Length of Physical Therapy Sessions

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Sallyellen
Sallyellen Member Posts: 7
edited December 2015 in Lymphedema

I have been going to physical therapy for 3 months(since implant placement). I also went to p.t. for 2 months after my mastectomy in May. I have had my cording/range of motion/pain issues since the mastectomy. I am feeling a bit better but am anxious to "be myself" again and get rid of this pain. Originally, my p/t sessions were an hour. She rubbed various muscles, my sentinel node scar, cording areas, etc. Then we would do 1-2 exercises. Now my sessions last about a half hour. She rubs various areas and manipulates my breast(cancer side). They we do one climb the wall exercise. Then we are done.

I am wondering if, as we all progress, our p/t sessions are shorter, or if I should be getting a full hour of treatment. Maybe there are less areas to massage. My p.t. has been a godsend and is wonderful so I don't want to question her. I would really appreciate hearing how long other people's sessions last and what they do during those sessions. As of Jan 1, I have to pay out of pocket for these services(and have a $5,000 out of pocket deductible) so I am scrutinizing these services more closely. I also know I am not quite ready to stop as I am benefitting from the sessions. Thank you very much and happy, healthy holidays and new year to everyone!

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  • rainnyc
    rainnyc Member Posts: 1,289
    edited December 2015

    Sallyellen, my sessions with the LE therapist (who is a physical therapist) are one hour. The course of therapy includes 8 sessions and a follow-up after I get my sleeve. I'd ask; I've found that various medical people are unsurprised when these questions come up.

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  • LiDu
    LiDu Member Posts: 17
    edited December 2015

    Sallyellen my PT does massages of my arm and chest area for 2-30 minutes and then I do exercises for another half hour. Those exercises consist of a combination of light weights, resistance with exercise bands, and arm bike. I have been seeing her twice a week and also have a regimen of stretching exercises that I do at home daily. Starting Jan. 1, I will go to once a week because I'm having trouble making it to PT twice a week while working full time and getting radiation as well as herceptin treatments. I'll also have to start paying co-pays and deductibles again.

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  • SusanSnowFlake
    SusanSnowFlake Member Posts: 165
    edited December 2015

    Guessing it's different for everyone. I went to PT 1 hour, twice a week for six weeks for breast LE that included message, getting the correct sleeve, learning self message, and a few exercises. Then was given several weeks to work on a shoulder issue. I went back months later to learn how to wrap ( didn't stick so I have a night sleeve) and add my arm to the self message because I have cording and slight swelling in my upper arm. Each time I've gone to the PT, she gives me a plan of what we need to do, a goal and how many visits are needed to accomplish it. You're PT has made a plan for you, you should ask about it, it is your body and you need to know.

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