By Nic Tremblay, PTA
If you’re looking for the holy grail of healing well...that’s a myth unless you’re Indiana Jones BUT hopefully I can fill your cup with the information (and inspiration!) to help you help yourself with your healing (say that five times fast!). In reality, there’s no singular moment when healing begins but more so a series of moments. More specifically, the decisions made in said moments. Confused? Don’t be! If you take this moment and decide to follow me to the next paragraph all will be revealed…
tidy checklist with no missed routines (Good on you! Give yourself a gold star!). The last subject of this article and the endgame of the plan is having a goal. I firmly believe that everyone needs a goal in some capacity every day of their lives...even something as simple as getting through the day without a meltdown! It’s this forward-moving approach that is the crux of every successful person’s life. The intimidation factor
comes into play when one only focuses on how far away and unachievable the final goal seems. This is why it’s important to have what I call progress goals while working toward your end goal. These are “checkpoints” that can be achieved along the way to your ultimate success. Let’s say you had a total knee replacement and you want to get back to your daily five mile walks. Now, with most total knee replacements, that’s a lot of ground to cover (literally) and if you are ONLY focused on the end result any
Glad you chose to join me here! Physical therapy is one medium of healing. Others include occupational therapy, speech language pathology, psychotherapy, music and art therapy, as well as approaches like guided meditation and aromatherapy. While these all have their merits, they share an Achilles heel. Each of them requires consistency. The moment you choose to say “no” instead of “YES” to healing is the moment it stops working for you.
I firmly believe that everyone needs a goal in some capacity every day of their lives...
progress you make in the meantime may seem insignificant or even go unnoticed. Some checkpoints could be regaining 90 degrees of knee flexion (endeavoring to eventually reaching 120 degrees) or be able to push “X” amount of weight on the leg press machine. These are milestones in strength and mobility that are necessary to reach the ultimate five-mile-a-day achievement. So, goal-oriented thinking is great but being able to stick to the plan, forming healthy and productive habits, and staying motivated are all crucial elements when being an active participant in your healing. Recruiting those close to you can help you on your journey and make the process more engaging with them celebrating in your success (even if they make you crazy in the process!). Remember, saying “yes!” to healing is the first step to a healthier and happier life!
Okay, you’ve chosen your approach (or approaches) and have set a plan in motion. The first few times your participate in this (exercises, meditation, mantras, etc) you’re typically filled with enthusiasm and vigor. This can often be fleeting and if you allow this feeling to be your only motivator then plan participation can wane as quickly as your excitement does (and it will). This is why you need accountability- based habits by forming routines that you or someone close to you can hold you to! This can be as simple as having someone you live or work with be your accountability partner that monitors how consistently you participate in your plan. This can also be done in the form of a daily checklist that will reveal any times your neglected to stick to your routine. The inverse of this (being consistent with your plan) can also result in a sense of personal satisfaction with positive feedback from your accountability partner or a very neat and
Exercise Essentials Outstanding relief for your aches...
Relieves a tight lower back
Keeps the body flexible
Double Knee to Chest Lying on your back. Pull both knees to your chest. Hold for 10 seconds and feel the stretch. Repeat 6 times.
Single Knee to Chest Lie on your back. Hug your knee. Keep your opposite leg bent. Hold for 10 seconds and feel the stretch. Switch legs. Repeat 6 times.
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