Over Thanksgiving I had to reassess myself and physical therapy. I had 5 whole days to myself after 3 sessions back to back. So, time was needed for me to mentally regroup.
I had to understand my purpose, the objective and everything in between. It’s difficult being able to see what I’m truly there for. Evidently, I’m there to rehab. I’m there to train functionally. I’m there to relearn how to use my foot and how to walk. I’m also there to see how much guts and heart I have.
Over the course of the 5 days I had a very long objective chat with my friend (who I’m staying with) about my goals, death of a wheelchair, what my thoughts were and continued plan was (exercise-wise) to be at home, to get me to where I need to be and what sacrifices need to be made and how I’m going to make them.
Over the past few days, I knew exactly what I was going to do — and that was to set up a goal: When I go back to PT I’m going to surprise them. They’re going to see that I practiced my weightbearing skills and they’re going to see me stand up alone and with good balance. I went to work for all 5 days. I never take days off for my ankle. NEVER!
One truth is: I haven’t graduated to one crutch yet, but I had to raise my game — so I practiced using one crutch without them asking. I did various exercises — that most of my pain would have subsided from the intense abuse I was giving myself by the time my 5 days would have been up and back at PT.
And it worked! I accomplished my goal. Right from the beginning of my session, 5 days after not seeing my PT, I flipped everything to the point where my PT was thrilled by a thousand with me. I received personal claps, thumbs up and big yay’s with every exercise he gave me. Even the staff were being nosy and checking to see my progress.
I graduated from a small step to a bigger because PT no longer saw any kind of buckle in my knee. This was followed by a 30 degree single leg squat, a series of wobble board exercises, walking front to back and side to side while holding onto parallel bars, biking and stretching.
Then my ears perked up in astonishment when he said, “Walk to me.” I said, “Without crutches or cane? ” He said, “Yes.” He held out his hands. I felt like I was in a ball and gown situation. I took a deep breath as if it would save my life somehow and trusted him as my current savior. All I needed was a kiss, but he’s married, so. I took off, walked in tiny steps like a toddler and grabbed a hold of his hands.
I not only surprised him or myself, but I also surprised my good friend who almost couldn’t contain his excitement on the chair. The important thing was that I made it safely. I was then seated for my first debut of leg extensions in months. PT was surprised and added more weight for me after I took to owning 2 sets of every rep turned into 5 second static hold heaven.
My PT doesn’t know I train 2 and a half hours to 3 hours plus a night. He doesn’t know I’m not an average Joe — that I’m actually an injured weightlifter and I consider myself somewhat of an athlete. I presume that’s one reason why I’m always shocking him with what I can do and how much I can push physically and mentally speaking.
Aside from this, PT taught me how to use and coordinate a cane and I followed his instructions precisely. He was happy — and if he’s happy I’m happy. After using the cane for a few rounds, he ordered me to walk without a cane while he held onto the strap that’s wrapped around my waist. He supported me in the beginning. Then he allowed me to walk completely on my own.
What a milestone!
I consider this my second milestone, for over the past 5 days I put in so much work into my foot and ankle that this session felt (somewhat) like a piece of cake. I know how to hurt, train and abuse myself with crazy. PT just so happens to abuse me in a different way and it’s never for the length of time and tension I do it under. But the PT aggressive therapy works. I’m where I need to be and I made sure this new month was going to start with a bang. Basically, overnight success!
In any event, my PT was very happy. He was so happy that after my massage treatment and electrical stimulation, he went off on his own to my good friend and told him: “She did a great job! Has she been doing work at home?” And my friend replied, “She does alot of work at home. She never takes a day off and she even started training using one crutch.”
My PT was quite surprised. His reaction was priceless because I did so well. I couldn’t ask for more. I already know this month’s Physical Therapy shit is going to get realer! And I’m fucking ready. I’m always ready to make these personal records and bests a constant reality.
-Pennington