It seems this is the week for physical therapy for our household. Today, Elegant Mother was visited by a physical therapist, who assessed her strength and gave her a number of exercises to work on. The therapist will return the middle of next week to check on EM, to see if she has any questions.
We've been concerned about the amount of time she's spending in her chair, and the fact that she's missed three weeks of exercise class. It's important that she not loose the ability to get up and move around and go places, so I'm glad the therapist has been here. Now I get to nag EM about exercise, and cranberry juice, and walking, and eating more!
Tuesday, I started physical therapy for a shoulder problem that has been bugging me for more than a year. It would start to get better, and then I'd do something and I'd be back to square one with it.
I couldn't decide what was bothering it. It could have been something from exercise class, or from the height of my computer table, or from the way I sleep. Even the way I get into the car might have contributed to the problem, or the way I garden, or carrying the library book bag on the same side all the time. So, it was finally time to get some help.
The therapist started me out with wet heat in protective covers, wrapped around my neck and on my shoulder blades. Heaven! I was simply in heaven. He could have stopped right there!
Instead, I was introduced to a three pound weight, stretchy bands, a hand rowing machine and something that duplicates cross country skiing, only seated. I suppose if I want to get well, I have to do that stuff too, but the heat treatments will keep me going back!
Comments (4)
At least you've recognized the challenge early enough to do something about it. As we age, we get out of shape faster and faster. Your Elegant Mother has a few years on me, but I get out of shape in about 10 days without exercising, and I can tell the difference in just missing one or two sessions at the fitness center.
Posted by Cop Car | July 30, 2005 8:54 AM
Posted on July 30, 2005 08:54
That's the truth, Cop Car. The nurses have a term for it.....and I can't think of it just now, but they are very aware, as you and I are, that you deteriorate quickly when you are ill. Which reminds me....I need to go nag EM to walk! *G*
Posted by buffy | July 30, 2005 4:48 PM
Posted on July 30, 2005 16:48
When my husband got shingles he just wanted to sit down and do nothing. I think it is a part of the condition. Maybe you can get her to move around. He is just stubborn
Posted by Adele | August 2, 2005 4:55 AM
Posted on August 2, 2005 04:55
Adele, she's been the most amazing patient! The physical therapist came today and was pleased with Elegant Mother's progress. I'm hoping that we will be able to reintroduce her to civilization next week. It won't be a moment too soon from her perspective!
I understand about your hubby not wanting to do much. I'm sure it goes with the ailment. That's why we had a physical therapist come in for EM.
Posted by buffy | August 2, 2005 5:03 PM
Posted on August 2, 2005 17:03