So it sounds like TE members are in 2 different camps. Some of us are OK with doing our exercises alone while most of us prefer some supervision from an aid or the PT themselves. I'm obviously in the "prefer supervision camp".

I called to discuss my expectations with the clinic director. It turns out that the director is the same therapist who worked with me yesterday. We agreed that the aids would continue to direct my workouts while following these ground rules when they introduce each new exercise:
  • The aid will explain the objective of each exercise, for instance whether it's to increase flexibility, build muscle, improve balance, etc.
  • The movements of each exercise will be clearly demonstrated or described.
  • The aid will show me which muscles I should focus on in the case of muscle building.
  • "Cheating" will be demonstrated or described so that I know which movements to avoid.
  • The aid will observe all of my reps for each new exercise to correct any bad form that I may develop as I become fatigued, (or bored).

The director agreed that the clinic seemed rather solemn while I was there yesterday. He told me that the atmosphere was usually much more jovial. He attributed the quietness to the mix of patients and aids who were there at the time and thought that would I find the clinic a much more cheerful place in the future.

I like my therapist enough that I'll continue visiting the clinic for another week. I'll change clinics if the new exercise supervision or depressing atmosphere doesn't improve.

Something that I failed to mention in my first post is that the physical therapy was super helpful in spite of the lack of exercise supervision. The therapist and I must have done something right because I'm soooo much better after just one visit. I went into the clinic with a pathetic limp/hop and leaning heavily on a cane. Now I'm walking slowly but almost normally while using the cane more for stability than support. I still have a lot of ankle strength and flexibility to gain and a moderate amount of pain to overcome but I see light at the end of the tunnel Physical therapy rocks!