Conventional Therapy Compared to MET
A Patient's Perspective
After struggling with right knee pain for many years, medications, several rounds of injections, physical therapy, and even an arthroscopic surgery, my orthopedic surgeon convinced me to have a knee replacement. I am eighty years old, a widow, proud to be independent, living alone, and enjoying life. The six months prior to surgery became increasingly more difficult as I became more challenged in doing my chores, getting in and out of the bath tub and chairs, climbing stairs, walking the beach, going to the grocery store, and going out with my friends. Not only did it become more difficult because of the pain, but I was also sleeping less, getting tired, and starting to lose interest in the things I truly enjoy. So, on February 2nd (I will always remember the date), I had my surgery. Everything went exceptionally well according to the surgeon, nurses, and therapists, but the pain was sometimes so severe that I had my doubts. I was released home the next day from the hospital. I started physical therapy at the clinic and over the next three months I progressed extremely well, or so I was told, and indeed I was feeling much better. Fast forward 12 months. Despite all the progress, I still had difficulties climbing stairs, standing up on one leg, going on long walks on the beach, getting out of my car (I like my sporty car). I had a final follow-up visit scheduled with my surgeon and told him my concerns. He was smart enough not to relate this to my age, and he referred me to outpatient physical therapy again. I did not exactly understand why because I faithfully completed all my previous therapy and still perform my exercises religiously. The first 15 minutes of the initial evaluation we’re not much different. Again, paperwork and the same questions (there must be a better way). Halfway through the visit, the physical therapist pulls out a little instrument. He stated that he wanted to have a better idea of my leg strength. Not only did he take measurements of my knee, he also took measurements of my hips and ankles. He informed me that my hip and ankle strength were in good shape, but that I have significant weakness in my right knee, about a 40% difference compared to my left knee. And, my left knee could use some additional strength as well. I was very surprised! The surgeon and other therapists had pushed against my leg and said my strength was fine. During the treatment sessions, my therapist took several other strength measurements. He explained to me that he determined the intensity of the exercises based on those measurements. I could feel the difference! I had to work! He repeated the strength measurements several times and not only was I feeling stronger, my numbers improved significantly. I was encouraged! At the end of my treatment, I was able to walk on the beach, go up and down stairs, and get out of my beloved car without problems. I am thankful for the tailored approach to my care and to my exercise program. I am wondering why my strength wasn’t tested in this more precise way from the start. This should be the standard.
Conventional Therapy Compared to MET
A Patient's Perspective
After struggling with right knee pain for many years, medications, several rounds of injections, physical therapy, and even an arthroscopic surgery, my orthopedic surgeon convinced me to have a knee replacement. I am eighty years old, a widow, proud to be independent, living alone, and enjoying life. The six months prior to surgery became increasingly more difficult as I became more challenged in doing my chores, getting in and out of the bath tub and chairs, climbing stairs, walking the beach, going to the grocery store, and going out with my friends. Not only did it become more difficult because of the pain, but I was also sleeping less, getting tired, and starting to lose interest in the things I truly enjoy. So, on February 2nd (I will always remember the date), I had my surgery. Everything went exceptionally well according to the surgeon, nurses, and therapists, but the pain was sometimes so severe that I had my doubts. I was released home the next day from the hospital. I started physical therapy at the clinic and over the next three months I progressed extremely well, or so I was told, and indeed I was feeling much better. Fast forward 12 months. Despite all the progress, I still had difficulties climbing stairs, standing up on one leg, going on long walks on the beach, getting out of my car (I like my sporty car). I had a final follow-up visit scheduled with my surgeon and told him my concerns. He was smart enough not to relate this to my age, and he referred me to outpatient physical therapy again. I did not exactly understand why because I faithfully completed all my previous therapy and still perform my exercises religiously. The first 15 minutes of the initial evaluation we’re not much different. Again, paperwork and the same questions (there must be a better way). Halfway through the visit, the physical therapist pulls out a little instrument. He stated that he wanted to have a better idea of my leg strength. Not only did he take measurements of my knee, he also took measurements of my hips and ankles. He informed me that my hip and ankle strength were in good shape, but that I have significant weakness in my right knee, about a 40% difference compared to my left knee. And, my left knee could use some additional strength as well. I was very surprised! The surgeon and other therapists had pushed against my leg and said my strength was fine. During the treatment sessions, my therapist took several other strength measurements. He explained to me that he determined the intensity of the exercises based on those measurements. I could feel the difference! I had to work! He repeated the strength measurements several times and not only was I feeling stronger, my numbers improved significantly. I was encouraged! At the end of my treatment, I was able to walk on the beach, go up and down stairs, and get out of my beloved car without problems. I am thankful for the tailored approach to my care and to my exercise program. I am wondering why my strength wasn’t tested in this more precise way from the start. This should be the standard.