Hello Again PMR

Today is Wednesday, September 6, 2023 and I had my third session at PMR for my scoliosis. My second session was two days ago on Monday. So far it’s been going well…I just didn’t realize how much work and effort is required on my part! I don’t know why I was under the assumption that the therapist would be working on my back through certain manipulative moves and techniques to help correct my posture. It turns out that a lot of the moves require me holding specific positions while breathing for a certain amount of time. As I mentioned previously we’re using the Schroth method which combines breathing, strength training, and posture awareness. My therapist has been training me to tighten certain muscles and breathe in a specific pattern. There are moments where the breathing becomes a bit overwhelming so we stop to take breaks. According to my therapist I will need three more sessions with her and then I’ll be able to do the home program on my own moving forward. It will take months before I notice a significant difference in my back but I’m glad I’ve finally started working on it. Better late than never!

I’ve been trying my best to complete my exercises daily this week. I’m trying to mix things up so I don’t get bored of the same routine everyday…Today was treadmill day with ankle and wrist weights on, yesterday was pool day, the day before was lower body and upper body strengthening…I’d love to try yoga soon and see if my body can handle a light session. Mind you once I’m done with my workout I’m usually drained and on the couch for the rest of the day but as long as I’m getting up and moving for a bit then I’m happy with that.

I had my weekly Zoom therapy session yesterday…It’s been a little over three months since I started these sessions and I have to admit that I’ve come a long way emotionally and mentally. I still remember my first session which was during my hospital stay in May…I could barely finish a sentence without choking up and crying. I guess you could say I’ve come a long way on the physical side as well…I wasn’t able to raise my arms to brush my hair and now I can carry 1.5 kg to do triceps extensions behind my head. ألف الحمد لله. As grateful as I am for how far I’ve come, I can’t deny that there are still moments of weakness, physical and emotional, that pop up from time to time. This journey hasn’t been an easy one and I know I have a long road ahead of me, but I’m super thankful for how far I’ve come.

اللهم إني أسألك باسمك الأعظم أن تُزيل من قلبي كل خوف وقلق يسكنني، وأنزل على قلبي السكينة والهدوء برحمتك يا أرحم الراحمين.