I have been going to physical therapy for nearly four weeks, and my hips and lower back are feeling much better. I was not sure PT was going to help. Also, around the time I began physical therapy, I began to make more of an effort to choose the right kinds of foods at meal times. For the most part, I have (again) cut my sugar and alcohol intake.
I was experiencing hip pain while walking. It had gotten to the point that I could not sleep because of pain. The therapist who did my intake examination explained that some muscles and tendons don’t move anymore because of my lower lumbar fusion. The condition causes atrophy and some other big words I can’t remember. So, the exercises I have been doing are geared toward using these muscles and tendons.
There were a couple of days when the pain became excruciating. The therapists have also been stretching my tendons at the joints. I don’t even know how to describe it. I like having it done, but it can be painful afterward. It is helping, and that’s encouraging. Strengthening the small muscles in my back is also having a dramatic effect. And, of course, we are doing some core strengthening.
Pain has a way of discouraging movement. Because of pain, I have opted not to exercise for the past couple of years. Since beginning therapy, I have felt more inclined to do more exercise. Moving more has encouraged me to watch my food choices more carefully.
Eating better foods also makes me feel better: less digestive issues, more energy, and no cravings or hunger issues. I am eating more green leafy things, more veggies, and less red meat.
I am feeling better and more encouraged. I wrote a post that sounded less enthusiastic only four days ago, but I wrote what I felt then. I feel better today because of physical therapy, and better food choices certainly help. I feel encouraged, which hasn’t happened in a long time. So things are looking up.
In case you are interested, I have lost nearly 5 pounds in the last three weeks.
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