Physical Therapy

July 8, 2016

We went to see our family doctor a few weeks ago because Thomas is still having leg pain and it seemed to becoming more frequent.  The doctor wrote a referral for physical therapy plus one to another specialist who deals with joint and muscle issues as well as ordering more blood tests.  We opted to start with just the physical therapy as the stress of added tests and more doctors poking and prodding is quite hard on him.  He's gone 3 times now to physical therapy which included 2 treatments of Astym.  Thomas likes going for the exercises and use of the machines but he HATES Astym.  It hurts especially when it's done on the back of his calf muscle while he lies on his stomach.  He literally bites the pillow and buries his head in it.  Astym involves the use of plastic tools that are pressed into the muscle to release tension and scar tissue.  It is essentially a soft tissue therapy that helps rebuild and heal while eliminating pain and restoring movement.  Joe had it done following his knee surgery and he attests that it is not a fun treatment.  Results are said to happen in just 4-6 weeks though.  Tom's therapist is great and she comes up with lots of fun activities for him. He keeps her on his toes though and isn't always truthful about the number of reps he's completed.  
 

At home he has quite a list of exercises.to do to strengthen his outer thigh muscles which are weak.  He also is working on 2 muscle groups in his lower legs the Soleus and Gastrocs.

Headaches overall have been rarer.  He did have a really bad one on Monday the 4th and he hurt all over.  The acupuncturist thinks it may have been a combination of being dehydrated and the chemicals given off from the fireworks. He ran in the mile fun run that morning and that may have attributed to everything.   There's also some correlation insect bites and his symptoms.  It almost seems to make the Lyme more active.  I am trying to always remember to set the timer for his distilled water.  The goal is about 6 ounces every hour up til about 5 pm then just back off so no wet beds :-)  We are once again going to try going 3 weeks between treatments mainly because Thomas so badly wants a break.  We did add back in the essential oils Sacred Frankincense and Thieves- 2 drops each mixed together and applied to the bottoms of his feet to try to raise his body's energy.  He's been struggling with his energy levels since the end of May again.

Today we head out for camping and Chris and Mackenzie's Lacrosse tourney.  I have been busy preparing all the food and making sure to pack plenty of organic fruits and veggies for Thomas.  Praying that the weekend goes well and that he doesn't have setbacks without the use of the bio mat, grounding blanket and harmonic quad zapper.  He is looking forward to swimming in the campground pool!