159: Reader Mailbag 18

My last post explored my experiences with injury and rehab and recovery.

At the end, I asked :

I’ve learned that slow and steady wins the race.

The “world narrows before it expands” line is great.

The question I still have is whether it will ever expand back to the aperture I most want or if the aperture simply changes.

Finding a lot of similarities between this and postpartum life after an unexpected c-section! Especially considering the cognitive / emotional aspects when the injury or procedure is so physical.

For me, there’s an unexpected opportunity to stop, to reflect, to recalibrate - not only in body, but also in mind and in spirit. A chance to further understand what walking one’s path is all about, and to renew hope and pleasure in the endeavor.

Sometimes the trauma, injury, and uncertainty of future is so severe and relentless that recovery and healing take a back seat to survival.

Most often it's the heart that needs to heal.

Being helped can be hard. No one knows better than the injured and the old the chasm between needing help and wanting help. 

The saving grace? Love. 

We are fortunate to have spouses, family and friends who love us and who we love more. Who we know will come to our aid at the drop of a hat. The only obstacle that often stands in the way is our foolhardy notion of pride and self-reliance. 

From coaching others and my own injuries, I've learned the following:

1. Comparison is NOT the thief of joy; the word "should" is. While comparison can yield positive feelings when you're looking downward, "should" implies a deficit. Old PRs, what your peers are doing, what you would be doing if you weren't injured have little bearing on reality; especially as we get older or manage injuries.

2. There's a major tendency to let an injury keep us from doing anything when it might only be truly preventing us from doing some things. Got a shoulder injury? Squat. Hammie injury? Strict press. Doing our best to flow around obstacles like an unabated stream is a huge mental challenge but the only way we get through recovery (and life???).

3. Celebrate every step forward.

I've learned that recovery comes in waves.

That lack of total complete recovery can have positive elements too... reminding you that life is fragile and to be gentle with it.

I learned the sooner and more vigorously I did PT, the faster movement came back into my frozen shoulder.

The first one (right) took over 2 years to heal 95%, the second is now back to 95% in less than a year with 4-months 3x/week front loaded.

Those bruises were no joke, but yeah. 

Trust the process.

Doctors, therapists etc. are the experts, you are not. Your injury may feel special to you, but 99.9% of the time they have seen it before and know how to get you right.

Stick to the plan, even if it’s frustrating and feels like it’s stripping you of agency in your own recovery, know that it’s the straightest line to getting back.

The thing I keep asking myself is what's my new normal?

I knew I wasn't going back to my old normal, but had no idea what that meant. During my initial recovery, I kept wanting milestones, kept asking 'when can I expect this or that progress?'

At first, I thought 'I'll be recovered when I can do triangle pose'. Ha!

I'll be recovered when I can accept imperfection.

That's a much longer journey.

The original post :

158: Injury and Recovery

Reflections on injury and rehabilitation.

The Fire JarJeremy Finch

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