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Trainer vs Physical Therapy – Mix it up

Allison and Kevin taking a walkI had a trainer for two years and he was great. My goals were stamina, strength and help my balance. He would come over twice a week for one hour. We would use my equipment, do exercises and walk outside (uneven surfaces) I also continued to do pool therapy twice a week.

Starting in May, I went back to physical therapy (pt), not just regular pt, but Neuro PT.  There are less Neurologic Physical Therapists in the U.S.  than you think. The therapists there all came from MedStar National Rehab Hospital (NRH), so have excellent experience.

What is a Neurologic Physical Therapist? A neurologic physical therapist is a physical therapist who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with movement problems due to disease or injury of the nervous system. These include Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and stroke.

They do an initial baseline evaluation and an evaluation every 10 visits. This is most helpful, as you can see any progress and it is tangible. They see no end to my progress.

I go to them twice a week for one hour each visit and they have lots of equipment that can be used. They are wonderful and understand how neurological disorders affect movement. They also teach.

I still also do pool therapy twice a week. I think it’s good to mix it up. Every therapist is different, every neurological disorder or disease is different and have different plans for your improvement. So, you are using different muscles.

Do you find doing different therapies has helping in your healing process?

 

I am still progressing

Allison drivingI am still progressing and miss my independence. While I have been approved to drive by the DMV, once you get to your destination you have to walk. My balance is still not good, especially on uneven surfaces. I continue to do therapy (pool and physical) to progress. My therapists have no doubt my balance will come back.

When we travel, I still need a wheelchair to get through the airport. We also get a handicap hotel room when we travel. I long for normalcy.

My husband leaves me alone while at work or when he travels and I treasure time alone.

Friends are very important and give a sense of normalcy. They have been crucial in my recovery.

I miss work a lot, although I have my book and am doing volunteer/marketing on stroke. This is now quite close to my heart.

I know I am lucky to have progressed to where I am, considering where I was. Every stroke and recovery are different. I am not done though, I will regain my independence and get back to as normal a life as possible.