8/13/11
My second session with this video. This time I did better and I didn’t fall during the leg lifting part of the form. It seemed to flow a little smoother for me, even though I still felt clumsy. Because Tai Chi is so slow, the muscles are used differently and I really feel it. I didn’t think I would be able to see the martial arts in these forms, but I do. I can see where the blocks, strikes and kicks are.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Tai Chi
7/30/11
My first attempt at following this video. The slowness was difficult and as usual I felt clumsy. The video is nice and slow and relatively easy to follow. The instructor begins with Chi Kung and then goes into the Tai Chi forms. The movements are not that difficult, even thought I almost fell… twice.
I like having this on video because the convenience is, of course, a bonus. I don’t feel the pressure to be perfect, like when I have a live instructor and classmates.
My first attempt at following this video. The slowness was difficult and as usual I felt clumsy. The video is nice and slow and relatively easy to follow. The instructor begins with Chi Kung and then goes into the Tai Chi forms. The movements are not that difficult, even thought I almost fell… twice.
I like having this on video because the convenience is, of course, a bonus. I don’t feel the pressure to be perfect, like when I have a live instructor and classmates.
Tai Chi
7/20/11
I have been looking at what different Tai Chi videos are available from the library. I have settled on one called “Element: Tai Chi for Beginners.” I picked this one mainly because it is for beginners. I think I will try a couple of different ones just to see the differences.
I have been looking at what different Tai Chi videos are available from the library. I have settled on one called “Element: Tai Chi for Beginners.” I picked this one mainly because it is for beginners. I think I will try a couple of different ones just to see the differences.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tai Chi
7/14/11
So, I have been focusing on getting my neck better. I feel good, I feel bad, I feel good, I am incapacitated, back and forth. I have been referred to a pain management specialist and have been seeing a chiropractor. One of these things have to work.
I have gotten many emails from various friends on the Facebook site recommending me to train in Tai Chi to help in my rehabilitation. Many of these instructors have told me that the exercises will help with pain, balance and general health. These emails started when I first had my back injury.
Now that I have more information and experience with my neck problems, I feel that I can begin training again. So, which one to start with? How about Tai Chi?
I contacted a couple of instructors and had no luck at all! I thought that if I trained with an instructor, they could help me to also learn Tai Chi as a martial art and a rehabilitative exercise. After a couple of rejections from instructors, I was stuck. What do I do now?
I was discussing my dilemma with my father. He has started taking yoga classes at the local recreation center and was disappointed with the instructor. He decided to just get a video and do his yoga at home. He recommended the same for me. At first, I was completely against the idea. I started thinking about it more, and looked into Tai Chi videos. I found that there was a lot of instructional material.
So, now I’ve decided to go that route. I am sure that many people would feel more comfortable doing any of this in their own home. So, why not see what is out there and see if it is any good? I am hoping to get feedback from the various Tai Chi masters on Facebook.
So, I have been focusing on getting my neck better. I feel good, I feel bad, I feel good, I am incapacitated, back and forth. I have been referred to a pain management specialist and have been seeing a chiropractor. One of these things have to work.
I have gotten many emails from various friends on the Facebook site recommending me to train in Tai Chi to help in my rehabilitation. Many of these instructors have told me that the exercises will help with pain, balance and general health. These emails started when I first had my back injury.
Now that I have more information and experience with my neck problems, I feel that I can begin training again. So, which one to start with? How about Tai Chi?
I contacted a couple of instructors and had no luck at all! I thought that if I trained with an instructor, they could help me to also learn Tai Chi as a martial art and a rehabilitative exercise. After a couple of rejections from instructors, I was stuck. What do I do now?
I was discussing my dilemma with my father. He has started taking yoga classes at the local recreation center and was disappointed with the instructor. He decided to just get a video and do his yoga at home. He recommended the same for me. At first, I was completely against the idea. I started thinking about it more, and looked into Tai Chi videos. I found that there was a lot of instructional material.
So, now I’ve decided to go that route. I am sure that many people would feel more comfortable doing any of this in their own home. So, why not see what is out there and see if it is any good? I am hoping to get feedback from the various Tai Chi masters on Facebook.
Chi Kung
3/25/11
I am having pain. My neck pain seems to follow the weather. The last three months have been difficult because the weather has been causing me so much pain. I want to continue with the Chi Kung classes, but pain and medication seem to be getting in the way of everything.
