Physical Therapy

I went to my first physical therapy appointment Monday. As I walked in the door, there was a patient in the back that could not speak well, and had a very loud voice. Her words at first sounded more like screams until I could figure out exactly what was going on. But can't you imagine the initial thoughts going through my mind. There was no one sitting at the first desk and I thought to myself, "No one knows I'm here, I can sneak out and no one will ever know the difference!! I sure didn't want the therapy she was getting!" But I sat bravely instead, and waited my turn.

They are treating me for DJD (degenerative joint disease), and naturally I had to ask..."What does that mean?" The therapist said it is basically just advanced arthritis in my joints. It's not so much that the arthritis is "advanced" like you and I would think, but it is advanced for my age. And again I asked, "Because I'm too young, right??" (I asked my doctor the same question!!) And he said yes. I just like hearing people say that!! heehee! Anyway, they are going to focus the therapy on my back, but when I have to do pool exercises it will work the whole body. They did an ultrasound treatment where they rubbed that "wand" on my back and it makes the muscles contract. That was a very strange feeling. It was like having muscle spasms and that I couldn't help or make stop. Then they massaged it and I got heat therapy, which is when they put those 20lb. hot pads on my back. Ok, they probably didn't weigh 20lbs., but they were heavy. I am scheduled to come in 3 times a week for now. Wednesday when I go back they will put in the pool and start those exercises. My therapist said that sitting in a pool is going to the be the best thing I can do for my joints, to get in a pool as often as I can. I asked him if he would write that down and sign it so my hubby will believe me and not think it is just a ploy and excuse to get me a pool!! Needless to say, the hubby just rolled his eyes when I told him. So, I have been trying to walk every morning, or at least 5 times a week. I call my neighbor every morning at 6:45 and wake her up so she'll go with me. She doesn't sound very happy that early in morning, but she has been a good friend and has gone every time I've called. I'm excited about starting these exercises, which is strange for me. I don't like to exercise and I don't like to sweat!! But I'm really tired and want to sleep all night. I just hope this works.