PT in Jackson Hole

         The competition is fierce….

in physical therapy.

         At present, most of the injuries and rehabilitation programs at the clinic seem to focus around knees, so, due to the fact that we’re all dealing with the same body part, a particular and underlying contest is pervasive.

         “ACL? So, how long ago was your surgery?” “Boy, he’s still in a splint…..”

         “Who did your repair?” “My doctor was better….”

         “She did 20 of those kicks without poles for support?” “Will I ever get there?”

         We don’t actively converse; us ‘kneedy’ people, but instead offer the occasional acknowledgement of the game to our fallen peers with a ‘thumbs up’ or a few words. We act like we’re really only concerned about our own progression, but the constant observing and comparing, although subtle, is absolutely present. I overheard a guy commenting on my ability to balance yesterday….which empowered me to foolishly hold my position long after I’d reached fatigue. Ouch. And today, I witnessed someone doing things I never even did pre-surgery. “Man, she’s doing slides like there’s no tomorrow.” I thought. “Why is she even here? She seems fine to me. Her knee is not even swollen!….Show off….” And more importantly, “How come I’m not doing slides yet…?” And then there’s always the guy who is behind in his program and even though you feel sorry for him, you’re grateful it’s not you….and frightened that it could be.....and secretly hope that his injury was way worse than yours which is why his progress is so slow.

         And when the new patient comes in with that “I can’t believe I’ve done this. This bites” look on his face, us veterans have to say things like “It’ll get better. You’ll be fine” and then throw in the “Just look at me….I’ve only been in here for 3 weeks!” All said more for our own pat on the back and motivation than as support. Pathetic. But then what else are we supposed to be excited about?

         The doc warned me about not attacking PT like it was something to conquer.

         “Take it easy at physical therapy and work at your own speed. This is rehabilitation, not training.” he said firmly. “It’s not a competition to see who can recover the fastest. There is no prize for healing ahead of schedule.” 

        Right….as if he’s ever been to PT…. Or did he forget where we live? Did he forget that the majority of people who dwell here are outdoor enthusiasts, sports fanatics, endorphin addicts and adrenaline junkies? Did he forget that a few months of limitations is agony for us? That what’s painful is not the surgery but being forced to stay inside? That ski reports make up newspaper headlines here, and that not being able to run with your dog is absolute cruelty….to us? Does he not know that in Jackson Hole, the motto of the Olympics is that by which we live our lives….?  Citius, Altius, Fortius!  Swifter, Higher, Stronger!

         And speaking of the Olympics, all of us with restrictions due to injuries right now are doubly hurting. We hear and see these great athletes accomplishing amazing feats, and we can’t even do anything with the inspiration that overtakes us.

         Boy, that gold medal skier sure inspired me to go out and turn a few…but then… guess I’ll just have another beer, and watch another episode of ‘The Biggest Loser’….because then I’ll know things could be worse…. Or I could watch FOX and maybe catch a glimpse of Sarah Palin saying something asinine. Hey, it could always be worse. Talk about handicaps.

         Alas, we rehab rivals struggle through our limitations and seemingly need medication not for the pain (pshaw!), but rather for anxiety and depression. We try to fulfill our senseless need for physical accomplishment, by creating pathetic goals within our own pathetic rehabilitation community.

         “Wahoo! I biked for 18 minutes today instead of the usual 15!” Gee Whiz.

         And I noticed that I am not the only one trying to maximize on my exercises either. I saw a girl adding arm movements to complement her leg lifts, and so I must admit, I had to increase the tension on the bike at least a few times.  She smiled and made her movements bigger.  In any case, there’s no point in doing something if you’re not getting the most you can out of it, and frankly, if I’m not breaking a sweat or feeling something being a little strained, what’s the point? I’m sure my opponent was sweating.  I will not accept defeat!  In fact, when my therapist told me I was done after only an hour today, I was frankly a little hurt and disappointed.

         “Already? But I can do more! But I’m just getting going. But I’m hardly sore….”

         He dismissed me with a wave of his hand but told me I could skip the icing this time.

         Ahh.  Progress.  Score one for me.