I am having pain. My neck pain seems to follow the weather. The last three months have been difficult because the weather has been causing me so much pain. I want to continue with the Chi Kung classes, but pain and medication seem to be getting in the way of everything.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Chi Kung
3/11/11
I had my first Chi Kung (aka Quigong) class today at the Lohan School of Shaolin. It seems to be a form of energy (chi) manipulation and meditation. We covered posture, breathing and did a creative visualization meditation.
I have, honestly, never really studied this form of meditation. There will be five classes in this series and we are expected to practice the techniques and learn the material. So, I will be studying and practicing.
On another note, I think this instructor will be teaching me tai chi. I am glad to finally find an instructor, since I have already been rejected by two different instructors. I’m still note sure why I am having such a hard time finding someone to teach me tai chi.
I believe that having this as a foundation will help me to understand Chinese martial arts a little better. Most of them have something to do with using chi. If it also helps my condition, even better.
3/18/11
Class number two went well. We moved more in the class, which was a little difficult. The movements weren’t difficult, it was difficult trying to focus on the energy protocol and then add the hand and arm movements to it. I didn’t really feel that the hand motions were helping move my energy, but we already know that specific movements aren’t my friends.
I was interested in how movement could enhance meditation. I have been meditating for over 20 years, and have never used any kind of movement. I think I might have to practice the movements until they are comfortable and then add them to the meditation. So, for now, I am trying to copy the instructor and try not to look like a complete dork.
I had my first Chi Kung (aka Quigong) class today at the Lohan School of Shaolin. It seems to be a form of energy (chi) manipulation and meditation. We covered posture, breathing and did a creative visualization meditation.
I have, honestly, never really studied this form of meditation. There will be five classes in this series and we are expected to practice the techniques and learn the material. So, I will be studying and practicing.
On another note, I think this instructor will be teaching me tai chi. I am glad to finally find an instructor, since I have already been rejected by two different instructors. I’m still note sure why I am having such a hard time finding someone to teach me tai chi.
I believe that having this as a foundation will help me to understand Chinese martial arts a little better. Most of them have something to do with using chi. If it also helps my condition, even better.
3/18/11
Class number two went well. We moved more in the class, which was a little difficult. The movements weren’t difficult, it was difficult trying to focus on the energy protocol and then add the hand and arm movements to it. I didn’t really feel that the hand motions were helping move my energy, but we already know that specific movements aren’t my friends.
I was interested in how movement could enhance meditation. I have been meditating for over 20 years, and have never used any kind of movement. I think I might have to practice the movements until they are comfortable and then add them to the meditation. So, for now, I am trying to copy the instructor and try not to look like a complete dork.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Getting Back to Exercise
3/5/11
The last visit with my neurologist finally gave me some good news. My efforts with the physical therapy and exercise are paying off. I don’t need to have any more medications and I can slowly start exercising. We talked about running again and he said that there was a limit to my running.
A limit to my running… Unfortunately my brain doesn’t understand that concept. If I run a mile, I want to try for one more. If I run four miles, I want to run six. Well, you get the point. I know that I won’t stop at 6 miles a week or 8 or whatever the magic number will be. So, I have to end my decade relationship with running.
The funny thing is that I say the words “I have to stop running,” but I don’t really get it yet. I keep thinking about when I can run or when I need to buy new shoes or check out a route that looks good. All of these urges are such a huge part of me that my brain doesn’t believe my mouth yet.
I have been having withdrawals. Especially since the weather is getting so nice, my legs want to go. I am having more cramps and not sleeping so well. My lower back is sore and stiff more often. I actually catch myself fantasizing about running, I really have problems.
Since, I have started with the yoga fusion routine, my cramping has really decreased. I am going to start walking and hiking and maybe cycling. When the pool is warm enough, I am going to start swimming again. I have many options and will explore all of them, but it’s hard to give up running.
So, wish me luck. I gotta keep moving.
The last visit with my neurologist finally gave me some good news. My efforts with the physical therapy and exercise are paying off. I don’t need to have any more medications and I can slowly start exercising. We talked about running again and he said that there was a limit to my running.
A limit to my running… Unfortunately my brain doesn’t understand that concept. If I run a mile, I want to try for one more. If I run four miles, I want to run six. Well, you get the point. I know that I won’t stop at 6 miles a week or 8 or whatever the magic number will be. So, I have to end my decade relationship with running.
