I started physical therapy. Again. Third time’s the charm, right?
I am trying a different provider this time, and I have to say I’m seeing better results. I chose this after doing some research on a newer technique for connective tissue injuries. It’s called the GrastonTechnique, and it’s sort of like Rolfing, except the practitioner uses a series of stainless steel instruments, which allow them to really get into the muscle and break any adhesions to the fascia, increase heat and blood flow to the affected area, and according to the literature, increase cellular activity (whatever that means).
So far I can tell you two things:
- It’s working.
- It HURTS
They do other things in conjunction with the Graston. They usually hurt too. Plus they make me do exercises every day. In short, I’m paying them to torture me, and this is apparently good because I’m getting results. Lots of improvement over a few short weeks. It's a bit of a dark bargain, but worth it if the end results net out the way I'm hoping.
I did have a little setback last weekend when I brought Lala home (finally!). I strung quite a bit of hotwire and cross-fenced the pasture so that I could keep her safe and separate from the other horses. This of course did not stop them from being complete assholes and chasing her through the fence at every opportunity. At one point she ran through fence to get away from Bugs and ended up in the section with Z and Penny, and both of them went after her. I ran after them before remembering I can’t actually run yet and really put a hurting on my hip flexors.
The next week at PT I was so disheartened, but my PTA counseled me not to lose hope, that I’d be surprised how much more quickly I bounced back, and he was right.
This is going to be the year I ride again. I'm sure of it.