As I prepare for the MFR immersions approaching (Sept 20-22), I'm reminded of the power of mindset in the healing process. Our bodies hear and respond affirmatively to everything we say, think and choose to feel towards them. Simply put, if we choose to say, think and feel that our bodies cannot heal, they won't heal. Conversely, in order to heal, we must feel what we deep down are avoiding but choose to seek light, see possibility and speak into existence the health and prosperity we wish to embody.
I have lived my own series of journeys with regards to the power of positive health affirmation. In 2020 I was diagnosed with a SEVERE disc bulge between L-4 and L-5. My orthopedic was quick to prescribe 3 rounds of steroids and a laminectomy (spinal surgery) if those didn't help. But, I trusted the power of positive thoughts, seeing and believing in my mind the outcome I desired, and I pressed on for alternative opinions and solutions. Im proud to say I never needed injections or surgery, and I'm stronger now than I was 5, 10, even 15 years ago. But, this road to strength and balance has been anything but easy.
On the road to health, it's important to keep three things in perspective:
1.) True healing takes time, patience and an acceptance of non-linear progression. And, it could take as long as you've been in pain to heal.
Nothing about dealing with a disc protrusion is fun. My symptoms started out mild: a little back pain (pretty normal for me most of my young adult life), a little numbness down one leg. They progressed to tailbone pain, pelvic floor swelling and incontinence challenges and severe leg weakness that got worse throughout the day. It took 7 months, 2 physical therapists, 2 chiropractors, and finally me begging an Orthopedic for an MRI after 2 rounds of inconclusive X-rays to find a diagnosis that could inform a healthcare plan.
From the moment I knew what I was dealing with, the best advice I got was from a retired physical therapist. "Rest, Alex. You need rest" she said. And rest is largely what my rehab plan involved at first. I spent hours on my massage table, working on my laptop while lying on my stomach to decompress my spine.
It took a total of 6 months to get back to work full time, 1 year to be completely out of pain every time I sneezed or coughed. And some days were better than others.
2.) Multiple perspectives can be super helpful.
Healthcare professionals, despite our nerdy tendencies and love for anatomy, don't know it all. If you're in a room with one who does, run. The best of us will toss any tidbit of info your way because many of us understand the healing journey intimately. However, we're human and unfortunately limited by the experiences we're able to have. So, take what we offer that resonates and leave the rest. We'll do our best for you regardless.
3.) Belief in what is and what can be will heavily inform the outcome.
We know you can get better. We see miracles happen everyday. Sometimes we even surprise ourselves. Those are really good days. But, we can't be the only ones in the room that believe the outcome.
While I laid on my my massage table, I knew just the act of lying there wasn't enough. Periodically, in between my work and personal tasks, I would pause and visualize my lumbar vertebrae expanding and allowing the disc protrusion to sink back into place as I initiated a deeper, gentle stretch. And if emotions surfaced, I felt them and allowed them to help me shift what might be impacting my progress. I had to believe that I could get better. And I did.
If you're considering myofascial release treatment, an mfr immersion opportunity to enhance your quality of life, or frankly any other healing experience, I encourage you to ask yourself how you align with the aforementioned suggestions. Your thoughts on these principles could impact your healing experience.
So, allow your inner child, full of wonder and imagination to enter the room. He/she is the biggest key to your healing success.
Cheers to life at Peak Performance,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Fascial Facilitator
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