Hi everyone–
You may have seen that I’ve listed all of my key discoveries and breakthrough moments in chronological order in my “Key Points of My Recovery” series. It took me five years to put all of these pieces together, through a long and frustrating process of trial and error, and I talk about that process in these posts.
In this post, however, I was curious to see what it would look like if instead of in chronological order, I explained my recovery in terms of specific concepts. I figured this might give you another way to look at it, and take from it what you will.
So here are the main points of my recovery organized by concept. I’ve linked to some of my most relevant posts for each point.
Developing muscle strength:
- The goal of strengthening is to maximize your body’s own support system.
- When muscle strength finally takes over for weak ligaments
- Key Point #4: Muscle strength vs. endurance
- The most important place to start strengthening: the core & transverse abdominis
- Three major muscle groups to strengthen for SI joint dysfunction
Along with a thorough stretching routine:
Finally finding a knowledgeable PT who was able to think flexibly:
My physical therapist Paula, who the fourth physical therapist I saw over the course of this problem, was able to think flexibly and come up with alternate ways for me to exercise, instead of insisting I do things one way. (Same for stretches). Having an open-minded and knowledgeable PT made all the difference.
Pool exercise was a big component:
- The importance of pool exercise to my recovery
- Key Point #2: Pool Workouts
- Clearing up some myths about aquatic therapy
- One of the best things you can do for yourself in a pool: traction
Was patient; paid attention. Knew it wasn’t mind over matter; had to do research and be intellectual. Couldn’t “push through” or try to use brute force; had to be mindful and modify the things I did.
- The SI joint is like a puzzle
- Positions where the SI joint is more or less stable
- Key Point #3: Adjusting my movement patterns.
Using the Muscle Energy Technique to adjust my own SI joints, so I didn’t need to keep running back to the chiropractor so often.
- Key Point #7: Learning to adjust my own SI joints
- How exactly does the Muscle Energy Technique work?
Eventually realized my frequent chiropractor visits were making things worse and stopped having my SI joints adjusted.
- Could my frequent chiropractor visits be making my SI joint problem worse? (This link takes you to my original post on Sunlight in Winter).
- The end of my SI joint issues is officially in sight
- What I think chiropractic has to offer
Ultimately, healing came down to building muscle strength while doing everything I could to let my sprained ligaments heal.
