Saturday, July 6, 2013

Physiotherapy Keeps You Moving

How the months have flown! After nursing  my ankle injury, it was time for physiotherapy sessions.

A friend reminded me 'not to cheat' when I told her her about the stretching exercises which I had to do daily. That was good advice for it is easy to be lax.

Being regular at the hospital, I have seen others make inroads to a faster recovery. The key is discipline.

The word 'pain' is on every patient's lips. I can understand that. The physiotherapists understand too well their state of  fear and pain. Yes, the road to recovery involves pain . Undoubtedly, targeting the affected part of the body , following instructions will speed recovery.

At the physio  I see a guy who has been plugging at  recovery for more than 5 months, doing  2 sessions daily thrice a week and one session  on the other 2 remaining days of the weekdays. It is a slog but he manages with some cheer and a great deal of determination. His legs are slowly responding  to walking on a stand up frame. It's been a long haul, 2 major operations  for a brain tumour which  began 9 years ago. His medical insurance has run dry. He is presently aided by former  school mates and friends who keep his rehab bills going. Daily, his faithful maid from Surabaya follows him every step of the way and helps him with his physio. 

When he saw the physiotherapist putting me through the paces, checking on my balance, his face lit up and  he gave me words of encouragement. I wish the same for him. Fingers crossed, I hope his tumour  'dries up', as he puts it when the next MRI is due.

Am glad to say I've been productive through these past months writing and collating for a special project. In the meantime, my blog was inactive, in  sleep mode. Sorry friends, hope you're still around and keeping well.  My mind went into overdrive to produce a book, all from the comfort of my bed!!! If you have guessed there's a story of some sort about my injury, sorry, it is far from it!

Thanks to my friends and family members who have kept me moving and recovering.

So what has been happening at physio  for me? Have a peek. 



Keep moving though it hurts ! 

Stretch band  - keep pulling  - keep knee straight,   aim the toes point to your nose.
A mini see - saw to increase flexion
Not a water baby  but water sure helps a greater range of movements. 

More stretching exercises on the stair case - foot flat , bend knee forward and feel the pull at the ankle. Keep back straight always.

The exercise ball -  make a dent and keep knee straight.  I found it particularly helpful. Aim to press on the lower part of the ball for a better stretch.
A cold pack to reduce the swelling after all the stretching  exercises. 
Stepping exercises on the Theraband pads - standing between the parallel bars to find my balance again  and to strengthen my left leg

7 comments:

  1. Oh dear what happened? No wonder you are MIA. Hope you have a speedy recovery. Take care

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  2. You're working very hard. Hope the physiotherapy goes well for you and you have a speedy recovery.

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  3. Praying for a quick recovery for you...

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  4. Yes, discipline is the key. Wish you speedy recovery.

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  5. Sigh, so sorry that you are still in so much pain, Keats. Aravind keeps asking me about you and I've been feeling guilty about not coming over to visit :(

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    1. Hi everyone,
      Thanks so much for your kind messages.Actually,I'm recovering pretty well.There's not much pain and am walking unaided. Thanks to discipline ! Please do not worry, Ee Lynn. We catch up,ok? Really the purpose of this post is to remind those who need physio, to keep at it so as to keep moving!

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  6. Hi Keats,

    Hope you recovered fully by now!! My warm regards to your DH and family!

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Great to have you popping in!