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