A Path to injury recovery- My journey

[Gail Cribbs]

Several months ago I was injured during Martial Arts.  Once I got over the initial pain of injury I determined I was at a cross road.

Have surgery and rehab with the possibility of returning back to a high level of physical activity including martial arts or do not have surgery and live a life of limited physical activity which basically meant walking only.

Thinking back to life before martial arts- I could return to a life where I felt lethargic and just not well and walking through life a day at a time; or return to a life where I was energetic, enthusiastic and had a zest for life.   I chose the latter. This meant surgery, a period of inactivity and then serious rehabilitation.

Many people asked me after inquiring how I injured myself, “Are you going back?” This I also thought long and hard about- why Martial Arts, why not something else?  What are the alternatives? Weight Lifting, Treadmill (which meant gym, crowded machines and all that goes with that)? This lead me to think about why I joined Martial Arts: To improve concentration, and focus (there is a mental side to martial arts, an inner strength that you work on), along with the physical side, you get a great workout, but advance at your own pace as your skills allow, and you get to do this with great people who all support one another in a collaborative way.   Working hard toward a new goal – e.g. New belt!

The rehabilitation process I discovered is a journey, much like the journey towards a black belt.

I looked at this journey as being my opportunity to focus on the mental aspects of Martial Arts.

Thankfully post-surgery I had the support of family and friends, letting me know it was ok to feel the pain and it would get better. 

Then my support network grew to include my physical therapist- this started within days of surgery. Armed with a set of exercises to do between physical therapy appointments I was determined to start the journey.

What worked for me:

• Trust your providers, Doctors, Physical Therapists- They see this all the time and will tell you what to expect and where you should be.
• Track your progress- I kept a daily journal of my exercises, and how often I did them,
• Set Goals for yourself- and reward yourself for achieving them (much like a new belt)
• Be honest with yourself and your providers- let them know how and what you are doing, they will let you know if you are on the right track, and more importantly when you can step up your level of activity,
• Negotiate with your providers- As you show progress- don’t be afraid to negotiate new activities with your providers- I was able to negotiate the ability to punch , which gave me a higher level of physical activity,
• Be patient, you have to give yourself the time, you will have good days and bad days, allow yourself to have the bad days knowing it is your bodies way of telling you to rest,
• Listen to your body, every one handles and heals from injuries differently, your body will tell you when you are ready for more or when you are pushing things too much,

I am happy to say that I am days away from being able to kick using my injured leg as a pivot leg, and I know that as my leg becomes stronger the jumping and sparring activities will come.

Since I have been back at Mercer Island Martial Arts even though I have been limited in my abilities while recovering, anything that I was able to do was embraced, and encouraged, using this energy to help heal.

 

 

[MeLisa Turcott Strongheart]

Such an inspiring process you have gone through.   I know how hard it is coming back from an injury.  And so do most athletes.   You have been a great example of rebuilding, with wisdom.  So often I see folks go too hard too fast, or just give up.  Bravo Gail.  and thanks for sharing, and enriching all of our training!

[Krista Wells]

this is a great post, gail!