The funny thing is that I say the words “I have to stop running,” but I don’t really get it yet. I keep thinking about when I can run or when I need to buy new shoes or check out a route that looks good. All of these urges are such a huge part of me that my brain doesn’t believe my mouth yet.
I have been having withdrawals. Especially since the weather is getting so nice, my legs want to go. I am having more cramps and not sleeping so well. My lower back is sore and stiff more often. I actually catch myself fantasizing about running, I really have problems.
Since, I have started with the yoga fusion routine, my cramping has really decreased. I am going to start walking and hiking and maybe cycling. When the pool is warm enough, I am going to start swimming again. I have many options and will explore all of them, but it’s hard to give up running.
So, wish me luck. I gotta keep moving.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Slow Progress
3/1/11
I am making progress with my migraines. The frequency of the migraines has decreased, at least in connection with the neck pain. I am down to one neck pain related migraine every three months (I am averaging).
That’s great… isn’t it?
So, now that I have been working on my neck issues I am having more pain. That is good and bad at the same time. It’s bad because I am having more pain, but it’s good because I am fixing the alignment problem. Slowly, but surely, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I am on medications, doing exercises every day and making progress.
Okay, I am not going to lie. This is frustrating and limiting. I want to run, I want to work out, I want to continue training in martial arts. The medications have terrible side effects and I get a bit cranky about taking them. Yes, the meds work, but I just don’t want to take daily medication.
Every morning I do a physical therapy/ yoga fusion routine. I am pleased that it is working and I have about two hours of no pain afterwards. My range of motion has increased. Of course, as an exercise addict, I want to be able to use exercise to fix whatever ails me.
Even though I’m impatient with myself, I can see the progress.
I am making progress with my migraines. The frequency of the migraines has decreased, at least in connection with the neck pain. I am down to one neck pain related migraine every three months (I am averaging).
That’s great… isn’t it?
So, now that I have been working on my neck issues I am having more pain. That is good and bad at the same time. It’s bad because I am having more pain, but it’s good because I am fixing the alignment problem. Slowly, but surely, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I am on medications, doing exercises every day and making progress.
Okay, I am not going to lie. This is frustrating and limiting. I want to run, I want to work out, I want to continue training in martial arts. The medications have terrible side effects and I get a bit cranky about taking them. Yes, the meds work, but I just don’t want to take daily medication.
Every morning I do a physical therapy/ yoga fusion routine. I am pleased that it is working and I have about two hours of no pain afterwards. My range of motion has increased. Of course, as an exercise addict, I want to be able to use exercise to fix whatever ails me.
Even though I’m impatient with myself, I can see the progress.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Other Health Issues
I have been agonizing over this entry. At first I wasn’t going to mention any of this, but then I decided to. Since this is affecting my training, it should be mentioned in this blog… I know what you’re thinking; what is she talking about??
Well, I have an ongoing issue with migraine headaches and have been seeing doctors about them for a while. After my back injury, I started physical therapy for my migraine headaches. I wasn’t really sure what could be accomplished but, as an exercise addict, was willing to try.
At first the exercises and neck manipulations were brutal, I left every appointment with a migraine. I was miserable and ready to stop. I went for a couple of sessions and noticed that the exercises were actually helping my neck pain and spasms. This was pretty encouraging. The physical therapist and I had a discussion and decided that the manipulations were not beneficial. He recommended that I try traction.
I am not sure about you, but when he said “traction” I immediately had an image, which was better suited to a castle dungeon or dominatrix than a physical therapy office. I was hesitant, but still willing to try anything to get rid of pain.
The first traction experience was a little strange, but amazing. I was pain-free for two hours afterwards. The absence of pain was so intense that I felt euphoric. I continued with the traction until the end of my sessions.
The neurologist decided that I should get x-rays of my neck, since I responded so well to the physical therapy and traction. He suspected that I was having a problem with degenerative disk disease. It turned out that he was partially right. The films showed that I had spondylosis, degenerative disk disease and a reverse curve in my neck. What all of this meant is that I had pain in my neck that was causing migraines, not the other way around. So, more physical therapy and traction was the answer.
I am almost at the end of my physical therapy and I do feel a lot better. I am not sure if I will be able to continue running. I might have to replace it with cycling or swimming. I still plan on continuing with the project.
