Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Active Runner

This was written on my prescription to the physical therapist. The owner and PT is Jeff. I get a kick out of the description "active runner". That's me, pretty cool.

I had my first appointment with the PT on Monday. I was there for nearly three hours. Right off the bat he told me that if I'd ever had PT before that this was going to be completely different. I really liked my old PT that I saw last year after the stress fracture. But it didn't take long to figure out that he was right this place was different. That fact that Jeff is a runner made a huge difference. He knew what my shoes were at the first glance and had an obvious opinion about them. He also wants to see my orthotics (I hadn't thought to bring them). I went through a whole new regimen of stretches and strengthening exercises.

Some things are the same as before. I need to work on developing some better flexion in my ankle, I need to strengthen my gluteus behindus and I really, really, really need to stretch out my hip flexors. I got heat. I got ultrasound. I got ice and e-stem. I got it all!

I go back on Friday. Jeff will evaluate my orthotics. They've already checked my insurance and I can get another pair if needed. He will also likely make a shoe recommendation. He wanted to know if I was in love with my Brooks. I've worn Brooks Trance or Adrenaline pretty much exclusively since the beginning. I love my Brooks, but if it means running pain free then I'm open to try whatever he suggests. I just hope it won't be Nike. (I've got a thing against super giants like Nike.)

I'm allowed to run as long as the pain is no more than a 2. He described a pinch as a 2, a headache as a 5. So it looks like I will continue to run as planned for the week. Although no hills and no cement allowed.

I had planned on heading to the gym after the PT for an hour on the bike and some upper body work. Jeff suggested 20 minutes each on the bike, elliptical and stairmaster. So being the good patient that I am I did just that. I've never used the stairmaster before. He said it would help with the glute strengthening I need. If it works so be it.

Tonight I went back to the gym for another round of bike, elliptical and stairmaster followed by shoulder and bicep work. I followed that up with nearly and hour worth of prescribed stretching routine. So far so good.

I'm doing what I can to live up to my prescription description - Active Runner!

12 comments:

FLYERS26 said...

Best of luck. Seems like you hit a home run with getting this PT.

Backofpack said...

Wow, you can almost read that prescription! The new PT sounds like just the guy for you. Cool!

Wes said...

Sounds like Jeff will whip you into shape in no time! You be a good patient (sounds like you are off on a good foot :-)

I hear you about Nike, but really, the most important thing is to find the best shoe for you. I've only bought the same pair of shoes twice!! LOL... I can't wait to try Asics and Nike :-)

Wes said...

I read this today and thought about you!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like the PT is perfect....I have an appoint with an Orthopedist tomorrow...hope my PT is knows how to deal with runners.

Anonymous said...

If it is your IT band, and it sounds like it might be, I have a feeling you'll eventually hit on something that works and you'll be off and running and your entire body will be stronger than ever.

And, just for the record, I'll never give up my Asics.

Lindsay said...

hope the pt helps as much as it sounds like it will! glad you found some good docs to take care of you and not those dumb kinds that just want to say running is bad. ;)

Dori said...

Wow, I want to see that guy! He sounds like he'll do great things for you. Good luck.

Dori said...

I found this on someone else's blog, and thought you might find it useful. I haven't quite figured it out; if you do, maybe you can 'splain it to me.
http://www.getbodysmart.com/ap/muscularsystem/abdominalmuscles/externaloblique/tutorial.html

Donald said...

Good luck with the PT, Darrell! He sounds like a good one.

Anonymous said...

Gluteus behindus - ha! I like that term. :) Good luck with the PT. I've got my fingers crossed for you, you active runner, you! :)

David said...

Sounds like you're in good hands. I can understand the shoe affection but inevitably it's about wearing the right one, no matter the brand, color or model name.