Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Physical Therapy Ch. 9

Next week, I get to run. Outside. At my full body weight (obviously).

I met with my physical therapist, Cathy, for the first time in more than a month today. My sacro-iliac joint was stable and responded as a healthy joint should to all of her tests. I told her that I am still not pain-free, particularly in the mornings, so she wants me to do a week of heavy ibuprofen and icing. She believes the ligaments and muscles around the joint are still inflamed, despite the stability of the joint itself. She thinks the requirement by my new coach, Darren, that I wait another week to do this first longed-for run outdoors is a good idea. She dry-needled some of the more tender lower back muscles on the left (and yes they do feel much better--I can honestly say I am an advocate of dry needling after these experiences).

Physical therapy isn't over. I have another appointment with her in a month to check in with my pain. I'm going to be religious about the icing and the ibuprofen because it sounds like I may be in for a steroid shot or something equally unpleasant if I'm still in pain by then. If that's what it takes to be pain-free, I'll do the shot.

For now, though, I'm not worried.

On Tuesday, I'll be here:


This is a park in my town that Darren recommended because it's flat and all-gravel but has lots of room--the kind of place where I'll be doing those first few runs. Cathy said to first add slow and easy on flat gravel, then add ups and downs, and then and only then can I add speed. I think this fits in well with Darren's plan for my comeback.

I'm feeling nervous but excited. I can't wait for Tuesday!

21 comments:

  1. Do I hear a "hip, hip, hooray?" Well - I'm saying it for you too! That picture looks like paradise. I know you've waited for this first run back for a long time. Keeping my fingers crossed for you; sending prayers too. Good luck!

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  2. What a great day that will be for you! And looks like the perfect place for it. Congrats!

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  3. yay!  I can't wait until Tuesday either!  :D

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  4. I always hate to wish time away but I can't wait for next week, for you, either!
    Very good things are on your horizon!  Yay!  Is the park Boulder Res???

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  5. Best news ever!!!  Bring on the outdoors!!

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  6. BostonboundbrunetteJune 12, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    How exciting!!  You are going to feel free again!  Just take it easy and you will get there!!  I am happy for you!! I know how excited you must be!!

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  7. WOOHOO!!!!  I'm so, so, so excited for you!

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  8. Oh yay! How exciting.

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  9. Hooray!  Running outside finally!  It sounds like you're healing so well!  And you're inspiring me to ice my knee and be better about taking ibuprofen. 

    So happy for you! :)

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  10. I'm excited for you too! I hope next week is a huge success. For what it's worth, my back responded really well to ice and ibuprofen. I medicated myself for a couple of weeks on my runs until I finally didn't need it anymore. Did the same with ice too when I got back from a run. Hope it's the same experience for you!

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  11. look....no really look....
    do you see it?
    the light at the end of the tunnel
    I told you it would be there....
    :)
    I never noticed that Houston picture before...on the right side..I like it!

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  12. Exciting!!!!! Come on Tuesday!

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  13. YAY! Cannot wait to hear how your return to running goes. Now I need to go catch up on this Darren coach. : )

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  14. YEAH! Have a great first run back. Take it easy though. Keep kickin'!!

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  15. Yay!  Looks like a gorgeous spot too!

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  16. Awesome! So glad you got the go ahead... the countdown til Tuesday is on!! Looks like a beautiful place to run, too.

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  17. This is beyond, beyond amazing!! I can't wait to hear all about it!! 

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  18. Great news. Take it easy and enjoy the landscape.
    I cannot wait for reading your next race report!!!!

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  19. Wow, nothing can be more exciting than making a comeback, especially in running! Looks like your PT sessions are really helping your body recover its peak condition. Take it slow during your practice runs. Ease your body into it. Slowly, but surely, you’ll be running at full speed again real soon.

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  21. Hi Terzah, How are you today? Being able to do what you love to do once again after a long time is a great feeling. Are you back at a 100%? I think Cathy is a really good physical therapist, and you're fortunate to have her.

    http://www.ftlauderdaleortho.com/

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