You are correct, your PT is using scare tactics, whether she realizes it or not.
Here is why we recommend being careful with PT and painful exercises. The following was written by Josephine, our former nurse director, who has since retired:
I would however, put in this warning about too much PT/physio done too aggressively and especially that causing excessive pain. What this does very effectively is cause the tissues to become over warm and even hot. (though a warm knee during recovery is normal and a sign of healing). This I am referring to is excessive heat. This means that the structures are becoming dry within and dry structures (muscles and ligaments) will get stuck together, resulting in the dreaded adhesions (image below)! So when you find yourself questioning the BoneSmart suggestions of rest and gentle exercising, remember that this is what we are trying to protect you from!
This was taken from the following article from the Bonesmart library:
Here is why we recommend being careful with PT and painful exercises. The following was written by Josephine, our former nurse director, who has since retired:
I would however, put in this warning about too much PT/physio done too aggressively and especially that causing excessive pain. What this does very effectively is cause the tissues to become over warm and even hot. (though a warm knee during recovery is normal and a sign of healing). This I am referring to is excessive heat. This means that the structures are becoming dry within and dry structures (muscles and ligaments) will get stuck together, resulting in the dreaded adhesions (image below)! So when you find yourself questioning the BoneSmart suggestions of rest and gentle exercising, remember that this is what we are trying to protect you from!
This was taken from the following article from the Bonesmart library:
MUA (Manipulation under Anaesthetic) and adhesions
First let me first put your mind at rest - this is quite probably nothing to do with not having done enough PT or been 'good enough' in following orders. Here is my standard mini-lecture on the subject so read and absorb ... All the structures in the body, muscles, tendons, ligaments, even gut...
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