Physical therapy or Chiropractor?

[Mama Geek]

Can a chiropractor actually do anything for a torn meniscus or would PT be better.  It is a long story but I am just curious if anyone has any insight.

[gardenmom5]

54 minutes ago, Mama Geek said:

Can a chiropractor actually do anything for a torn meniscus or would PT be better.  It is a long story but I am just curious if anyone has any insight.

if the meniscus is actually torn - verified by actual testing, no a chiro can't.  neither can a PT.

[Mama Geek]

Is either of them more likely to help avoid surgery?

 

[Jean in Newcastle]

My chiropractor does laser treatment for damaged ligaments. That has helped me heal from injuries. But not all chiropractors have the equipment and it’s not the chiropractic adjustment that helps. 

[wintermom]

This website looks good: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/meniscus-tears/

Have you had imagining to find out the size and location of the tear? If it's in the outer region, where there is rich blood supply, the tear may heal on its own. 

[catz]

My husband recently did PT for a torn meniscus.  I would think that would be a better choice for that injury.  

[Mama Geek]

No I haven't had it imaged yet and thanks for the info everyone.

 

[Jean in Newcastle]

https://www.sportsmedres.org/laser-therapy-to-treat-meniscal-injuries/

[Mama Geek]

I called and made an appointment at what I thought was a PT office that said they could do X-rays to determine if they could deal with it.  Their website said PT and had it in the name.  When I got there it was a chiro's office and the receptionist said she had no idea what the website said but that they hadn't had a PT in there for 3 years and that they will do the x-ray.  It all seemed like a bait and switch, but I figured if nothing else I would get the x-ray out of it.  They suggested a couple of sessions of soft tissue massage and ultra sound waves.  I know the ultra sound waves are common and they place they worked on is a part of where the pain is coming from. They suggested seeing them a few times and if things don't get better they would send me to an ortho.  I just have to wonder if PT would be better for working on mobility and then strengthen the muscles in hopes of not needing the surgery.

I didn't dislike the Chiro himself.  He did a good exam and thought that it was a tear and that maybe he could help.  I am just really on the fence because of the bait and switch that happened.  They aren't discussing laser treatment, it all appears they are mostly trying to loosen up the tight muscles by tissue massage in hopes that I will be able to get back to doing things after that.

 

[PeterPan]

None of that is making sense. Imaging for soft tissues is an MRI.

You need to call an orthopedic surgeon, and they will do the imaging and refer you for PT. I can't fathom why a PT would take you without a referral anyway. Does your insurance want referrals?

If you go to your GP, they may do xrays to eliminate other explanations (fracture, etc.) sure. But after that, you're looking at MRI, etc. Your insurance may want rounds of PT before they'll even pay for the MRI.

Edited March 4, 2020 by PeterPan

[Mama Geek]

I am self pay and not dealing with insurance on this and yes at least in some places PT will assess if they can treat  you without a referral.  I've done that before.  The Chiropractor took x-rays to make sure nothing was broken and said he would refer me to a specialist after a few treatments if they didn't help to have an MRI done.  He said he expects it is a torn meniscus.

I originally wanted an appointment with a PT because I thought if it didn't need a specialist I would skip the doc.  I have done that in the past.  Where the problem came in was this place wasn't up front about not doing PT and only being a Chiropractic clinic.  So what I was trying to figure out is if there is really any point in going back...will they do anything to improve things without laser treatment which they never discussed.

[Jean in Newcastle]

I would google the use of the ultrasound treatment for meniscus tears. I know that I have had ultrasound treatment at PT offices before but it was for different issues.