Jigga, the protective family dog, crouched in the front doorway. She was often allowed in the front yard with the Mistress or Master, being trusted to stay close to the family rather than run. On this occasion, however, danger lurked nearby: a cat was hiding in the front bushes. the call to protect her loved ones was overwhelming. As Jigga considered her strategy, the cat fled, forcing Jigga to charge. Mistress joined the pursuit but, astonishingly she demanded that Jigga return home! Reluctantly Jigga followed her Mistress, confused that Mistress did not understand the threat.
Jigga did have another opportunity, leaving for a walk with me the Mistress. While attached to the training leash (which is allowed to expand and contract), Jigga took off after the cat, jerking my arm severely. Being slow to learn, I allowed this to happen two more times within about three weeks, leaving me with chronic pain in the shoulder.
Like so many people, I attempted treatment on my own: basically oral pain killers and occasional ice. I avoided postures and movement which exacerbated the pain, meaning I avoided movement. It took sleep-preventing pain to get me to the doctor. It wasn’t tendinitis which I had experienced several years prior and was treated belatedly but successfully with injections. This was muscular and would require rest and time. Imagine resting a shoulder, the dominant one at that.
Many more sleepless nights and limited activity led me to Achieve Physical Therapy and David Hawkins. The staff was helpful and friendly, and the treatment not only left me 40% improved after the first visit, but David was excellent at describing the problems and the solution. I have been continuing to go 2-3 times a week as well as performing some of the stretching on my own. Although I am not yet to normal, the pain is minimal and range of motion improved, and I am increasing my activity while not losing sleep.
It would be easy to brush off pain and injury as another step in the decline of the body. Succumbing to it seems to be the easier path. I prefer to slow the decline and enjoy life in the process. This is encouragement to get the treatment needed to continue an active life, to enjoy the time which becomes more precious with age. We can allow our bodies to fade painfully toward death, or seek the help we need to enjoy the years. It’s all about the journey.
Time to call the doctor about my arthritic thumb.
Mary it is a pleasure to work with you and help you in your journey to be as fit and functional as possible! You are becoming one of my Unstoppable Seniors!!