The Gauntlet Has Been Thrown Down!

So yesterday at physical therapy, the therapy gals had enough. They had tried to gradually get me to bend my knee on its own past a particular point, but I hadn't quite shown what they wanted to see.

Thus, the stage was set for a frightening experience (well, more for the next PT patient that happened to walk in during the process...haha!). So, while sitting up and leaning against the wall, surgical knee bent, Catherine held and pushed above the ankle area. Eventually Amy also came over to hold and bend my knee as well.

It was not very...comfortable at all. I can say that it was pretty close to crossing some type of pain threshold, either physically or psychologically, because the first couple of times we tried to cross my "bend" point, my body tried compensating by getting up. Not cool. So, as best as they could, we set up a very uncomfortable point of bending/stretching and held it for 30 seconds for 3 sets. I don't think I looked well at all during this process. In fact, I think I forgot to breathe out a number of times. I think when I try to break a new bend point, my body reacts adversely. It may be more of a psychological thing rather than a physical thing, since for all intents and purposes, the ACL is reconnected, and my patellar tendon is still intact. I definitely do feel my heart rate increase. The patient that happened to walk in on this, was a bit worried after seeing my display of facial contortions.

Anyway, Catherine and Amy pretty much gave notice that unless bending improves, Jordan is also going to get in on the action to do the "human seatbelt" action of holding me down, while they push for the bend. I do not want to get to this point. So I promised to ratchet up the flexionator-use this weekend, so that things aren't so crazy on Monday. (Last night I had it at under 9"...maybe 8.75" with my foot in the flat position.)

I know a number of people that have said that they've had sub-par physical therapy experiences where the therapists have just set them up for exercises, and just let them go off on their own. That has not been my experience at all, as the ladies have certainly ratcheted things up when they've had worries. I'm definitely going to have to get them something nice when all of this is over. For now, I might bring in some muffins from this place that just opened in the Loop: http://www.sugarblisscakes.com/.