...finished the NHS course of 6 sessions of hydrotherapy. I've been advised to continue with the strengthening exercises in my local pool for another 6 months before moving on to gym work! Well, I did my first pool session today and it really wasn't very enjoyable. The water is way too cold for standing around doing exercises (I kept getting cramp in my feet) and there's no bar along the side of the pool to hook my feet under to do the 'leg press' type exercises. I tried to improvise but it didn't feel great. Plus, there are other people in the pool wanting to get around me. I stayed in for about 35 minutes, 10+ of those were spent walking backwards and forwards making use of the water resistance. The shower afterwards was cool, yucky and not much more than a trickle. All in all, I'm not sure I really want to keep it up for 6 months - might be way too depressing.
However, the upside is that it does provide strength training without the added pain and wear/tear on joints. That is a significant plus point, even if the water is chilly. At the moment, my left hip is really problematic with sharp, intense pain deep in the joint on foot strike when walking. I'm guessing it's a muscle knot/trigger point or inflamed bursa. In the water, that isn't a problem. My left shoulder/arm is worse than it's ever been and my GP is referring me to a shoulder specialist. I know the root of the problem is severe deconditioning causing instability but there might be something that can be done to alleviate any inflammation/strains caused by doing the strengthening exercises. Anyways, I digress....
This afternoon, I've felt overwhelming tired. Went to bed for an hour and actually slept. I still feel wiped out so whatever I did this morning, it worked something. Hopefully, it wasn't just the fact that I was on the brink of being 'cold' throughout the workout!
So, what next? Do I focus on the positives of water work and just grin and bear the cold, the inconvenience to other swimmers, and the yucky, rubbish showers? OR, do I find an alternative way to work out - gym ball, gym equipment, something else?? Whatever it is, it needs to be a full-body strength training programme for use with no muscles, lol.
Hi Lucy!
ReplyDeleteI've just read your message on the OU forum and came to find you here. What a great blog, I've found it fascinating reading. One thing that caught my eye is your mention of impingement syndrome (under Bicep Tendonitis). I suffer from impingement in my right shoulder so I'm very interested to find out if you've discovered any ways of getting over the problem. It's a tenacious thing, I've been saddled with it for over two years and it's really a niusance now that I'm training as a wellness coach.
Your piece about losing mitochondria is also very interesting. I know we gain mitochondria with regular exercise, but didn't know that the reverse is also true.
I hope you're doing well with your fitness programme? Very best wishes!
Hi Bee
ReplyDeleteThanks for your message. Yes, shoulder impingement is a real pain (literally!). Have you gone down the NHS physio route? My original symptoms were essentially caused by my left pecs muscles engaging when they shouldn't, pulling the humerous forward and causing impingement down the bicep. Of course, this was all aided by the fact that all other muscles surrounding my shoulder joint were weak etc. The treatment has revolved around strengthening the scapula stabilisers and rotator cuff, and then training the pecs to relax when necessary. Theoretically, this should work well, however, due to the other weaknesses within my shoulder I've developed other impingements which I'm now seeing a specialist about.
Sorry, I can't be more helpful.
All the best :-)