Thank you, PT

Right before Thanksgiving, I decided to take a break from Physical Therapy for the holiday season.  The goal was to reassess at the beginning of the year.  I was just going to back off of the scheduled sessions but still perform my exercises at home and continue to build up slowly with the run/walk regiment. 


During that time as well, I invested in a pair of stability shoes to assist in the arch support.  I found the Mizuno Wave Inspire 10s comfortable and light weight enough to make the transition a little easier.

I'm happy to say that my foot is doing really well.  It is getting stronger everyday and I don't feel the need to restart PT again right now.  Praise God.

I would say, it was a really great move to start a formal PT program.

Here are a few reasons why I would recommend PT to anyone who is dealing with a long-lasting injury.

1. Focused attention

I've seen 5 different doctors throughout the course of this injury.  It was only when I started seeing my Physical Therapist that I felt someone was actually listening to me and tracking my progress.  Sometimes Specialist are so busy and Doctors are under the pressure to churn patients through.  It's disheartening leaving an appointment feeling that the Dr. didn't really "get it" and feeling no closer than when you started.

The repetitive nature of Physical Therapy and the scheduled, regular time with the therapist one on one and the notes and revaluations help you feel like you're on the road to something (recovery?).

2. An opportunity to Learn

This injury has made me way smarter. I know more now through this injury than I ever have. 

I am one of those really annoying patients who wants to know everything: what I'm stretching and why.  "What muscles is this exercise targeting?"  "Are there modifications?"  "Huh, what did you call that?"  

I had no idea what the Posterior Tibial Tendon was before I realized I had injured it.  I also learned some new exercises and stretches to help me with my running in the future. Learning, growing, and knowing enough to not make the same mistakes is all a part of the process, I guess. 

3. New friends!

PTs are pretty cool people.  In PT there is a lot of time to bond with people over sports, the music in the gym, weekend plans you name it!  There's a lot of work being done but the atmosphere is super encouraging.  PTs are good people.

I have mostly been doing run/walk sessions but I hope to do my first continuous mile at the end of this week.  Thank you, PT.