Injured Reserve

About a week ago, I tried curling for the first time. It was fun and challenging. I love trying new things and having new experiences. If you are not familiar with curling, it takes place on the ice and uses a 40 lb stone slid across the ice. It’s sort of like shuffleboard with a target at the other end and the ability to knock your opponent’s stones out.

During my very first practice throw of the stone, I slide a bit more on the ice than expected and the stone took my arm with it for a bit. I felt an uncomfortable pull in my arm. Not one to quit - I kept going and played two games. By the next morning, I could not lift my right arm to the front or the side and I knew I had strained my anterior deltoid muscles.

My first thought was about what I was going to miss - tennis and maybe even Pilates? Could I run or would the jostling be too much? So I looked up how to treat a deltoid strain and the results were inline with what I expected. Rest for a few days and then begin incorporating movement back in. By Monday I was back in the studio and did some simple arm work with the Tower springs. While it didn’t feel great - at the same time I was finding some relief and the stretch felt better after.

For the rest of the week I continued to work my arm with the assistance of the springs on the reformer and tower. Each day my range grew a bit more and the discomfort lessened. I realized Pilates was just what I needed and how lucky I am to have access to all of this fabulous equipment.

I could have taken the week and rested more but this would not have helped lenthen my tight muscle safely. This would not have helped me improve my range. Pilates was just what my arm needed and by day six I was ready to give tennis a try again.

I am sharing this because I often think when we have an ache or injury our first inclination is to not move. While rest can be good, some healthy movement can also be very healing and needed. Movement encourages our blood to flow and our lactic acid to release. We can’t get this by staying stationary. Of course there are times when movement would be prohibited and you should always follow your doctor’s advice. If you aren’t sure - reach out and ask. We’ll give you our professional opinion. Know we want what is best for you and will not encourage you to move if we think it’s not appropriate.

We can also work around an injury - moving other parts of your body so you don’t have to sit out completely. I have worked with folks in walking boots, slings, and more. Where there is a will and a qualified instructor - we can find a way!