If you like your physical therapist….

My doctor told me early on that if I like my physical therapist then I need to get a new one. His point is that you want a therapist who pushes and challenges you to do what you don’t want to or think that you cannot do. My first therapist, the one who came to the house, was perhaps a bit too easy on me but in fairness the injury was fresh, I was very weak, in a lot of pain, and I could not do much without fear of aggravating my injuries. By the time I started to go to a clinic for therapy I was healed enough to be pushed harder. I have worked with several therapists but the one who usually sees me pushes me pretty hard. Often about halfway through the appointment I start thinking about going home because it hurts so badly! But I know it is for the best and as I improve I am better able to tolerate the pain and discomfort. So yes, on one level I do not like my therapists, but on another level I really love them! Everyone recovering from a bad injury needs a coach to tell them to get in the game, push harder, go further, and come back for more!

Today’s update: We measured my flexion today for the first time in a week. Now, two weeks after my third manipulation, I made it to 118 degrees. Needless to say that is a record and it is very encouraging, especially because it was painful but not super mega painful, which gives me hope that I can attain this angle with some regularity. I have also been going to the pool for several days now and I can already feel some strength returning. The big problem is extension – my leg still is not straight – so I have a lot of work to do there.