ENTRY EIGHT: January 25, 2014

Nothing entirely too eventful happened in week 5 except for continued improvements in my range of motion centimeter by centimeter. I’ve seen some great progress lifting my arm overhead and to the sides both on it’s own and assisted with a golf club, PV pipe or using the wall, however, there’s still a lot of work to go. I’ve basically been going to work, hitting up therapy or going into my room to do all the exercises I need to do. Weekends have basically been the same thing, living in my bedroom, working on Men’s Fitness and HUMANFITPROJECT material, then doing my exercises.

This week the shoulder has been a bit more sore than usual, me and the therapist both agree it’s most likely from being aggressive with the exercises and the ridiculously abnormal cold temperatures don’t help much. I was also scheduled for my 2nd post-op checkup with the surgeon, however, a snowstorm cancelled that. I’ll have an update on that in week 6.

But, I did find out two additional pieces of good news. The first is that this approaching week (6) I’ll be transitioning again out of phase two which was the active assisted range of motion work and will begin very light strengthening. I’ll always continue to work on my range of motion, however, now we’re can start focusing on getting me stronger. The other news is that a new US-based equipment company, HAVYK is going to be sending me several of the their products once I can get even more aggressive in the strength building process. The first product I’ll be receiving is the HAVYKsliders, they basically look like small “dolly’s” for your hands. Under normal circumstances I would use these for advanced versions of pushups and planks for upper body and core strength, but for me, initially I’m going to use these to stretch forward and perform a variety of lightly range of motion movements. MMA legend Bas Rutten even used them to rehab his shoulder. The next will be the HAVYKbar, but I’ll dive into that as I’m further along down the line.

All in all, another positive week, strength training is in sights, range of motion continues to improve, and support is on it’s way.