Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Are You Limping? No, This is Just How I Walk

A few weeks ago I was cajoled into seeing a doctor for my back, which has caused me discomfort for many years now.  My doctor referred me to a physical therapist (who, for the record, does not find it amusing when you sing "Let's get physical" throughout your session).  She informed me that my hips were out of alignment.  I don't know how this happend.  Perhaps it was during one of my hard landings as a paratrooper in the Army.  Maybe it was while playing football and getting slammed into the ground on a tough tackle.  Possibly it was the result of hopping on my left foot too much during hopscotch.  Be sure and alternate your feet to even it out.

Whatever the case, 5 resistance stretches later, and I feel like a new man.  For the first time in as long as I can remember it doesn't feel like a tiny hand is pinching my muscles on my left hip flexor from the inside.  I now walk normally again, instead of with a limping gait.  I don't know how many times I have been asked if I hurt my leg, because it looked like I was limping.  Now I know why I walked so funny.  I just thought it was because I was weird, which I use to explain my other abnormalities, such as my propensity to collect and recite random useless facts, and how I sometimes leave the ends of my frenchfries uneaten.  Why didn't I see a physical therapist a long time ago?  I can't believe how good I feel.

It's strange how you can live with discomfort for so long that it becomes the new normal.  Until you experience normal again, you don't realize how uncomfortable the compromise you have accepted is.  What other abnormalities have I come to accept in my life?  I don't know, but it felt good to drive home without my back twisting slightly the whole way.  I'm looking forward to my next climb to see if it is any easier or at least less painful.  Could running be enjoyable again?  I don't know, but laying on my side is enjoyable again, at least.  Thanks, Paula.  You have improved my remaining days considerably.  I'm swearing off hopscotch for life.