I look back at the pain that I have had for many years in my neck and have always assumed that it was just normal. Now, I have more days without pain, it is magical. The exercises are really helping and the traction is great. The whole treatment has dramatically decreased the number of migraines that I am getting. I am working on having a traction device in my home. I am very excited.
I have not been in training for a couple of months and I am looking forward to beginning again. This kind of stuff comes with age, but it doesn’t have to stop you.
It isn’t going to stop me.
Well, I have an ongoing issue with migraine headaches and have been seeing doctors about them for a while. After my back injury, I started physical therapy for my migraine headaches. I wasn’t really sure what could be accomplished but, as an exercise addict, was willing to try.
At first the exercises and neck manipulations were brutal, I left every appointment with a migraine. I was miserable and ready to stop. I went for a couple of sessions and noticed that the exercises were actually helping my neck pain and spasms. This was pretty encouraging. The physical therapist and I had a discussion and decided that the manipulations were not beneficial. He recommended that I try traction.
I am not sure about you, but when he said “traction” I immediately had an image, which was better suited to a castle dungeon or dominatrix than a physical therapy office. I was hesitant, but still willing to try anything to get rid of pain.
The first traction experience was a little strange, but amazing. I was pain-free for two hours afterwards. The absence of pain was so intense that I felt euphoric. I continued with the traction until the end of my sessions.
The neurologist decided that I should get x-rays of my neck, since I responded so well to the physical therapy and traction. He suspected that I was having a problem with degenerative disk disease. It turned out that he was partially right. The films showed that I had spondylosis, degenerative disk disease and a reverse curve in my neck. What all of this meant is that I had pain in my neck that was causing migraines, not the other way around. So, more physical therapy and traction was the answer.
I am almost at the end of my physical therapy and I do feel a lot better. I am not sure if I will be able to continue running. I might have to replace it with cycling or swimming. I still plan on continuing with the project.
I look back at the pain that I have had for many years in my neck and have always assumed that it was just normal. Now, I have more days without pain, it is magical. The exercises are really helping and the traction is great. The whole treatment has dramatically decreased the number of migraines that I am getting. I am working on having a traction device in my home. I am very excited.
I have not been in training for a couple of months and I am looking forward to beginning again. This kind of stuff comes with age, but it doesn’t have to stop you.
It isn’t going to stop me.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Getting Back In Shape
7/16/10
I have been continuing my pool exercises, walking and running. I am feeling like I am slowly getting back to normal. I am hesitant to add my abdominal routine, yet.
7/23/10
I am going to be working with a trainer. How fun! I have to make some time to write a little about him. I think we are going to be working on abs and glutes… mom-fat and butt! I am getting excited. I may be able to talk him into taking some martial arts with me, we’ll see.
7/28/10
Sunday was my first workout with Thomas, my trainer, and it was something. My legs are so sore I can hardly walk. My butt isn’t really feeling much, maybe I am doing the exercises wrong. He was constantly correcting my form… doesn’t that sound familiar?
I have been continuing my pool exercises, walking and running. I am feeling like I am slowly getting back to normal. I am hesitant to add my abdominal routine, yet.
7/23/10
I am going to be working with a trainer. How fun! I have to make some time to write a little about him. I think we are going to be working on abs and glutes… mom-fat and butt! I am getting excited. I may be able to talk him into taking some martial arts with me, we’ll see.
7/28/10
Sunday was my first workout with Thomas, my trainer, and it was something. My legs are so sore I can hardly walk. My butt isn’t really feeling much, maybe I am doing the exercises wrong. He was constantly correcting my form… doesn’t that sound familiar?
Physical Therapy
7/9/10
After resting and applying ice to my back over the long weekend, I felt better. I went back to the doctor to get a release to work and explained my progress. He told me that it was normal for the injury to take awhile to heal and gave me a back brace to drive. I feel weird wearing the brace when I drive, but it helps and my back doesn’t spasm. It still gets a little stiff, but I can deal with that.
The last two physical therapy sessions were as usual. Yay! I am finished!!
After resting and applying ice to my back over the long weekend, I felt better. I went back to the doctor to get a release to work and explained my progress. He told me that it was normal for the injury to take awhile to heal and gave me a back brace to drive. I feel weird wearing the brace when I drive, but it helps and my back doesn’t spasm. It still gets a little stiff, but I can deal with that.
