Welcome to March. The recovery begins.
My first physical therapy appointment went well this morning, relatively uneventful. It was with a different guy than last time (although he was there with other folks) — an older guy with a cool vibe.
After getting the story, he tested my grip strength (there is a pronounced deficit on the right), then had me go through range-of-motion tests with the shoulder. I was more flexible than I realized. ;) Not too much pain on most of it, more of an ache, except for a painful burning section on the outside of the shoulder muscle. Brought to attention how much weaker everything has gotten in a month.
Next was some gentle electric stimulation, which brings blood to the area and promotes healing, along with some moist heat in the form of a warm towel held over the top.
A laser was next, which didn’t really have any noticeable effect, but stimulates molecules in deep locations, again to promote healing. Any time lasers are involved, I am reminded of how cool it is to live in the Far Future where such Science Fiction devices are commonplace. :)
Lastly, he demonstrated a couple of exercises for me to start off with. First is a simple three-lb weight doing a bicep curl that twists into an overhand lift, then reversed, working on strength and range of motion. Three sets of 10 reps to start with, a couple of times a day.
The other exercise works on fast-twitch and coordination, which is a three-lb, squishy therapy ball that you toss between your hands, swinging behind, then in front, round and round and repeated for a few minutes.
Moist heat before starting exercise, then cold afterwards. Next appointment is next week, and I’ll do Tuesdays and Thursdays for now.
I’m jazzed to be on the path, even while being a bit daunted about how much further I have to go. Especially how far to go before I can get back on the bike or on the hills. For now, long walks will have to do. Maybe the recumbent machine at the gym would be feasible?
