Hydrotherapy & Physio Update wk 5

21st April 2023

I'm in week 5 of my intensive hydrotherapy programme to build core strength to support my diaphragm and weakness on my right side following thoracic endometriosis surgery 2 years ago.

I had a breakthrough after 3 weeks where the heavy brick like feeling on the right felt lighter and the pain, intensity had shifted. I met with my physio and she added some additional physio exercises for me to do every other day to help build my strength in between hydro sessions. She was really impressed with my progress a month down the line! Yay! We have added some bridges and shoulder circles and thread the needle as well as some stretches. The pelvic curls and bridges are the hardest for me at the moment.

I have had a couple of short walks this week and will continue to try to do this, I listen to a walking meditation track or take in the surroundings as I walk. I always set my watch to time the walk. I am meant to be aiming for 6,500 steps a day (up 1000 on my average last month).

It's been great to get moving more and to build my stamina and core strength. To think that a few weeks ago I needed the aid of s wheelchair to get me around a huge space for an Easter egg hunt. I think that helped me to conserve my energy to not burn out. I felt weird doing it for the first time and it brought a really different perspective. However, it was beneficial to me to take the help to propel me forwards in my physio treatment the week afterwards.

I have recently finished the book The Way Out by Alan Gordon. The use of somatic tracking and creating safe signals for pain in the brain to break the pain, fear cycle. I learnt a lot more about my pain and the psychological messages my body is sending my mind.

I am off to another hydrotherapy session this afternoon and i'm looking forward to building up my strength further and finding ways to manage the flares and fatigue due to over work on my body or cyclical impacts.

I will keep you updated on my rehabilitation as I start a phased return back to work.

LBH x