4 weeks post hip arthroscopy (again)
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3 weeks post hip arthroscopy (again)Normal interventions to address this would include stretching the involved muscles, but post operative ROM precautions prevent this. The tone in one muscle in particular, coccygeus, was so high that my coccyx (tail bone) had actually sub-luxed and was sitting off to the side! It was so incredibly painful that I could barely sit down. THANKFULLY, I know some fabulous pelvic PT's. I briefly described what was going on to my friend (and complete rock star PT) back in Salt Lake who gave me a few exercises and manual stretches to try and, within 2 days, all of my symptoms had completely resolved. COMPLETELY RESOLVED. I continue to be completely amazed at how the simplest things can sometimes make such a significant difference on pain and dysfunction. For all my hip warriors out there- if you are experiencing pelvic pain or "odd" symptoms related to bowel/bladder function, know that you aren't alone. And more importantly, there are things (often quite simple things!) that can be done to help you feel more comfortable during your recovery. Even if your orthopedic PT is not trained in pelvic floor rehab, he/she should be able to answer some questions for you and direct you to appropriate resources. I have begun my training in this area and am SO excited to be able to apply it in the orthopedic setting. If you have questions about anything, shoot me a message... I'd LOVE to nerd out with you!
2 weeks post hip arthroscopy (again)
The best perk of being a PT you ask? Most definitely... having PT friends. After a long day in clinic, Jackie (ahem... Dr. Piccone) worked some PT magic and finally got my muscles to chill the F out. Combo ultrasound + e-stim for the win! It provided a similar effect that dry needling would have (although not quite as specific or focused) and seriously helped get my spasms in check.
I always tell my patients that surgery is "elective trauma." And although those procedures are necessary to fix an underlying structural deficiency/injury, it always leaves you with collateral damage. In fact, you are often left MORE broken leaving the OR than you were when you went in. I am forever thankful for the skillful hands of Dr. Mei-Dan, but I know that it would all be for nothing without all the fabulous PT's in my life who have helped put me back together again (and again... and again... and again... and again... and again) after surgery. Both physically and mentally. So THANK YOU. I love you all and am so grateful to have had you by my side through all of this <3 10 days post hip arthroscopy (again)
When I think about all of MY patients that I've treated following hip surgery and the goals/expectations I have for them 10 days post-operatively, it completely baffles me that I find it so incredibly difficult to allow myself the same patience. The following day was Friday and I was completely worn out. A lot of my friends were going out to celebrate the end of the work week and I found myself almost numb as I sunk into the couch. I didn't want to eat or read or watch TV. I didn't want to do any of my own rehab (which I hadn't done in 2 days because I was so tired and sore.) I just sat there until I fell asleep... sitting up. When I woke up I still felt so heavy and numb and I knew I needed to snap out of it. I needed to actually do something to make myself feel better. So, around 10 pm, I went to the gym and got on the stationary bike. Almost as soon as I made my first revolution, I broke out into tears. And instead of trying to stop them and put on a tough act like I always do, I just let them fall. I was in and out of tears nearly the entire time I was on the bike but, when I finished, I felt like this giant weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I could breathe again. These moments- the ones that break you down and test your resolve- are the moments that pave the way for true growth and change. They are not a sign of weakness, but rather, a signal of readiness to completely surrender to and accept the journey that you are on. So in other words my friends... let yourself have a good cry and then go kick some ass :) In addition to kicking some ass this next week, I plan to practice a bit more self love and patience- a life long skill that I think we all need to nurture more often than we probably do.
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AuthorJust a physical therapist and her journey being on the other side rehab. Categories
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