside PT the last few weeks already? Why did you not go to the same PT?

    Its a gamble, isn't it? Finding the right therapist!

    Good luck! Betty

    • staceymaz
      staceymaz betty07083

      Posted

      my original PT was just for the home visits.  That is all she does.
  • vickie06043
    vickie06043 staceymaz

    Posted

    Wow!

    I'm speechless!

    Listen to your body. Be kind to yourself.

    I'm 5 months out & doing well now but I'm taking my time. Oh & btw I'm 64..

    TC Vickie

    • staceymaz
      staceymaz vickie06043

      Posted

      Yeah I didn't really appreciate the "treat you like an old lady" remark.  I was trying to make a joke.  He doesn't seem to get my humor.  When I told him I was "trying" to get back to playing tennis he told me I had a bad attitude.  

  • jimbone
    jimbone staceymaz

    Posted

    Stacey,

    I haven't had surgery yet, but I hve 30 plus years of working with massage therapists, physical therapists and chiroprators.  Manual medicine can provide a lot of value and relief in the hands and minds of the right individual.  In the hands of the wrong individual you will not be well served.  From your narrative, my response would be to run from this PT as fast as posssible and try another.  Can you ask your surgical team if they have someone they recomend?

    • staceymaz
      staceymaz jimbone

      Posted

      Jimbone, the reason I choose this PT office is because they have a zero gravity (zerog) treadmill machine.  I really want to use that before I start playing tennis again in a couple of months.  I thought it would be a great way to transition back into running.  I've seen several professional tennis players using them-not that I am anywhere near that good of a tennis player.  I don't know how to go about getting another PT at the same office.  Don't you think it would be pretty awkward?  I will just have to laugh off this guy's ignorance ( I am pretty sure he doesn't know the correct meaning of the word archaic) and arrogance.

  • RichardKen
    RichardKen staceymaz

    Posted

    Dear Stacey

    You were right to question his experience. With it being possible to buy qualifications on line it is as well to ask questions! Glad to hear that you got some benefit from your visit to him.

    Cheers Richard

  • renee01952
    renee01952 staceymaz

    Posted

    dear stacey, 

    oh dear .... your post made me grin too ... it is actually funny if it weren't so sad -

    okay, so you have 24 PT sessions - how much did you use already?

    do you think you'll be staying with him? he doesn't sound like "hip specialist" to me - also some lacking some people skills, maybe?  his appraoch might work for others who like the authoritarian aproach and have no physical limitations ... is he nice to look at (just asking and curious - ) -

    The experience should be pleasant and not become some kind of battleground -

    I had a similar experience and ended up hurting my self - you know, I wanted to prove him I was not an old lady (67 at that time) and did too much too soon ...

    Please come back and keep us posted on your progress ... love to hear more about you ....

    Are you watching Wimbledon? interesting year ...

    big warm hug

    renee

    • staceymaz
      staceymaz renee01952

      Posted

      He is not particularly good looking, darn.  I will keep you updated?  Yes Ian watching Wimbledon, I actually have the pleasure of attending Wimbledon one year.  it was the most wonderful trip.  Highlight of my life ( well one of them). 
  • auntiebeanie
    auntiebeanie staceymaz

    Posted

    Stacy, thank goodness you didnt go with him, before my RTHR, I had a rehab PT for another problem, he knew how stiff my hip was  and paid ot go on a course specifically about hips to make sure he knew what he was doing. I didnt go back to having the one to one sessions with him till 7 months post op, (I dont do cold and we work out in my garden). Yes he pushes me but in a quiet way but If I have ever said the hip doesnt like it, he says stop. I went back to the gym and do what i know my body can do, I dont trust the general PT's there as they are not specialists

    My legs stretch better than before and my Osteo says she can get me into postions when stretching me that none of her other hip patients can do. So listen to your body and find someone who really understands. xx

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.