I'm a Believer

Yesterday Shilo started physical therapy on her leg.  You know, the one with the rope burn.  Since this was our first time EVER with such things, I didn't know what to tell Shilo to expect.  I told her it might involve pain.  And possibly tears.  (I know, way to be upbeat and positive.)

They did all kinds of interesting things.  Yes, Shilo confirmed, some of it was painful.  She wanted to cry, but held it in.  But let me tell you,  it was extremely effective.

We went back today for some new therapies, and some of the same.

I am amazed that, after only one day of therapy, her leg was this straight.  You can kind of see the lumps in the upper calf muscles... they are rock hard.  The PT said it was most likely calcification of blood... muscle... tissue... something like that.

She started on a stationary bike, then had a nice calf massage.  (At least it looked like a nice calf massage.  Shilo said it was somewhat painful.)  After some other exercises, Shi got slimed.

In preparation for ultrasound therapy.

Followed by shock treatment (at least that's what I like to call it).

They didn't have a big selection of reading materials, so Shi settled for the Good Housekeeping with an article on Rachael Ray.  I just sat and listened to the bad 80's music playing on the radio somewhere.  Songs like 867-5309 and C'mon Eileen.  It makes me tense.  You would think they would have soothing, relaxing, spa-like music drifting through a quality sound system to put their patients at ease.  (Although that kind of music probably makes other people tense.)  

Just not 80's.  From a cheap radio.  Intermixed with long segments of talking by uninteresting hosts.  Shi said she's bringing her i-pod tomorrow.  I think I'll bring one too.

So, the results speak for themselves.  Shilo said her swimming this morning at practice was much improved.  Her leg had more mobility.  Flip turns were easier.  Her coach had initially moved her down to a slower lane for practice, but then moved her right back into the fast lane.

She's also happy that the therapist recommended she not do the 5 mile hike at girls camp next week.  No tears there.  She's practically giddy at the fact that she can sit at camp and relax, while the rest of the girls are out traipsing around in the dirt and heat.

I am looking forward to saying good-bye to the gimp.  Physical Therapy seems to be doing the trick.