Bend and stretch.....

Exercise has never been a favorite of dads, now he is wishing he could.. If nothing else than to just MOVE.... Laying in bed for days has literally been a pain in the a**..... Sitting in the wheelchair has not been much of a relief, after a hour or so the pain sets in and laying in the bed feels like the more appealing option. We have tried various forms of stretching, but nothing seems to get to the root of the problem.... Due to dad's limited ability to move much with his left side, he finds himself twisted up trying to shift his body in an attempt to find a comfortable position... We can help him shift himself back if we are there, but if he is alone he finds himself stuck in awkward positions...

Today one of his therapists taught him some stretching techniques he could do while sitting in the wheelchair to help him, hoping to alleviate some of the tight muscles in his back.... Bending over to touch his toes, stretching his back in the process.. Again helped in the short term, but doesn't last very long.... Unless done on a consistent basis, ah exercise!! 

He is also up to two sessions a day with the occupational therapist, partially because his stamina has significantly increased and partially because they are concerned with this left arm... The nerves and muscles are "coming alive" but he is still unable to move on his own and the muscles have become very stiff.... We are helping him by stretching his arm and hand daily, trying to soften and loosen the muscles... But the pain of the tight tendons and muscles in his hand limits how long we can work our magic.. To this end one of the occupational therapists has created a solid "glove" of sorts that he will wear for 15 minutes at a time several times a day, to straighten his fingers and stretch the tendons and muscles... The plan is after a few days she will have him leaning on the left hand while wearing said glove to further the stretch and hopefully alleviate the pain and stimulate the muscles.... Just another form of torture I am sure......