The last two physical therapy sessions were as usual. Yay! I am finished!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Physical Therapy
Friday 6/25/10
I graduated to doing floor work in PT today! Unfortunately it was on a huge ball and I find it to be a bit creepy. But, the good news is that the exercises were challenging and I looked like a huge spaz trying to balance on the ball. I had to keep stopping and re-balancing. It could have been embarrassing, but it was too funny.
Wednesday 6/30/10
Great news! I started on the stationary bike today. I finally got to touch some real equipment. I also got a couple of extra exercises on the creepy ball. I feel horrible today but it has nothing to do with my injury. I just want to sleep all day. I had a migraine which lasted a couple of days.
Friday 7/2/10
After PT on Wednesday, I felt so great that we decided to go for a drive. We have been limiting my time in a car, because of my pain. We went to a little town about an hour away and I was fine. On the way back I started to get a little uncomfortable. Then I was having trouble sitting normally. My back decided that it wanted to start spasming and shooting pain down my leg. The rest of the ride wasn’t fun and I didn’t bother to take any meds with me.
Thursday I was really sore and stiff. I didn’t really feel that much better after my exercises. I had to drive the truck on an errand (the first time since the accident) and my back got worse again. I had spasms and shooting pain. I don’t understand how I can go running and swimming and work-out, but I can’t drive for more than 15 minutes?
I explained to the PT staff that I was having pain again and was having trouble driving. I took it easy on my exercises and then they hooked me up the electro-device and massaged me.
I feel discouraged and worried. How am I going to build back up to driving a car? On one hand I am SO glad that I can run. I would have a hard time giving that up. But, on the other hand, I NEED to drive to function in this society. It's depressing, but I will figure something out.
I graduated to doing floor work in PT today! Unfortunately it was on a huge ball and I find it to be a bit creepy. But, the good news is that the exercises were challenging and I looked like a huge spaz trying to balance on the ball. I had to keep stopping and re-balancing. It could have been embarrassing, but it was too funny.
Wednesday 6/30/10
Great news! I started on the stationary bike today. I finally got to touch some real equipment. I also got a couple of extra exercises on the creepy ball. I feel horrible today but it has nothing to do with my injury. I just want to sleep all day. I had a migraine which lasted a couple of days.
Friday 7/2/10
After PT on Wednesday, I felt so great that we decided to go for a drive. We have been limiting my time in a car, because of my pain. We went to a little town about an hour away and I was fine. On the way back I started to get a little uncomfortable. Then I was having trouble sitting normally. My back decided that it wanted to start spasming and shooting pain down my leg. The rest of the ride wasn’t fun and I didn’t bother to take any meds with me.
Thursday I was really sore and stiff. I didn’t really feel that much better after my exercises. I had to drive the truck on an errand (the first time since the accident) and my back got worse again. I had spasms and shooting pain. I don’t understand how I can go running and swimming and work-out, but I can’t drive for more than 15 minutes?
I explained to the PT staff that I was having pain again and was having trouble driving. I took it easy on my exercises and then they hooked me up the electro-device and massaged me.
I feel discouraged and worried. How am I going to build back up to driving a car? On one hand I am SO glad that I can run. I would have a hard time giving that up. But, on the other hand, I NEED to drive to function in this society. It's depressing, but I will figure something out.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Physical Therapy
Friday 6/18/10
They took it easy on me today. I was hooked up to electro-fun, endured an easy massage (compared to the last one) and had my manipulations and stretches. I was still a bit sore, but was able to do my pool exercises afterwards.
Monday 6/21/10
The “massage” today was pretty intense and I was feeling pain. I have not been feeling pain or having spasms at all for the past couple of days. I am stiff and a bit sore, but not really feeling pain.
Later in the day, I did my 15-minute walk and also ran for 5 minutes! My body felt great, but my lungs need to be built back up. I also did my pool exercises. I felt great today. I want to go back to work and also start training again.
Wednesday 6/23/10
I got two new exercises to do today. I also asked if I could start doing my abdominal routine. The physical therapist was a bit hesitant about it, so I explained my lengthy routine and offered to do half the exercises at a quarter reps. He was fine with that. I also got permission to slowly build my run back up! Woo Hoo!!
While I was at it, I asked if I could look at going back to work. My job is very physical, and they weren’t convinced that I was ready for it. Crap! I will keep doing my exercises and plan for returning to work in about two weeks. I have to be ready by then, I have been making great progress!
