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This blog is another opportunity to feel grateful. Thank you, Universe, for continuing to bless me with recovery and health.
Physiotherapy helped me take those little steps that empowered me with larger steps in my rare journey.
This post shares my experience with Physiotherapy. It helped me deal with symptoms of my rare neurological condition, Isaacs’ Syndrome.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with a rare disease called Isaacs’ Syndrome. Isaacs’ is a neuromuscular health condition that stems from muscle hyperactivity. In the process, I also discovered that I had Lyme disease. Lyme is a bacterial illness that gets transmitted through ticks.
Glaucoma also accompanied me. Glaucoma is an eye-related disease that damages the optic nerves. And Membranous Glomerulonephritis is a progressive kidney disease. I faced tremendous issues with my gut, stomach acid, and digestive enzymes. During my journey, I also developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Diabetes, Frozen Shoulder, Eczema, and Blood Pressure.
Before I started with physiotherapy, one of the most challenging aspects was pain, stiffness, dependency on medicines, and the constant struggle to sit comfortably, I often had excruciating lumbar pain. My attempts to find a comfortable seating posture were met with debilitating discomfort and nagging aches that scattered through my lower back down to my legs.
The emotional toll was quite significant. The pain affected my mood and the activities I once enjoyed became stressful.
Little did I know that the decision to start Physiotherapy would be the turning point to regain my movements.
Understanding the Role of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing physical impairments, pain, and disabilities. The idea is to enhance and restore functional abilities and quality of life.
There are certain Key Components of Physiotherapy:
- The Assessment and Diagnosis Process
Physiotherapists assess and diagnose physical conditions through questioning, physical examination, and sometimes x-rays.
- The Treatment Plan
The treatment plan may include physical therapies and exercises based on the diagnosis.
- Therapies
They are designed to improve flexibility, strength, and coordination. These exercises aim to strengthen overall functionalities.
- Advice and Rehabilitation
This aims to educate and prevent further injuries.
The idea is to correct postures and increase comfort to help patients manage their lives better.
Physiotherapy is also used for rehabilitation after injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions.
The holistic approach of physiotherapy ensures care that is equipped to address mobility issues and pain. The key is to promote long-term health and empower to lead an active life.
My Personalized Treatment Plan
Physiotherapy offered tailored treatment plans that catered specifically to my needs. After the initial assessment and diagnosis and designed a personalized treatment plan looked like:
Exercises
My exercises were tailor-made, mild, and focused on strengthening and improving stability. They were adjusted in intensity over time to match my body’s response and progress.
Manual Therapies
Various techniques like massage, body mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation were done to prepare the body and address specific problem areas.
For my lower back pain, I received spinal mobilization and specific muscle-release techniques. The idea was to release muscle tension, ease pain, improve blood circulation, and improve mobility.
Pain Management
The key aspect, modalities such as electrical stimulation, heat therapy, TENS machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), and Handheld message tools were used to treat pain.
Education of the do’s and the don’ts
My physiotherapist advised me on postures and activity modifications to manage symptoms and prevent further injuries.
I was asked to use a stool and adjust the height of the desk while working on a computer. Similar physical adjustments were done to reduce body stress.
In crux, physiotherapy acted as a holistic comprehensive care approach. It did work with my other healthcare doctors to ensure good health.
Empowerment Through Education
Education is a cornerstone of physiotherapy.
It played a crucial role in the overall effectiveness of my treatment regime. Here are some ways physiotherapy helped my way:
- Understanding my body mechanics to an extent.
- Through physiotherapy, I became aware of and identified the root causes of pain and how proper movements can do the trick.
- I learned certain techniques for my everyday activities. It included lifting, bending, and sitting for long hours. This knowledge helped me reduce unnecessary strain on my muscles.
- The physiotherapist guided me to make adjustments to my workspace. It included setting up my positioning my computer monitor at eye level and using supportive chairs.
- Self-care techniques incorporated specific stretching and strengthening exercises. These free-hand exercises targeted my tight and weak muscle areas helping me to improve flexibility.
- I also learned pain management techniques. It included using heat therapy, foam rolling, and relaxation exercises.
The education I received equipped me with practical tools that transformed my approach to recovery. It wasn’t just about treating symptoms but understanding my body and supporting long-term well-being.
Physiotherapy in My Experience
Health problems are known to cause negative health impacts. Over time Physiotherapy addressed my rare and chronic symptoms, even those problems that took a toll on my mindset and happiness levels.
It was a transformative journey offering not just relief but also a holistic improvement.
Before I started, I was grappling with chronic pain in my thighs and lumbar region. It was difficult to sit comfortably with the constant pain and even simple tasks felt overwhelming.
The turning point was starting with a personalized treatment plan. It included manual relaxing therapies and learning posture correction to manage pain.
The physiotherapist monitored my steady progress. Reflecting on the treatment, I learned to listen to my body, take proactive steps, make it a routine, and make gradual progress.
Certain Significant Points I Considered While Choosing My Physiotherapist
To begin with, I had heard positive feedback about my physiotherapist from a relative who had a successful recovery.
Going a step further, I found that he specialized in musculoskeletal issues and had a decade of experience.
During my initial consultation, I felt comfortable and appreciated the holistic care plan. His idea of treatment included posture adjustments and a customized exercise regimen. He seemed equipped with the necessary education to truly understand my health condition and my needs. He had a master’s degree in physiotherapy.
On Enquiry, Physiotherapy Had Answers to My Following Symptoms
- Neurological condition of Isaacs’ Syndrome
- Lumber and Neck pain
- Loss of mobility
- Posture-related problems
- Problems in muscles, joints, and ligaments
- Pain, fatigue, stiffness, loss of muscle strength, etc.
The Key Benefits
The hands-on techniques and the education benefited my recovery, immensely.
Techniques like massage, manipulation, and mobilization were used to relieve pain and restore body functions.
- Pain relief
- Improvement in mobility
- Reduction in stiffness
- Reduction in Western medicines
- Increase in confidence
- Prevention of future injuries
- Emotional and psychological well-being
- Improved my quality of life
Conclusion
My journey with physiotherapy has been innovative.
From enhancing mobility to pain relief, it played a crucial role in alleviating my chronic pain. Activities that once seemed difficult, such as bending and sitting for a long duration became manageable.
Regaining mobility and physical movement reduced anxiety and stress and gave back the confidence to engage in daily activities with a positive mindset.
I’m sure to support and have long-term benefits from the knowledge and skills I gained from it. It has equipped me with strategies to manage pain flare-ups, effectively.
My readers, if you’re recovering from an injury or pain issues, or dealing with mobility problems, physiotherapy might help regain a better life.
In my experience, Physiotherapy proved a journey of hope. For me, it isn’t only about treating symptoms but about understanding my body and taking control. With the help of personalized treatment plans, I gained valuable insights and tried addressing my root cause.
Your journey with physiotherapy could be the start of a completely new chapter filled with possibilities.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not represent any kind of medical advice.
