Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Sort of side-lined

About three months ago I was holding hand pads while sensei pounded into them. As he threw his right cross into the right pad I lost focus for a split second, the second where he connected and my arm flew behind me. Of course there was pain and I had to stop and hold onto my arm, but then continued on. That's always the case, hmm? You get hurt but then figure it's not that bad and keep going. Well, now that shoulder is not doing well at all and I requested physical therapy. I went today (he's also a good friend of mine and dojo mate) and while I can still do karate I cannot do many of the blocks and strikes. Anything that goes above my head or too far into abduction is not on the menu for the next four weeks. At least I can still train! I'm also forbidden to do push-ups and heavy bag training (at least with my arms. I can still kick!), which makes me sad since that's been my weight training recently. But, if it means my shoulder will get better and that I won't have to get a cortisone shot then I'm more than happy to make those small sacrifices. Train smart. As for the handstand push-ups, I got halfway down and back up, but now I have to stop those as well. The reality is I need my shoulder to heal so that I can continue doing karate the way I want to. That's the important piece. The lessons aren't only in how you train, but how well you keep your body going, too. Injuries are a pain but they can teach you to slow down and pay more attention. The world will not end if I can't keep up the level of training I want to for the next four weeks. It just means I now have the opportunity to work on those pieces that need polishing. No biggie.

8 comments:

Mathieu said...

Injuries.

They happen.

It gives more time for movies! :D

heal well.

somaserious said...

Thanks, Mat! I WISH I had time for movies;) Just you wait until you're little girl is over 2 years old...let me know then if you still have time for movies!

Steve said...

And what is that saying about growing older?! My recovery times are getting longer and longer!

Michele said...

I am sorry to hear about your shoulder. Did you dislocate it?
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

somaserious said...

No, shoulder was not dislocated. I injured a rotator cuff muscle and then kept doing push-ups and punching hard, etc, which has resulted in a chronic strain/impingement scenario. It's getting better now that I've decreased my arm movements. Thanks!

Steve said...

It's funny how it only hurts a little when you're nice and warmed up, lots of blood flowing to the muscles. It sounds like you've got a terrific attitude about the entire situation.

Steve said...

It's funny how it only hurts a little when you're nice and warmed up, lots of blood flowing to the muscles. It sounds like you've got a terrific attitude about the entire situation.

somaserious said...

Steve, that's so true. There's also this tiny bit of denial as well that there is nothing wrong, it just hurts a little. Ha! I'm keeping a good attitude because there's nothing else I can do about it except let myself heal. Why get frustrated? At least I can still train...