They took it easy on me today. I was hooked up to electro-fun, endured an easy massage (compared to the last one) and had my manipulations and stretches. I was still a bit sore, but was able to do my pool exercises afterwards.
Monday 6/21/10
The “massage” today was pretty intense and I was feeling pain. I have not been feeling pain or having spasms at all for the past couple of days. I am stiff and a bit sore, but not really feeling pain.
Later in the day, I did my 15-minute walk and also ran for 5 minutes! My body felt great, but my lungs need to be built back up. I also did my pool exercises. I felt great today. I want to go back to work and also start training again.
Wednesday 6/23/10
I got two new exercises to do today. I also asked if I could start doing my abdominal routine. The physical therapist was a bit hesitant about it, so I explained my lengthy routine and offered to do half the exercises at a quarter reps. He was fine with that. I also got permission to slowly build my run back up! Woo Hoo!!
While I was at it, I asked if I could look at going back to work. My job is very physical, and they weren’t convinced that I was ready for it. Crap! I will keep doing my exercises and plan for returning to work in about two weeks. I have to be ready by then, I have been making great progress!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Physical Therapy
Friday 6/11/10
By this time, I had not taken my muscle relaxers during the day for six days. I still took them at night to sleep. I was happy to be off of the meds at least during the day.
First day of PT and I was excited with the thought of moving again. I have been stuck “resting” for three weeks, now. My body was feeling sore from inactivity. After the initial assessment, I was hooked up to an electro-stimulating device. Staff told me that it was “for pain.” The sensations were strange but not unpleasant. I was supposed to receive a massage after that, which I refused. Since the injury was like a massive muscle ripping bruise, touching it was extremely painful. I could not sit on a chair normally, I couldn’t drive and I had to lie on my side to sleep. There was no way I was getting a massage that day without me defending myself. Lastly, I was taught some stretching exercises to do every day. I was happy to be able to exercise, finally!
Monday 6/14/10
I have been doing my exercises everyday, twice a day. My back is not as sore to touch, but I keep feeling like I am laying on a small rock. I even cleared the rug and checked my clothes. It was strange to feel like there was an object in my back.
The PT routine seems pretty set. They explained to me that the goal was to loosen the muscle up so that it can be stretched back to its normal position. So, I was hooked up to electrodes and afterwards offered a massage. I was feeling better, so I thought I might be able to handle the touching. She went pretty slowly and I guided her to the pressure I could handle. It was unpleasant. Afterwards, I did my exercises and then was manipulated by the Physical Therapist.
He added another exercise to my routine. I asked him if I could possibly start walking. I also promised that I would not try to run (even though that is all I wanted to do). He agreed that 12-15 minutes a day would be fine and also gave me some exercises I could do in the pool. Yay! I was so happy.
Wednesday 6/16/10
I have been walking exactly 15 minutes a day and doing four of the new pool exercises on top of the back exercises that I was assigned. I feel great! I have not had to take the muscle relaxers at night for the past two nights. Finally, I feel that I am making some real progress.
Encouraged, I went into the PT session. My plan was to ask for a couple of extra minutes for my walks. I was hooked up to a different electro-stimulation device. The pulses and sensations were slightly different from the other one and it seemed a bit more intense. Afterwards, he came in for the massage. The force of the massage was increased and almost felt good. I still had some tenderness and the site of the injury was still sensitive to pressure. The massage felt good and bad, back and forth. I completed my exercises afterwards.
The Physical Therapist came over and started his manipulations. I told him about my progress and that I had not taken muscle relaxing meds to sleep. I also asked him if I could increase my walking time or intensity. We discussed changing the dynamics of the walk and adding 5 minutes of a light jog. I was elated! He performed his usual procedure and then added an intense back manipulation. I felt fine and then left. This whole session was intense!
I felt so good that I wanted to try going to the store. I had not been able to go anywhere for any length of time. My back would get sore, then painful, and then start to spasm. We decided to go quickly and get the few things on our list. By the time we were done I felt very tired and a little sore. We went home and I crashed, I slept for 4 hours. When I woke up, I was very sore. I barely did my original exercises and I had trouble sitting on the couch again. My back was tight and full of pain. I took a muscle relaxer to sleep that night.
The next day was no better. I was either stuck on the couch or in bed with ice. I felt defeated.
By this time, I had not taken my muscle relaxers during the day for six days. I still took them at night to sleep. I was happy to be off of the meds at least during the day.
