Be Me Website
Be Me Facebook Page
Be Me Blog
Be Me Herbal Products
Progress Report
It's been 3 months since I was rear ended and over one month since my last update. I've had good days and not so comfortable days. It is to be expected. Thankfully, more recently, I have had more good days with less pain. I took a little time off from work around the holidays and it was the best medicine! The resting of the mind is invaluable. I continue to eat well including lots of greens, vegetables, fruits and truly believe these foods filled with vitamins and nutrients are supporting my body through the healing process.
Testing Waters
The first 6 weeks, I was too fragile even a walk may have been too intense depending on the day. I am trying a few more things over these weeks but also honoring my body and reminding myself I am still healing. I have been in the pool (heated!) on a noodle kicking my legs around for some exercise.
I got a little excitable after having a week of feeling well and picked up the intensity trying the elliptical and light weights. I did too much without proper rest in between introducing new activities so my neck let me know. The first time I tried the elliptical was for 5 minutes. A few days later, I went for 20 minutes- too much too soon. I also started using the mini trampoline for 2-4 minutes (super light movements barely jumps). I have taken short bike rides to the beach. My walks have increased in intensity and entertainment value for those driving, walking or cycling by! I skip, shuffle, and dance along with arm movements...... because it always looks like you're having more fun if you dance with your arms above your head! I am very diligent about icing my head and neck after exercising. This helps tremendously. Although the hot water feels good in the shower, if I keep my head under the hot water for too long it's too 'stimulating' on my head for a period of time and prefer not to feel it. I ice, then limit the heat on my head afterwards in the shower. Recently, I added a light jog for the first time. I actually shed a few tears of joy! I jogged very lightly for about 30 seconds - 45 seconds. I repeated it 3 more times and felt that was enough for the first time in 3 months. Of course, I iced afterwards. I didn't do any walking or upper body exercises for a few days to allow my body to recover. As a Pilates Instructor and Personal trainer, I pride myself in having body awareness and understanding when and how to take the next step. I use the pilates equipment and exercises to strengthen my core (the first 6 weeks, I had too much head and neck pain to 'exercise') and other tools and equipment to begin some light strength training once a week.
Gentle Reminders
Although there's been progress, I have 'reminders' about where my body is today. It is a fine line between pushing just enough to strengthen and test yourself but not too far and experience pain. If pain does occur, try to stay positive on how you know your body can and will be instead of a mental, emotional and physical downward spiral (easier said then done!). This past week, I felt some pressure in my head for almost 2 days. Was it something I did, change in the weather? Who knows but it was interesting that I could literally feel it was more joint pain than muscular sitting on the top of my head and also could sense where the whiplash was in the back of my head from ear to ear like drawing a line.
My Team
My physical therapist, Joe Millen from Impact Health and Performance and I are beginning to do more strengthening exercising for my head and neck, very little bit at a time and again ice afterwards to reduce any potential irritation. My massage therapist, Robin Bruce is doing a fantastic job and I know my body is responding to her work. I see my naturopathic doctor, Patrick Purdue at Purdue and Nielsen Wellness Center for extra fine tuning and acupuncture with Linda Nash Stevenson of Lifeforce Acupuncture.
Determined
Although I'm certainly no where near the activity level I was at prior to this event, I am, however, thankful that I see progress in my recovery. I plan to continue my treatment and add other modalities to compliment the healing now that I feel more stable and not as sensitive.
Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!
