I was referred to physio before my diagnosis and only just had the appointment. I told him that I had been diagnosed and he still asked me what I think is causing my foot drop… Does he just not understand MS? Was he not listening? The exercises he’s given me include heel raises (whilst sitting) and point/flex movements which I physically can not do with my left foot.
He didn’t do any reflex tests just ankle strength and tightness.
The stretches he’s recommended I’m all for and agree with, but he also wants to assess my walking better at my next appt and give me pointers on how to correct it but I don’t know, it felt very much like he didn’t understand the difference between an injury and MS related drop foot, has anyone else had the same experience?
Hi Lizzie
If you got the “wrong” physio, it’s possible they don’t understand MS-related issues. I had a couple of neurophysio meetings (referred from MS Nurse) and she was excellent although actually I was doing or knew about all the things suggested. Was it a NHS referral or private?
I went to a private Osteopath and they were absolutely brilliant. Rather than sitting down and chatting then printing off a set of exercises, she worked and manipulated my joints. I used to say I’d walk in with a stick and walk out carrying it! She also diagnosed a possible trapped nerve in my lumbar area which was missed by the neurologists and could be masking the true extent of my MS. 100% recommend an Osteopath, though you’ll be unlikely to get an NHS referral. May get referral from private health co’s. Need to check that the therapist you talk to has experience of degenerative conditions - like the physios, as lots deal with sports injuries primarily.
It was NHS referral which was done months ago before my diagnosis. Thank you for the advice, I’m seeing my MS specialist next week and will add it to the list to ask about
I saw a neuro physio and she was brilliant. I had to wait about a year to see her though and I was given 10 sessions. Not sure that a regular physio would know much about MS.
Indeed it can be annoying: however if they don’t understand MS and symptoms this is your opportunity to share some knowledge to make them better equipped to help another patient. I once had a neuro physio who had not heard of MS Hug which shocked me but within 5 mouse clicks I showed him where he could do some research. I understand the need to rant.
Mick
Not an unreasonable question for the physiotherapist to ask, to be honest. He needs to have a history. For all he knows, you could have had a foot injury which had caused the foot drop, so it would be important to ascertain that by asking you questions, rather than just assume it is due to MS.
It is a bit like a neurologist asking why you have come to see them. You know they have been given a history from the doctor who referred you but want to hear it from you direct.