First day of PT and I was excited with the thought of moving again. I have been stuck “resting” for three weeks, now. My body was feeling sore from inactivity. After the initial assessment, I was hooked up to an electro-stimulating device. Staff told me that it was “for pain.” The sensations were strange but not unpleasant. I was supposed to receive a massage after that, which I refused. Since the injury was like a massive muscle ripping bruise, touching it was extremely painful. I could not sit on a chair normally, I couldn’t drive and I had to lie on my side to sleep. There was no way I was getting a massage that day without me defending myself. Lastly, I was taught some stretching exercises to do every day. I was happy to be able to exercise, finally!
Monday 6/14/10
I have been doing my exercises everyday, twice a day. My back is not as sore to touch, but I keep feeling like I am laying on a small rock. I even cleared the rug and checked my clothes. It was strange to feel like there was an object in my back.
The PT routine seems pretty set. They explained to me that the goal was to loosen the muscle up so that it can be stretched back to its normal position. So, I was hooked up to electrodes and afterwards offered a massage. I was feeling better, so I thought I might be able to handle the touching. She went pretty slowly and I guided her to the pressure I could handle. It was unpleasant. Afterwards, I did my exercises and then was manipulated by the Physical Therapist.
He added another exercise to my routine. I asked him if I could possibly start walking. I also promised that I would not try to run (even though that is all I wanted to do). He agreed that 12-15 minutes a day would be fine and also gave me some exercises I could do in the pool. Yay! I was so happy.
Wednesday 6/16/10
I have been walking exactly 15 minutes a day and doing four of the new pool exercises on top of the back exercises that I was assigned. I feel great! I have not had to take the muscle relaxers at night for the past two nights. Finally, I feel that I am making some real progress.
Encouraged, I went into the PT session. My plan was to ask for a couple of extra minutes for my walks. I was hooked up to a different electro-stimulation device. The pulses and sensations were slightly different from the other one and it seemed a bit more intense. Afterwards, he came in for the massage. The force of the massage was increased and almost felt good. I still had some tenderness and the site of the injury was still sensitive to pressure. The massage felt good and bad, back and forth. I completed my exercises afterwards.
The Physical Therapist came over and started his manipulations. I told him about my progress and that I had not taken muscle relaxing meds to sleep. I also asked him if I could increase my walking time or intensity. We discussed changing the dynamics of the walk and adding 5 minutes of a light jog. I was elated! He performed his usual procedure and then added an intense back manipulation. I felt fine and then left. This whole session was intense!
I felt so good that I wanted to try going to the store. I had not been able to go anywhere for any length of time. My back would get sore, then painful, and then start to spasm. We decided to go quickly and get the few things on our list. By the time we were done I felt very tired and a little sore. We went home and I crashed, I slept for 4 hours. When I woke up, I was very sore. I barely did my original exercises and I had trouble sitting on the couch again. My back was tight and full of pain. I took a muscle relaxer to sleep that night.
The next day was no better. I was either stuck on the couch or in bed with ice. I felt defeated.
Sometimes It Hurts To Fight
It started with a routine move. I have done this move many times when I was a child and was very good at it. I attempted to do it again and it went terribly wrong. This move could have been any form of activity; running, climbing, swimming, walking, etc. In this case it was a break-fall type roll in Aikido. I have done it many times, successfully, when I took Judo.
Martial arts injuries are as common as running or tennis injuries. Staying active runs a risk of injury. So, why do it? Many people engage in activities, including martial arts, to stay fit. Other reasons for engaging in activity include self-esteem, fun, competition and social aspects. Martial arts offer the extra benefit of self-defense.
I am a runner and I train in martial arts. I go to the gym regularly and also work out in my house. Why do I do it? I love to move. My body feels limber and I sleep great when I work out regularly. Swimming, lifting weights, walking, stretching, moving makes me feel good. I have sustained many minor injuries over the years and I still keep moving.
When I performed the roll in my class, it hurt. I rubbed my back and got up and finished the class. That night I was sore, so I iced my back and took some anti-inflammatory medication. I rested for a couple of days and then felt better.
A couple of weeks later I performed the same maneuver. I hurt the same place on my back. The difference between the first injury and the re-injury was the pain. After the re-injury, I felt a significant amount of pain. I could barely drive back home.
