Fourth session of aquatic therapy today almost brought me to tears. I consider myself to have a high tolerance for pain and mental toughness. Who would have thought a dip in the pool and a few exercises could be so thoroughly exhausting?
This was a 45 minute session in pool water that was 84 degrees-- about 10 degrees cooler than normal due to a broken heater. I spent the first ten minutes walking around the pool followed by another 5-8 minutes side-stepping. Then came the 10 min. of walking backwards-- I was more focused and had to fully concentrate on this one. By the end, I had nerve pain radiating into my right heel.
30 squats preceded my big move to the deep end. I grabbed a foam noodle (per my aquatic therapists instructions) and began peddling like I was riding a bicycle for 3 minutes. My left leg was controlled-- my right leg seemed to wander as if controlled by a mind of its own. After the three minutes of biking, I did three minutes of jumping jacks (using only my legs) in the deep end. Made it through that. The toughest part I think was doing the cross country skiiing in the deep end. Had to hold the railing to keep from falling over.
Despite mental toughness and the will to improve, today's challenge left me feeling completely exhausted. But I must say it is good to be getting out and moving again, however difficult!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
My First Day of Aquatic Therapy
9 months after being implanted with an SCS... I've completed my first day of aquatic therapy.
I went for a dip in the pool today. It was as simple as that. When I got out, I cried. It was as simple as that. Tears of joy. A long journey to get to the point where I am able to drive in my car to the therapy facility, put on my water shoes, walk down the steps into the pool, and get started on rehabilitation.
I started with 10 minutes of walking in the pool, under the guidance of a very positive rehabilitative physical therapist. I eventually did side walking, high steps, leg lifts to the side and back, and core exercises in the deeper water-- trying to maintain my balance while lifting my arms up and down in front of me and at my sides.
After 30 minutes of water therapy in a warm pool (90+ degrees), my muscles felt pleasantly tired. I walked out of the pool and instantly felt the effects of gravity on my body.
I was/am so happy to be starting the process of rebuilding strength, flexibility, and endurance, that I was overcome with emotion on the drive home. I cried the tears of one who loves being active, has been through so much physically, and is finally getting the chance to exercise again.
Aquatic therapy is...
my route to fitness
my hope for a more active lifestyle
a good match for my current abilities/limitations with an SCS
a way of giving me perspective
a method of teaching me the importance of hardwork and commitment
an appointment that causes stress because I need to find a sitter for the kids
a challenge
very emotional
something that looks much easier than it actually is
one road to self-improvement
the right fit for me at this time in my life
I went for a dip in the pool today. It was as simple as that. When I got out, I cried. It was as simple as that. Tears of joy. A long journey to get to the point where I am able to drive in my car to the therapy facility, put on my water shoes, walk down the steps into the pool, and get started on rehabilitation.
I started with 10 minutes of walking in the pool, under the guidance of a very positive rehabilitative physical therapist. I eventually did side walking, high steps, leg lifts to the side and back, and core exercises in the deeper water-- trying to maintain my balance while lifting my arms up and down in front of me and at my sides.
After 30 minutes of water therapy in a warm pool (90+ degrees), my muscles felt pleasantly tired. I walked out of the pool and instantly felt the effects of gravity on my body.
I was/am so happy to be starting the process of rebuilding strength, flexibility, and endurance, that I was overcome with emotion on the drive home. I cried the tears of one who loves being active, has been through so much physically, and is finally getting the chance to exercise again.
Aquatic therapy is...
my route to fitness
my hope for a more active lifestyle
a good match for my current abilities/limitations with an SCS
a way of giving me perspective
a method of teaching me the importance of hardwork and commitment
an appointment that causes stress because I need to find a sitter for the kids
a challenge
very emotional
something that looks much easier than it actually is
one road to self-improvement
the right fit for me at this time in my life
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