Week 21: Getting stronger…
Not much new to report. My recovery continues to move forward and I feel like my Achilles and calf muscles are getting stronger every day now. My PT sessions have switched to hopping on 1 foot (at the balance bar), resistance walking (forward, backwards, and sideways–using a bungee cord tied around my waist), and agility drills running forwards, backwards, and sideways–somewhat simulating tennis situations. As I tell my PTs, this is far more satisfying than writing the alphabet with my toes–how far I’ve come! At home, I’ve begun light running this week and am alternating this with bike rides every other day. Tuesday and today (Thursday) I took a 13 mile bike ride in just under an hour. Wednesday I ran just over a mile, in 3 parts. There’s a park near my house with a paved path around it that’s just over a third of a mile. I’ve been alternating running and walking loops. On Monday I did two loops each (running and walking), while yesterday I did three–as Norm counsels, it’s all about incrementalism to avoid painful setbacks. This weekend I have plans to get back on the tennis court for a friendly doubles match, which I’m really looking forward to. I know everyone heals at a different pace and, after a slow start, I seem to be on the faster side now. I hope everyone gets to experience a fast “leg” at some point during their recovery. Next week is my 5-month mark (hard to believe!) and I anticipate reducing the frequency of my posts to monthly thereafter–hopefully, it’s all good news from here on out!
Filed under: Uncategorized and
Congrats!! Sounds like you are definitely ahead of the curve now.
Thanks, Greg! As anxious as I am to get back to “normal”, I know this is not a race. I have been very disciplined about my PT with 2x week 60 minute sessions coupled with daily home exercises. I am following the advice and protocol provided by my OS and PTs. I also am listening to my body and not doing anything that causes me pain (and/or suffering!). My hope now is that I can come back even stronger than before–and certainly more knowledgeable about my body, how to warm-up for sport and how to stretch to avoid further injury. If there is an ultimate silver lining in this injury for me, that would be it! -David
Congrats David! Good luck on the tennis court this weekend - no chasing down tough shots!!!!! I am targeting October/November for my return to the scene of the crime:-)
Great! My 21 week point still seems so far away but I love to hear about the progress that can be made by that time. It is very encouraging to me and although I know my own progress may differ it reinforces to me that I will eventually get back to normal. Good luck in your tennis match.
Annababi, thanks! I know I felt the same way in the early stages–encouraged by reading the progress of others further ahead than me. You’re exactly right, also, that regardless of recovery pace, this is merely a temporary affliction–an important point for us all. -David