On Monday, I was off for Columbus Day. It is the only holiday of they year that I have off from work, but Lydia does not have off from school. So it has become a day to pamper myself a bit!
I slept in since Lydia was actually at a Congress event in Bismarck. I ate a good breakfast, exercised, and went to the chiropractor. After that, I went home to work on some continuing education before going to get a massage. In the afternoon, I went to a friend’s house to help her move some items ahead of a major house renovation. We saved the heavy furniture for others to do!
About six weeks ago at church, I had asked for prayer for my hip. At the time, the chiropractor gave me some exercises for my hip flexors, muscles deep inside the area. But, they didn’t make much of a difference and I gave her the update on Monday. The pain is more on the outside of my hip and thigh.
With the new insights, my chiropractor explained my IT band and TFL are likely irritated and inflamed. This area has caused hip pain on and off since I was a teenager playing soccer. In college, I would run and have pain for a few days, as well. Over the years, I suppose I have just gotten used to it! Perhaps it is related to general tightness, but now that other areas are resolving, I am realizing that my hip is also due to be healed.
Yes, praise God, I have learned a lot about myself in the last three years: Just by changing to minimalist shoes, my body is moving better. I’ve had many physical improvements as a result. I am not willing to stay in pain if I can help it! Noticing more about my body gave me hope and a surge of bravery leading me through my MARPE journey.
Anyway, my chiropractor gave me a few exercises and tips to decrease the pain and inflammation. She encouraged heat, stretching, and continuing to work with the various tools I have. It felt really good to have a strategy, confirmation of all I have been doing. I explained this to my massage therapist who was also able to work on that left hip area and release some of the fascia. It is still sore but I hope to keep making progress with heat, fascia work, and gentle massage on my own. My massage therapist also encouraged me to do some more self-care techniques at home. I felt so supported by both ladies!
As it was, during my massage, I thought about my mom who would be celebrating her 70th birthday tomorrow. She had such horrible pain over the years, even though she pushed through it with grit and sheer determination. Mom was always learning, trying new things, and doing her best. I know she is cheering me on.
My motivation is to deal with these issues head-on because I want to prevent them from getting worse, leading to a poor outcome some day. This body is the only one I have, a temple of God, and I want to take care of it the best I can. Then, I can serve others more joyfully!
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God, thanks for Your rest, peace, grace, and healing. Help me take good care of myself and my body so I can continue serving others joyfully. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: Do you ever go to the chiropractor for an adjustment or get a massage? What is your favorite way to pamper yourself?
Task: Take a few minutes to assess your physical body. Notice any aches or pains and how they may be hindering you from living a full life. Then, see what you can do about it. You personally working on your body is even better than a rehab specialist doing it for you!
