Hi, Wendy,
Dyna-Disc is very challenging for me but when my PT demonstrated the exercise on it, it was challenging for him as well! I am the one, however, who has ankle weakness and balance problems. I did have to order Dyna-Disc through the Internet but I got a balance board at the sporting goods store. Sometimes I try it to make sure I can still do it. I plan on doing it forever. From my experience, balance improves through exercise but worsens markedly without. I do not like the feeling of falling off my feet!
Ankle weakness is hard to see even for PT unless they test for it. My first PT, when I was doing vestibular retraining, actually missed it. I progressed in everything except for a balance beam. She did not understand it. Obviously, I did not progress because I could not step on my foot! All this weakness threw me off balance!If you feel the weakness or think you have it, bring it to PT's attention and DEMAND the exercise program to do at home. Some PTs don't like to give it to you because they want you to come but there is actually a lot you can do by yourself, it is just a matter of knowing what to do and how.Just a note: limb weakness is NOT a common side effect of AN surgery. It happened to me even before the first surgery 20 years ago, got worse after it, recovered mostly but have to exercise to maintain strength, otherwise it becomes noticeable. It got even worse after the second surgery but, heck, I am recovering again! Even with this, by the way, the second surgery was a walk in the park (literally!).
To strengthen legs, two things are extremely helpful: weights (like ankle weights) and walking every day. I walk 45 minutes daily, rain or shine. If I cannot walk outside in the park because of the weather, I use the treadmill in my basement or walk in the mall. If your balance is so poor that you feel you cannot walk outside without help, use treadmill exclusively for now. This way, you can always grab the bar on a treadmill if you sway. Safety first!
To improve your balance, make sure you walk on uneven surfaces like grass and sand. I know you already found sand to be challenging! Your balance, I am sure, will come back with consistent effort over time. My PT once told me that the only way I won't improve is if I do nothing. So, the opposite is true!
I understand that you want to improve your balance ASAP and I was there,too, but the healing takes place at its own time and unfortunately, it might have nothing to do with our deadlines. It does not seem to me that pushing harder in the PT office is the answer but exercises you can do by yourself is. The only thing is you have to be very disciplined and motivated to do them at home. Good luck to you!
Eve
PS If your PT finds any weakness in you ankle, I would be happy to share exercises with you but do press him/her for a home-based program if your insurance does not pay.