I saw the doctor, spent the next two weeks on muscle relaxers and then went back to the doctor. The doctor changed my muscle relaxers and gave me a referral for physical therapy. The weeks spent on muscle relaxing medications were frustrating for me. I was too tired from the meds to write or focus on anything. I slept and lived on the couch for most of my days. If I wasn’t too tired, I watched T.V. Generally, I hate watching T.V. so this activity left me irritated.
I was upset, frustrated and probably very irritating to those around me. My boyfriend, parents and friends supported me and made sure that I was following my treatment. Admittedly, I can be quite stubborn so, my boyfriend has put up with a lot of my crap. I am lucky to have such caring and wonderful people around me.
Martial arts injuries are as common as running or tennis injuries. Staying active runs a risk of injury. So, why do it? Many people engage in activities, including martial arts, to stay fit. Other reasons for engaging in activity include self-esteem, fun, competition and social aspects. Martial arts offer the extra benefit of self-defense.
I am a runner and I train in martial arts. I go to the gym regularly and also work out in my house. Why do I do it? I love to move. My body feels limber and I sleep great when I work out regularly. Swimming, lifting weights, walking, stretching, moving makes me feel good. I have sustained many minor injuries over the years and I still keep moving.
When I performed the roll in my class, it hurt. I rubbed my back and got up and finished the class. That night I was sore, so I iced my back and took some anti-inflammatory medication. I rested for a couple of days and then felt better.
A couple of weeks later I performed the same maneuver. I hurt the same place on my back. The difference between the first injury and the re-injury was the pain. After the re-injury, I felt a significant amount of pain. I could barely drive back home.
I saw the doctor, spent the next two weeks on muscle relaxers and then went back to the doctor. The doctor changed my muscle relaxers and gave me a referral for physical therapy. The weeks spent on muscle relaxing medications were frustrating for me. I was too tired from the meds to write or focus on anything. I slept and lived on the couch for most of my days. If I wasn’t too tired, I watched T.V. Generally, I hate watching T.V. so this activity left me irritated.
I was upset, frustrated and probably very irritating to those around me. My boyfriend, parents and friends supported me and made sure that I was following my treatment. Admittedly, I can be quite stubborn so, my boyfriend has put up with a lot of my crap. I am lucky to have such caring and wonderful people around me.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Taekwondo Training
5/22/10
Since my back was hurting and I couldn’t bend over, we took it easy. We focused on footwork and the forms. I am really having trouble with the high blocks and working them into the forms. I need to practice them much more.
Since my back was hurting and I couldn’t bend over, we took it easy. We focused on footwork and the forms. I am really having trouble with the high blocks and working them into the forms. I need to practice them much more.
Aikido Training
5/22/10
The move we learned today was relatively simple! Yay! We practiced two different versions of it and I actually understood it. We also worked on our footwork, which was very important in the move. While I was working on rolling from being thrown, I hurt my back. Ugh! I was so frustrated. Luckily, it was only on one side.
I went to the doctor and found out that it was a sprain. So, this halts my training for a week or so.
The move we learned today was relatively simple! Yay! We practiced two different versions of it and I actually understood it. We also worked on our footwork, which was very important in the move. While I was working on rolling from being thrown, I hurt my back. Ugh! I was so frustrated. Luckily, it was only on one side.
I went to the doctor and found out that it was a sprain. So, this halts my training for a week or so.
Aikido Training
5/19/10
Class was funny today. We were taught a move that was so complicated that it didn’t even register in my head! I watched it and tried to do it and I couldn’t get it at all. It was a relief to be told that many people have difficulty with the move.
Class was funny today. We were taught a move that was so complicated that it didn’t even register in my head! I watched it and tried to do it and I couldn’t get it at all. It was a relief to be told that many people have difficulty with the move.
Taekwondo Training
5/15/10
Today we worked on our footwork and forms. We are practicing all of the turns in the three forms that we need to know. I am mixing up my high blocks with my low blocks. I am going to have to work on the blocks and integrating them into the forms.
Today we worked on our footwork and forms. We are practicing all of the turns in the three forms that we need to know. I am mixing up my high blocks with my low blocks. I am going to have to work on the blocks and integrating them into the forms.
Aikido Training
5/15/10
We worked on our rolling today. We rolled forward, backward, from a sitting position and from a standing position. Most of the rolls are not so difficult to do, and I am definitely catching on.
We worked on our rolling today. We rolled forward, backward, from a sitting position and from a standing position. Most of the rolls are not so difficult to do, and I am definitely catching on.
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