What are your experiences with physical therapy?
Went for two years. Initially I went to look at three places in a local small city. And narrowed it down to one place, where I felt the least anxious. To one physical therapist, a female in her forties. She wasn't overly 'touchy', the place was bright and airy, had privacy from a curtain that encircled the treatment table. Not very much noise or too bright lighting.
How did you feel during the process?
At first nervous about a stranger touching me. After the second visit I realized the touch was not an over- familiar one, but a professional assessment of my injuries. Nothing inappropriate, no arm around the shoulder, no hugs from a stranger.
The initial therapy consisted of ice packs for twenty minutes, three times, therapeutic massage of my knee and ankle and electro therapy. Manipulation of the leg and ankle. Exercise instruction as well.
The first six times it was quite painful, after those initial visits, the pain became less and less. Was able to walk for a period of time without a cane, and eventually the limping gait left me by the second year of physio, It still returns if I walk for more than two hours.
Yet I now know what to do if it becomes worse. What did I feel during those years of therapy? In the beginning a kind of embarrassment, then with familiarity a sort of elation and contentment that I could improve my gait with time.
How did I feel about the things I had to do? Didn't feel much of anything, only the desire to improve my ability to walk/run/cycle without pain. A kind of goal-oriented focus with a tangible result at its end. Perhaps felt that I was improving something, when I didn't think I could.
What were your feelings about the people who assisted you? There was only one person for most of the physio, a woman who's nickname was Mewmew. She wasn't overly friendly or in my personal space much of the time. I liked her professionalism, her ability to do her job in a timely manner, without talking with her co-workers, or on the phone. She concentrated on her job and seemed good at it. I like people who are dedicated to what they do, and take it seriously.
Sensory issues? Lights were a little too bright, but workable. Noise levels were low. People staring from various treatment tables at times. But I found blocks of time when it wasn't very busy and went during those hours.
Autistic aspect? Perhaps my ability to never miss a scheduled appointment, to arrive ten minutes ahead of time. To be able to focus on the exercises, because they were necessary.