The workout, redux

Posted on August 24, 2007
Filed Under All, Photos, My Brain |

Heidi Engel at UCSF Osher CenterUCSF Osher Center Physical Trainer Heidi Engel has been advising me on a rehab workout for just over a month now.

Unlike most PTs, who deal with orthopedic and other issues, Heidi focuses on people with stroke and tumor damage to their neuronal pathways. The program she has given me is already producing results.

Every time I have an appointment with Heidi, and she sees progress - in the form of newly strengthened muscles - she then ups the ante and adds new exercises that build on the new strength. After 2 days with the latest program, I’m taking Alleve to ease the aching muscles. But it’s definitely good for me… next up, aerobics on a stationary bike…

Comments

4 Responses to “The workout, redux”

  1. www.gulker.com » Blog Archive » Cassie and I kick off the ‘new life’ with a walk on September 1st, 2007 12:06 pm

    […] Cassie and I went on our first walk in months this morning. I”m still a bit wobbly, and this was a short walk, to be sure. But my strength workouts are improving my ability to do lots of things (like standing up from a chair) so we thought we’d at least try. A day 1 success… a small but welcome ritual returns… […]

  2. www.gulker.com » Blog Archive » First day of the rest of my life on September 4th, 2007 8:58 pm

    […] We decided we’ll continue to get up at 6:00 AM, with Linda. She’ll dress and head out on her jog, while I’ll do my strength training followed by an aerobic workout on a stationary bike. Then shower and breakfast, putting us at our desk by 8:00 AM. […]

  3. www.gulker.com » Blog Archive » Walking Cassie brings an interesting photo op on September 18th, 2007 9:03 am

    […] We wouldn’t be on this journey were it not for the strength training program created by my physical therapist at UCSF’s Osher Center: I’m beginning too be able to do lots of small things - get out of a chair, put on socks and shoes - that were previously very difficult thanks to improved strength and coordination. This after 2 months… I’m told it may take 10 months to get back to something like normal mobility, especially if I can ramp down the steroid dosage… […]

  4. A half-mile with Linda : www.gulker.com on June 29th, 2008 11:25 am

    […] Sweet spouse Linda was kind enough to walk with me this morning, despite my very slow pace. Trainer Heidi Engel has been encouraging me to walk longer distances without my cane, and this was my longest jaunt - a half mile. […]

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