Feeling Torn - Conflicting Advice from 2 Care Providers
So, I am 6 years into my Lupus Nephritis diagnosis. All along, joint pain and stiffness has been a big side effect. After entering the maintenance phase of my journey last spring, I began Injuring myself. It started with back pain, then I developed double tennis elbow in the summer of 2025. After several months of physical therapy, I got back to my regular routine. Then I suffered a huge setback which was super discouraging. As a piano player and teacher at an advanced level, I rely on my hands for many things. Fast forward to the spring of this year and I developed knee tendonitis. Over the summer, I've been seeing an excellent chiropractor and she gave me some very simple easy stretches and barely any exercise. I decided to see a physical trainer for 3 sessions because I'm 4 months in and frustrated that while I'm mostly pain-free, I'm still very weak and prone to reinjury. After my first PT workout, I was exhausted and had felt some momentary joint pain, but mostly just sore fatigued muscles after. When telling my chiropractor this at our next appointment, she said none of the exercises I had been assigned were allowed and I needed to get all my exercises approved through her.
So here's my problem. I feel incredibly torn. I want to build strength and felt as though I was mostly fine after the workout once i took some recovery days. And I'm tired of being weak and reinjuring myself from barely working out. Do I ignore my chiropractor's advice and continue carefully building strength through the pt workouts, or do I trust her and stick with her long-term plan? Or do I try to compromise? I just feel frustrated at how long the path to recovery is taking but also nervous that if I don't listen to her I'll regress.
Have you ever faced a situation like this, and how do you decide what to do?
Hi,
!
First off, I am so sorry you are dealing with this issue. I know it's frustrating when pain and injuries keep you from doing things in your day-to-day life. Especially when your livelihood depends on the usability of your hands (and, possibly, your ability to sit for periods of time and use your legs).
That said, while I respect chiropractors, it is not a fully regulated industry, so I tend to tread lightly when it comes to using one (I have used one successfully in the past). And you mentioned a physical trainer and not, specifically, a physical therapist. Again, physical trainers can be great, but the industry (again) is not fully and consistently regulated, which gives me pause. I only say that because the quality and training for trainers can vary widely and, especially since you have a somehwat complex situation, you may want to see someone with training in situations like yours. Can you consult with your physician or rheumatologist about this? It sounds like they both have some ideas that can potentially help you (stretching is a very good, healthy practice to incorporate into your daily life and strength training is almost always a good idea, with rare exceptions). So, I am a bit surprised that your chiropractor seems to be anti strength training. She does have a point that gentle, consistent range of motion exercises are a good treatment tool in the early stages of healing from tendonitis. And, yes, repetitive motion and/or stressing a joint that hasn't fully healed can slow healing or inflame the tendon again. Can you possibly talk to a qualified physical therapist that knows your situation and can possibly offer some constructive feedback? Has your chiropractor given you a timeframe as to when you can expect to be almost back to normal? I would be curious about that.
I am sorry I really can't offer you a clear answer, but I don't think you need one more opinion muddying the waters (yet, here I am, kind of doing just that). I would seek the opinion of your doctor, if you trust him/her. And, honestly, if you feel like the work you have been doing with the chirpractor has been yielding positive results, that's something to consider as you weigh your decision.
I am sorry this giant wall of words doesn't offer you much of a resolution, but I do hope you are able to find the right decision for you and your overall health!
Best, Erin, Team Member.Thank you. That was very helpful. Sometimes I forget to reach out to my primary care team so that was a good reminder🥰
,
That is super frustrating.
I just wanted to jump in and "ditto" all that Erin has said. (Not that you need my two cents at this point).
However, discussing your concerns with your PCP may provide some clarity and help. Since you've had results in the past, you may want to discuss whether physical therapy is a beneficial option right now. A physical therapist can help manage pain and improve movement and strength. (Just a thought).
I hope you find the answers and relief you need.
My best, Doreen (Team Member),
Absolutely...you know your body best and must do what's best for you. Please keep us updated.
~Doreen (Team Member)
