"Positive outcome from Targeted Physiotherapy Trial"

Last summer I was told that I now had arthritis in the front and back of my left knee (already had it in the right knee) and that there was nothing that could be done other than total knee replacement in 10 years time as it would only last 20 years.  As I was struggling walking and getting up and down stairs I said I wanted to be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon for their opinion.  In March 2021, I got an appointment with Mr Amin in Lauriston Buildings in Edinburgh.  Mr Amin asked if I had been active before covid lockdown and I said I had.  I also explained what supplements I was taking and that I have a massage person that helps with my legs and even my chiropractor has a look at my knees.  My Amin said yes I would need total knee replacement in the future and there was a trial that he thought I could benefit from and I said yes please!  All I knew was that it was targeted physiotherapy.

I went to RIE MSK Outpatients and saw Geoff who explained the trial was to see if targeted physiotherapy could help and delay the need for an operation.  To start off with I was given basic daily stretching exercises and to go to the gym twice to cycle for 2 x 5 mins and lift gentle leg weights.  At this stage due to restrictions and my ability I was only doing a 1-2-1 online pilates class.  I went back two weeks later and niggles and pain I had were discussed and Geoff showed me something to do when my knee 'stuck' and that I wasn't doing a 'bridge' exercise the right way but gave me something to help do it correctly.  I liked that Geoff listened to me and tailored things to me. At this stage we felt I could go to one zumba class, one stretch and strength and one spin class.  At the third appointment the weights were increased to a level I would never have thought to do and I wouldn't have done leg weights thinking they wouldn't help. At this stage, Geoff asked how I thought the trial was for me and I explained that I was so glad I was on it and the improvement amazing.  And if I did not improve from that day forward I could wait the 10 years for the operation.  Also, if I keep improving then I was looking forward to improving. 

Just after that appointment I had a problem with my IT band which did upset me and I felt quite down at the 'set back'. At the next appointment I explained to Geoff, he checked my knees and my spine and they were not the cause of the IT band. He suggested I continue with my exercise plan and gave me two simple exercises to do for my IT band to help and asked that the massage person concentrate on the top of my IT band.  They helped and my knees and ability to walk improved, I was walking faster, better and more upright.  Even coming down stairs improved (I had spent the last year only being able to put both feet on a stair before moving to the next one). At my fifth appointment I explained that my chiropractor had to do an adjustment on my spine at a place that never needs adjusting and maybe the IT band is a gait problem (I like to know what causes the pain and if it was something I done).  At that he asked me to walk up the hallway and I did, thinking I am walking better so it can't really be my gait.  Geoff said that I was walking too far back on my hips which probably caused IT band issues which also explains the adjustment needed on my spine.  He got me to walk with the balls of my feet being the last to leave the ground.  Geoff was still pleased with my progress and moved me to two months before my next check up. 

This new way of walking made such a difference and since then I haven't had a problem with my IT band and indeed my walking again has got faster and I can walk for longer. People that know me have remarked on how straight I now stand, how I stride when I walk and how well my legs look.  When I get up from sitting I am not hobbling.  At my exercise classes I am starting to do more and Geoff has told me to do more but gradually which I have been doing and notice the difference.

Today, at my sixth appointment Geoff moved me off the trial (I am on SOS in case I have any problems but he reckons he won't see me again).  I explained that my legs are now better than they actually were before covid. I am so pleased that I was part of this trial and we agree my attitude of doing what Geoff said and working with him has also played a huge part.  But I don't see the point of going on a trial and not doing what the experts tell me to.  I wish I was more eloquent to say how much I have benefited from this trial and how happier I am at the lack of pain and being able to walk!  I really can't thank the doctor enough for suggesting the trial and for Geoff and the positive outcome I have.