We started the session with something kind of exciting. I got to sit on the recumbent bike and discovered I can pedal! If only I had one of those babies at home, I would have a go-to faster-paced workout! It did feel good to be able to do something cardio.
After that warm-up, we worked on some new moves. In addition to the stretches, the therapist added some butt and thigh muscle work. Early in the session I explained that certain calf stretches hurt the medial side of my knee...with a sort of pulling pain. She is suspicious that the lack of regular movement has probably atrophied those muscles and caused some shifting. So they are a new target. And guess what? I can do squats!
She also added some proprioceptive moves. I stand with my legs together, and simply try to stand without swaying. Then I place my arms in different positions. Then I stand on a pillow doing the same thing. Then, off the pillow, I do the moves with my eyes closed. Then likewise, I stand on the pillow, eyes closed. It is all a progressive challenge for those intricate muscles surrounding my ankles.
I also have some heel raises which are not my favorite. I do sets of ten, both legs at the same time. It doesn't feel like my left calf is contracting much yet, but when I watch in the mirror, it is actually doing quite a bit. I just can't feel it much yet, I still have a weird sort of numbness in areas of my calf/achilles.
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| New Homework! |
I am feeling more upbeat this week. I came out feeling better than the week before. My walking is getting better so that alone is encouraging.
And the walking boot-oh yeah! Valentine's Day I was officially done with the everyday need of the walking boot. I still put it on if I have to walk a lot or if my leg is feeling overworked, sore or tired. But it was cool to reach that milestone where I no longer am married to the boot!
Updated incision photo:
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| 39 days post-op!! |
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