Dr. B. post surgery PT?

treefrog · #1 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 06:50 PM

I have heard over and over that walking is the best physical activity after ADR. But I have also heard some people say that their doctors wanted them to do physical therapy, or directed them to do specific exercises after surgery.

I'd like to know what Dr. Bertagnoli tells patients to do after surgery. Does he like patients just to walk, or does he give them specific exercises to do?

Cindylou · #2 (**permalink**) 05-13-2009, 01:16 PM

Hey Cathy,

Dr. B typically just wants you to walk. Now stateside, my doctor attempted to start pt early and I paid for it. Then we cut back, and I resumed the healing process. When do you leave? What day is surgery? Good luck!!

treefrog · #3 (**permalink**) 05-13-2009, 04:00 PM

I leave one week from tomorrow, Thursday the 21st, though we get into Munich on Friday the 22nd.

Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday May 26th, the day after Memorial Day.

Thanks for the info Cindylou. The one ortho surgeon I saw here, said he doesn't prescribe PT after surgery, unless a patient wants it. He said walking was the best therapy. I'm all for that. My insurance only covers 20 PT sessions a year, and the co-pay is the same as for a specialist, $35. That can really add up, on top of going to doctors too. I'd rather just walk, and when I am ready do some easy yoga to loosen muscles (and I have tight hamstrings).

dshobbies · #4 (**permalink**) 05-13-2009, 05:44 PM

Dr. B likes walking. His pt did recommend certain exercises for my specific circumstances. which started in the hospital but pt was ultimately recommended because my left leg was so weak.

No two people have identical surgical/pre or post op experiences. If you need pt, your follow-up Dr. will probably recommend it.

steve55 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 05:36 AM

Dr Fenk meyer did recommend some basic physio after I mentioned some symptoms I was still having. I didnt feel I was healed enough at the time she suggested it. When I finally did feel ready for PT I emailed her for a PT prescription and by the time I got it about a week later, I suddenly healed and all my sore back symptoms were gone. So, Im not sure Ill mess with it now.

Cheryl · #6 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 03:30 PM

A PT came into my hospital room as soon as I could stand to get me moving and give some basic strengthening exercises. He recommended starting right away. It wasn't strenuous but it gets the muscles moving and strong again.