Increasing Physical Therapy
Original Post: My physiotherapist has decided I need to build up my exercises, so she wants me to increase the exercises I've been doing even though I find them quite tiring. I'm happy to do them if they will benefit me, I'm concerned that if I do as she ask that I may regret it in the future. I’m also concerned that Medicare won’t cover more physical therapy if I don’t get better.
Dr. Bruno’s Response: According to Post-Polio Institute protocol, stop before you feel anything: tired, pain, muscles shaking. If you are currently exercising to a point of fatigue, stop the exercise and talk to your rehabilitation physician (who prescribed the PT originally) and find out if the doctor or physical therapist knows anything about treating polio survivors.
As for Medicare coverage of physical therapy, the law has changed. Medicare must allow PT not only for to increase strength but also to manage pain and maintain function in those with chronic disabilities.
This article Physical Therapy and PPS by an experienced PPS Physical Therapist can help.