Counting - 30 seconds, 20 seconds or even 5 seconds; 1 - 5, 10 or even 20 - all the different values that are said or thought during the different stretching exercises. There are stretches for laying down, sitting and standing and with that different value of how many, how long to hold and how many times per session.This is just the beginning to the physical therapy world. Stretches help our muscles so we have the correct posture and ability to do the normal activities like walking and exercises. Even when I have therapy three days a week I still must do stretches and exercises to help maintain and improve how my muscles react. One of the issues I have are some really tight muscles. The stretches help relieve the tension which helps movement have an easier time. If you are not into exercising or at least walking, having a stroke or any illness, fall, break, ok anything can have a shock factor. Before my stroke I did not do any exercise continuous and now, ugh, I have a hard time even with my left side that did not have any issues due to my stroke. Now I wish I had went to gym, exercised, walked, whatever but I'll get there!
Today was day 4 of PT (Physical Therapy) and day 2 of OT (Occupational Therapy). Lots of walking, NuStep machine walking, and working with parallel bars with different objects for balance, hand exercises from weight-bearing (putting pressure, force on my affected hand and arm) to the smaller finger pickup exercises. I'm in a new place but similar types of equipment and exercises but there is a difference. I'm now at a point where I want to work out. I want those exercises and get this body working. I want to get better so I can help others in person and not just online but to include both areas. Now more than ever I want the light of Jesus to shine and do not want to waste any opportunity that comes my way to share the hope, joy and peace that comes with being a child of God. My heart breaks when I see, hear or read that others are going through illness especially those with Stroke illnesses and disabilities. I thank the Lord for allowing me a second chance here at learning His Word but also to have my eyes open to the people around me that He loves. Jesus never said His way is easy. No matter what happens, may it all be to His glory and honor.
"Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones,
Give unto the Lord glory and strength.
Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name;
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."
Psalm 29:1-2
"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan."
Luke 17:15-16
Have a great week!