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Pysiotherapy 'A young person's experience' |
| I have been asked by Sheila to give a short account
of my doctors referral for me to have a course of Physiotherapy at my local
hospital. Since being diagnosed I have always suffered with muscle ache,
joint stiffness and a constant twitching of muscles all over my body most
of the time. Apart from taking numerous daily vitamins and minerals and
often painkillers to reduce the discomfort I have never seen any major reduction
in symptoms. After numerous visits to my gp and as I am sure you will all
understand the growing sense of frustration I was fortunate to be referred
to see a physiotherapist at York General Hospital. The delight that finally
someone was going to actually give me some guidance as to why my muscles
and joints were hurting and reacting in this manner and that there may be
the slight possibility that they could improve my symptoms was overwhelming.
My initial consultation lasted forty minutes, a thorough examination and my personal account of the limitations of my daily life living with ME were discussed. Previous to my illness I was extremely sporty, swam for York City for 7 years, competed in all sports teams at school, played hockey in Canada and loved going to the gym after work. Since being ill I have always been conscious of muscle deconditioning as a result of such inactivity. Having read copious books on the importance of activity Vs rest with this illness I had always looked at activity to mean walking, exercises etc. However as a starting point my physiotherapist explained that activity could be anything as simple as filling the kettle with water and making a cup of tea. She made me see that activity as basic as this still meant I was starting to use certain muscles again. For me this was a huge sense of relief, I started to look at very basic activities such as washing my hair, doing the washing up as activities that were helping my muscles to build up and with time the pain would reduce. Over the following months she gave me gentle stretching exercises to do a couple of times a day. She also got me into a routine with a structure that was manageable for me and my illness. I started with a gentle walk once round the garden to then doing two laps three times a day. However much to my frustration there were days when I physically was not capable of carrying out even one short lap of the garden and it must be said that it was a very, very gradual process. However through continuous determination this gradual routine and sense of accomplishment was really rewarding. We also addressed many ways of reducing energy such as when sitting in a chair making sure that my legs were un-crossed and after driving a short distance sitting in the car for a few minutes to recover before getting out. All these suggestions I have taken with me over the years. I am now back at the hospital starting to have hydrotherapy (exercisers in a warm swimming pool) once a week. This again is really helping to strengthen my body in a safe environment.
Joanna x For more information contact the office on 0191 389 2222 |