Since you are uncomfortable with the PTA and on good terms with the PT, tell the PT about your experience with the PTA next Tuesday and ask for other arrangements….either see the PT each visit (what I would recommend) or try another PTA. You have the right to request a change if you don’t “click” with any person you are seeing. Remember, these people are your employees…you’re paying them for their service. And, by the way, when you go for physical therapy, you are entitled to see a PT at each visit. PTs and PTAs have different levels of expertise and they are supposed to be billed to insurance and different rates. If you’re being forced to see a PTA, that person is only responsible for carrying out the treatment plan established by the PT and they should be billed at the lesser rate. You might want to check on that.
You are doing the right thing by going to therapy on the assigned days and then doing less on the “rest” days in between. Those gentle bends and stretching along with a little walking are all you need in these early days.
There are some risks with a muscle stimulator and, given that you don’t have confidence in this person, I would decline the use of it at this early point in your recovery. Unless it’s specifically listed in your treatment plan, she shouldn’t be making these recommendations without approval from the PT. It’s not going to hurt to not use it right now anyway. Your body is healing on its own schedule and it’s important to let it do its thing. Your quad strength and firing will return in time. Sometimes it’s just a little slower than everyone thinks it should be. As long as you feel you are making progress, you’re good. I’m glad to see you were assertive about that and doing what you feel is best for yourself. You get the BoneSmartie Gold Star of the Day!
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