Chiropractor and Massage vs, Physical Therapy

[Kevin Kimmerly]

God I love the internet, I knew I'd find this group...

My wife finally saw a doctor after suffering many months of back and
neck pain (also occassional numbness in her arm). X-rays were taken, she
was (only) told that she has degenerative disc disease and was set up
with a physical therapist. Long story short...

PT leaves her sore and exhausted. She just saw a masseuse who gave her
immediate relief and recommended she see a chiropractor. This has also
been the consensus among her friends with whom she's discussed her
symptoms with. We can't afford both and I'm reluctant to second guess
any doctor but...
we're thinking of dropping the PT for a good chiropractor and massage.
Any comments?

[massage in motion]

Hi Kevin

As a Massage Therapist I cant give you my opinion without know more
about your friend -health, cause of injury, timeline and other factors.
However when I was a student I was involved in an accident and only
had small amount of coverage to pay for rehab. So I saw the PT and
slowly cut back but I continued what I was doing at home. Towards the
end I saw my PT 2x month just to make sure I was doing things
correctly. I did some self massage between my massage treatment. If
your friend explans to the PT, Chiro and MT that money is an issue they
might recommend things he/she can do at home. In my own practice I
always recommend self-care including self massage. You would be amazed
at what a few pressure points on the body on a daily basic can do for
the over all health of the person.

Selfcare or active care is key in any type of rehab. Wether its
rest, hydrotherapy - cold or heat therapy, stretching, range of motion
exercises or strenghtening

Good luck

Maria