I bid adieu to my physical therapist this past week. And while I really did like him, I hope to not see too much of him. (Except for an occasional tune-up, or maybe if my right knee keeps bothering me.)
I’ve been in physical therapy on and off since December 2010 – after injuring myself while training for the New York City marathon and withdrawing from that race.
I spent the first four months in PT being treated for what everyone thought was severe tendonitis, and I was doing quite well, actually, until I reinjured my hip joint at home doing something stupid. A subsequent dye-contrast M.R.I. (finally!) revealed a torn labrum in my left hip that required arthroscopic surgery to repair.
My second round of PT, last summer, was to help recover from the surgery. During that time, however, I also discovered that I would need the same surgery on the right hip. And so, after a few weeks’ hiatus, began Round 3 in December.
I learned quite a few things in PT: that I haven’t been cross-training enough; that my core muscles are weak and need strengthening; that I’m not stretching enough after running or cycling; and that I haven’t been paying adequate attention to whether my body is properly aligned. Now I have an arsenal of PT exercises to combat these shortcomings.
And so my journey from injury to recovery moves on in a different direction. I’ll keep you posted.
Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you. I commented back when I was about 2-3 weeks out from a similar surgery on my right hip. At 14 weeks yesterday, I got to say goodbye to my PT as well. I love her but, like you said, hope not to see her too much anymore. I’m so happy to hear you are doing well too! I learned similar things as you did in PT….I’m starting to love Pilates and other cross-training that helps core strength. I would love to see some of your exercises in your regimen to see if they are the same or different as some of mine. Praying that you continue to be on the up and up…no knee pain!!
Hi Jenna, It’s so nice to hear from you. Sounds as though you are progressing nicely in your recovery, too. I’m trying to continue doing at least twice a week the exercises that I learned in PT. I hope to post my regimen at some point later this month. I’m thinking about getting into Pilates, too, in addition to spinning and cycling. I guess the secret to staying healthy is balance and moderation. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks so much Armando! You have helped me a great deal in this journey. Yeah, the tops of my knees have been bothering me lately, as I’ve ramped up my activity. I don’t suspect it’s anything serious or in need of more PT, but it is bothersome. I will ask Dr. Coleman about this when I see him in a few weeks. I’ve heard from another Coleman alumni, a friend of mine in town, that knee issues are fairly common after this surgery. I will try the Glucosemine and Chondrotin, too.
Great picture, wonderful outcome! Onwards and forwards now. No more surgeries! BTW, when I asked him, Dr. Coleman said Glucosemine & Chondrotin was a good supplement. I’m taking that and have found my left knee pain has been reduced. Enjoy your new found strength and wishing you a healthy active lifestyle!