Graduation

On April 1, I shared about beginning my PT journey; about how hard it was to let myself be supported. There were so many comments + DMs from people who expressed their struggles to get support so I wanted to share an important milestone and some details.

Today I "graduated," in the sense that my PT said she felt I knew what I needed to do -- and clearly am tuned to doing my homework -- to take my shoulder the rest of the way to full recovery. She joked that I didn't need her anymore. I said my husband would beg to differ! We decided on a check in in 2-3 weeks; meanwhile, my job is to keep doing my homework.

I was stunned when I left the office so I wanted to share a few details that illustrate the power of small actions and getting support.

1️⃣ I have been living with shoulder pain for so long I can't remember when it started. It was before the pandemic. So let's say a minimum of 2.5 years, but possibly closer to 4-5. 😳 I avoided PT because it was another thing to do. Plus our deductible sucks and I didn't feel like it was "worth it" (note: that translates to me saying that my living pain-free was not worth it). Plus some days the pain wasn't that bad.

2️⃣ Since April 1 I have had a total of 6 visits in 27 days to solve a problem that has been bothering me for possibly a half decade.

3️⃣ I have been doing yoga for 15-20 minutes most mornings for years. Because of this regularity, this is where I have been able to notice change. One week into PT I was able to thread the needle and extend my right arm all the way up with no pain. Last week, I was able to touch my hands together in eagle arms. MIND BLOWN.

4️⃣ RE: Homework. I have written all of the exercises in my to-do app, with "PT exercises" as a recurring daily to-do. I spend maybe 10-15 minutes max on dedicated PT time, but otherwise, I got earbuds so I could stretch while on phone calls. I stretch through the day (often in my chair while working). And at night I sit my ass on the couch with a heating pad on my lower back and my shiatsu back massager on my upper back as pictured.

❤ Please take of yourself. Please don't be as stubborn as I was. You only have one body. It deserves your love and support.