Elizabeth thank you so much for the informative response to my inquires!  I
have always mistakenly believed my muscles to be very strong, but you're
right when you say, "The problem with spastic muscles is they aren't as
strong as you think they are, their pull just isn't controlled by the
antagonistic muscles that are normally responsible for fluid movement."

Whenever I've been tested for strength, it seems I'm weak as scrawny necked
new-born chic when a doc or PT says, "Okay now hold in that position.  I'm
going to push down and you resist."  I fold like a bad hand of poker.  When
anyone tries to stretch the muscle, then I feel it is strong.  I think to
myself, "the only way to get the hamstring stretched is to hitch my leg to an
engine winch and raise it off the table!"

I'll keep trying to find someone who knows what they are doing, but honey
that ain't easy!  Once again my husband's employer is switching insurance so
I' getting ready for the circus.  Strolling down the carnival mid-way of HMO
practioners, plunking down my co-pay while some overworked barker/doctor
tires to "guess my maintenance" has lost the magical thrill and charm.  I'm
really tempted to just walk past and not even try my luck.  After all, I feel
like the game is rigged.  Sure, I might get lucky and walk away with generic
perscription which might help.  The equivalent of a plastic key chain or
cheap pair of fuzzy dice.  Sorry to sound so cynical Elizabeth, but I'm
getting too old for carnivals.

I will try to put my faith in myself.   I know the most important rule of
thumb, you know your own body better than any doctor ever could.  I'll just
try to listen when my body screams out, "Hey, knock it off or you'll be sorry
girl."  The warm-up is also a very good reminder.  I spend half my day with a
heating pad, but it's the wrong half of the day!  I end up using it like a
band-aide on an amputation.  Instead of warming up in the am before I attempt
my house-hold calistenics, I end up trying to ease the pain afterwards.
Again, I truly appreciate the time and effort of your reply.  Thanks so much
! - Denise.