I have to tell you that just six weeks at PT has done so much for me. I’m going to share some things that have been happening.
First I’ll tell you that one day I arrived to therapy and I saw a wooden sliding board propped against an exercise table. I became overwhelmed with joy when I saw that board. it was reminder to me of how much I have progressed since my TM onset date three years ago. I’ve read so many accounts of people who have regained their ability to walk after several months and I have to be honest and say that I’m a little jealous (not in a bad way) when I hear those accounts. But you know what, my day is coming and I will soon be able to share my triumph and hopefully become a model of hope for someone whose recovery has been lengthy like mine….. Anyway, I just had to share that thought.
Now, on to my updates…….
Squats – I am able to perform squats with much more stability. I am still not able to do them freely without holding onto anything but the progress that I am experiencing is greater strength in my quad muscles. I am beginning to actually “feel” them engage during the range of motion.
Waking – I still have to depend on the walker and but I feel like I am using my shoulders less to support my weight. My right leg/foot movement is progressing faster than my left but I’m still encouraged that the left leg will soon catch up.
Standing Time and Stability – The challenge that I’m working on is locking out my knees when I stand. At physical therapy, Brenda has me performing exercises that will force me to weight shift onto my left leg, to stand with my knees in a bent position, and standing stable while moving various objects which forces me to further stabalize my core while standing.
Sleep Positions – Previously when sleeping I was not able to shift positions easily. It took me about a minute to move my body into a different position. These days I can turn over much more easily and therefore I get much better sleep at night.
Nu-Step Recumbent Bike – I just love that I am able to use this bike at therapy. I am able to use the bike and I’m able to keep my legs/knees stable. They no longer wobble and I’m currently cycling at level 6 for 15 to 20 minutes.
To many people, this may not seem like much but for me these small steps are monumental and I rejoice for all this progress. Yeahhhhhh!!!!! 🙂