Yesterday evening, I went swimming. Exactly 7 weeks after TRHR. I had checked with physio at my 6 week assessment and was told that swimming is one of the best things that I can do. Including breaststroke. So, that is what I did, I was rather nervous, and found myself swimming like a one-legged frog...the right leg I kind of just let it paddle about for a bit, then tried some Very small kicking leg movements with it. I also did some walking from one side of the pool to the other, in the shallow end haha! some gentle lunges and side stepping. All in all, I was very happy with the 40 minutes I spent in the pool. Today, I was pleasantly suprised to find that I didn't ache any more than I usually do, and am going swimming again tomorrow evening.
I must admit, I wasn't sure about breaststroke, but, my physio explained that because the joint is a ball and socket, rotating around is what it is designed for and is meant to do, just to start of very very slowly and work up from there. I'm not a strong swimmer, and in fact I don't even really like swimming, but, it was deeply satisfying to be able to get out and do some form of exercise that didn't involve the use of a crutch, or a stick, or having to be careful where I walk. A sense of freedom, almost, is what I'm trying to say. The most difficult part, for me, was trying to peel off a wet swimsuit!
I can't wait for tomorrow.