I like this quote because it focuses on approaching your body with "curiosity rather than fear" (gathering information as Trena Edwards always says). How often after an injury, accident, flare-up, etc. are we afraid to move?
It's understandable. Especially because we know the consequences of doing this. We've just survived another flare-up. We just want to tiptoe around our body until it slowly moves back into a state of semi-stasis where we can't be hurt.
But, unfortunately, that is no way to live. Or function.
I hate to say this, but we will have flare-ups. We will have relapses. And no one wants those. But it is more important how we handle THEM. Gather the information regarding what happened, reassure our body that it is o.k. (and that we still love it), and make a plan to keep moving and trying.
This month we are including a podcast clip from the last episode of Season 2. An interview with me (exciting, right?). Season 2 has focused on the patient experience, and like a majority of all Physical Therapists, I too have been a patient. I decided to save my first-time PT experience as I entered school so I could get the patient experience at the same time (well, the car accident I was in did the timing for me, but you know).
This clip (aside from reminding me how many times I say "like", "and", or how quickly I talk!) highlights part of the lesson I had to learn. To forgive my body for the damage it endured. The mental health or mental component to injuries is often brushed aside because we are so focused on fixing or figuring out the physical portion (what movements hurt, what is on your MRI). But, if you never address what the injury did to you mentally, a part of it will always stay with you (and possibly prevent your healing).
To follow-up with this, we are including a Body Gratitude Form for you! You can either download it to your computer and fill it in, or print it out if you are old-school and want to handwrite your responses (that's how I do things, because they say there is power in writing things down!). I recommend saving it. And filling it out multiple times. Because these things will change. Especially as you keep achieving goals!!
Unwind & Unknot has become a series at Elevate! I'm so excited! The last 2 workshops sold out and have now been developed into an Unwind & Unknot series to occur every 2-3 months with the next one happening Friday, May 10. Each workshop will include a focus and meditation/exercises to go along with this theme. Hint: Session #1 in May possibly focuses on grounding (and maybe some core). Register HERE to book.
Be on the lookout for a “May the 4th Be with You” stretching class at Expressmie Pole Dance Studio (obviously I had to pick Star Wars Day!)! Additionally, there will be some Self-Care and Injury Prevention classes coming up at Elevate.
Grab the Goodies:
We only have 2 calendars left! If you are still missing a 2024 calendar, message today. Who wouldn't want to learn a monthly reminder of the lessons from Season One's podcast? :-)
We also have Emotional Support Water Bottle Stickers for $1 including our Fight For Your Healthcare sticker (an important reminder of the podcast message).
And if you're already rocking a Better Fit Therapy Tank top, or are sad you don't have one, we had to place another order for more tanks, so look for those coming soon as well.
But, to end, I'd like to reiterate the importance of the mental health component to injury recovery (a topic we might be continuing to explore in future newsletters). It is o.k. to be mad for a time. Or frustrated. But this is your body, it hears your messages.
“Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going inside ourselves.”
― Bessel A. van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Let your body hear about all of the amazing things it is going to do because you love all of it, even the parts that had to work through an injury.
Make sure to follow us on social and reach out if you have any questions! I love chatting directly with you about any concerns, questions, or ideas you might have!
