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Physical therapy restores confidence, enhances quality of life

For months I experienced growing tightness in my hips, and weakness in my quads, hamstrings, and calf muscles. My posture worsened, and I developed a limp along with excruciating lower back pain that almost forced me to quit the one sport I enjoy — marathon shopping. It also cast a dark cloud over my upcoming vacation plans. I had to be able to walk without pain for more than 10 minutes at a time, and I wanted to do so without additional medication. My neurologist prescribed physical therapy and, in my haste to begin, I agreed to see the therapist with the first opening. This was a mistake, as all therapists are not created equal. After an initial evaluation, mine concluded that my difficulties were due to “irreversible” structural changes (a slight curvature to my spine and uneven hips). Most likely, she said, these were caused by poor posture related to Parkinson’s, which, she reminded me, is a “progressive and incurable disease.” Does she really think this is something I ever put out of my mind? Adding insult to injury, she suggested that I consider using a cane, noting that walking will become increasingly challenging with disease progression. Refusing to accept this prognosis, I set out to find a different physical therapist - one who was better suited to my personality and needs. When I met Beata it was love at first sight. She was warm, funny, and encouraging, but also part drill sergeant. I knew from the start she was not going to let me slack off, no matter how many crocodile tears I shed.   I told Beata that my immediate goal was to walk pain-free with the endurance of a “normal” person while on vacation. She assured me that if I did my part and practiced a series of Pilates exercises daily, I would see steady improvement. I sure hoped so because on day one, I didn’t even know I had the muscles she wanted me to isolate and move.   top

It took every bit of my strength and determination to move certain muscles an imperceptible amount. As I struggled, Beata urged me to push “higher, harder,” until she was convinced I had nothing more to give. Then she told me how difficult the exercises are, even for people who do not have Parkinson’s, and I felt like less of a wimp. I did physical therapy three times a week for four weeks, to get all my sessions in before my vacation. Much to my delight, I achieved what not that long ago seemed like an elusive goal. I walked and shopped for hours at a time. Most importantly, I felt more confident and capable again. When I got home, I stopped in to visit Beata and thank her for all she had done for me. She said that it was all me, and that physical therapy only helped those who were motivated and worked at it. As she pushed me out of the nest, I couldn’t hold back my tears. I know firsthand that not all physical therapists are created equal, and I was fortunate to have found her.   top

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