Rebecca M.
When I started my physical therapy late in July, I was no longer enjoying my morning walks. I started a walking program in May to be better than I was, but regretfully I became over-eager and managed to injure most of my leg muscles by trying to walk when I should have been resting. Additionally, I had injured the muscles of my left leg climbing onto a bus; and my painful right foot, which has been getting progressively worse for 13 years, was swollen, black and red from where I had whacked it against the pointy end of a rocker. I was limping on both sides. My body crumpled for most of the day from lack of muscle strength. I was unable to sleep on my left side because of the pain in my leg. I could not stand long enough to fix a meal. And I missed the strength, stamina and energy I had been enjoying on my morning walks. The physical therapy was repetitive, building strength without aggravating my injuries. The atmosphere was calm, quiet, and supportive. It has been strangely relaxing, which I finally realized came from the continuous counting which blocked everything else from my brain. It is now six weeks later; and I am adjusting to my new “normal”. My body no longer crumples; and I have many moments during the day when I can stand erect. I can sleep on my left side, I can stand in my kitchen and prepare a meal, and I am walking again – both on land and in a heated pool. My legs are stronger than ever, and I am surprised at how far I can walk with a secure and solid strength that makes me smile. I have a stabilizer that supports my right ankle; and a cane that supports my left leg so that it is pain free when I walk, limp free.
Life is good; and better than before.