"Embrace the Process" or "Trust the Process" are pretty common phrases you here over here in ACL land thanks to social media. Those phrases used to really upset me! Back in months 3-11, I really did not trust the process. In fact, I felt like things were NOT right at all! It was like I refused to trust the path that my physical therapy and surgeon were telling me (just wait it out, do whatever you can, rest, etc). I am currently 7 weeks into my new taping/new rehab program with the Sports and Exercise Medicine Research Center. Woot!! My new rehab is definitely showing improvements! I can say that I've improved my strength far more in 7 weeks than doing the "you figure it out on your own rehab" that I did at home for 16 weeks (per my former PT and surgeon's advice). Taping is key. The right exercises are key. New exercises are coming! In 2-3 weeks, I will have a Skype session with the DPT (doctor of physical therapy) and we'll add on some new moves. I am very excited to see what they will be! She also said she is very impressed with my progress so far and how well I'm doing. NOTE: I am NOT pain free by any means. Sometimes I can go a day without any taping, but it has to be a low activity level day. I still have to manage the pain daily with taping, and the TENS unit if it's extra hurty. However, we're achieving the goal of lifting the pain enough to successfully do weights and build muscle while not aggravating things more! I also can't expect to be pain free in 7 weeks after having been in chronic pain for 11+ months. So, FINALLY, I am trusting the process! Just some stats for my right (operative) leg day 0 to 45:
So how about embracing the process? She also suggested not to worry or get a head of myself and embrace where I am now. Crazy slow process, boring gym days, still unable to do much? What do I embrace? Well I've thought about it (talked with my spouse too). In these early days, we can really see notable improvement and weight increasing. This is really exciting and motivating! When I start to plateau, I won't get to see such clearly marked improvement. So that is definitely something to embrace. Going to the gym is my new life. I believe that doing these exercises, staying on the path, believing this is the right path is truly how I am going to get my life back. Walking - I try to get out as often as I can. Slipping out for a quick walk in the afternoon while at work seems to work the best. Here is my walking just since starting the new rehab. I did walks prior to this, but during this new plan I walked my longest walk ever, and also finally adding some vert (mentioned in previous post).
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AuthorA 45 year old active female who tore her ACL in January 2017 (at the age of 40). Reconstructive surgery in February 2017 with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft. Archives
November 2022
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