Week Seven: PT is paying off
My physical therapy sessions are really paying off. This week my therapist gave my AT one heck of a work out. On Tuesday she went through the normal routine of ultrasound and stretching out the range of motion of my AT. Then she had me workout on a wobble board by balancing myself on the board…using my bad leg only. My initial thought was that she was totally crazy! I can barely keep my balance on my good leg on any given day of the week. I left Tuesday’s session absolutely exhausted and sore.
On Thursday she wasn’t as rough on my AT. This go around she had me workout on a Pilates machine doing calf raises on my bad leg only as well as simulated jumps while landing on my bad leg. Both of these exercises felt a little strange at first since this was the first time placing “force” on my AT. Since the joints in my ankle seems to have full range of motion now, my therapist is beginning to work on strengthening my bad leg. She modified my calf raises by having me do this exercise on the edge of a step and slowly bringing my heel below the step line (repeat 20 times per set, do 3 sets per session; do 1 session per day). She also measured the ROM of my AT and said it was at 9 degrees. I need between 12-15 degrees of motion in order to run again. So I’m almost there.
My progress has really improved with these exercises. I’m able to wear my favorite flip flops again and officially throw Mr. Boot into the storage closet! Walking upstairs no longer poses a problem. Although walking downstairs still takes a little more effort.
Here are some pics of me doing my calf raise exercises and my new wobble board that I bought just the other day.
Wayne, that’s awesome! Keep up the good, but exhausting, work.
Comment by trisportgirl — July 5, 2009 @ 10:12 pm
Wayne- I had my surgery about 5 weeks ago but I am still not bearing weight….no problems but maybe a more conservative approach. Can you tell me- do you have return blood flow issues? I expect to start bearing weight after my dr. visit net Modnay but every time I put my foot down it turns purple and I get a numb sensation as my return blood flow is not good. I have heard this can go on for a long time- do you just put up with it?
Comment by gr8ful — July 6, 2009 @ 11:13 am
Wow that sounds serious. No blood flow issues with me. However, I still have swelling within the “hollow areas” of my ankle. And I do have some numbness on the outside of my foot right above the 4th and 5th toes. I’ve been reading other blogs and numbness does occur in some instances (most regain normal feeling; but I’ve read that perm nerve damage is a possibility, too). I wish you a speedy recovery….good luck!!
Comment by wayne — July 6, 2009 @ 1:27 pm