So, with a dry and sunny bank holiday ahead and the children off at cub and scout camp – I had a free few days to have my own adventure.
For those of you that know me, you’ll know that I am a keen outdoor enthusiast and like my bike riding, so I decided on a bike-packing trip – which basically means, riding your bike and carrying all the equipment you need to camp out as well!
Now, this is the sort of thing I used to do without a second thought, however since January I have been having some back and leg pain and have been limited in what I can do.
I have found this difficult, as I am not the best at listening to my body (I know, I know!! I’m a physio, I should know better!), however we’re all human and my drive to exercise and do things outdoors is what defines me and it has been really difficult to realise that these were some of the things that were aggravating my pain.
My first couple of top tips to recover more quickly from injury and pain;
- Listen to your body, and, importantly figure out what activities are aggravating it and avoid them for the short term
- Take appropriate pain relief, so that you can get moving, ‘motion is lotion’
Since January, I have been through a journey of firstly trying to settle my pain down and then slowly build back up without aggravating it.
So, 4 months down the line, I felt that I was in a position to test myself a bit more. However, I know that once I get started on an adventure, I am not very good at taking it easy, so I gave myself the task of documenting it with some photos, which I am sharing with you – this was great, as it made me stop and check in how my back and leg were feeling and also to take me out of that static position on the bike and do some stretches/yoga/different movements.
I saw the kids off on cub and scout camp and then set off on my own adventure. The weather was glorious, if slightly nippy with the northerly wind.
It was a slightly auspicious start. Shortly before leaving, I was feeling really smug with myself for doing such a quick job at packing up and getting my bike ready, when, thankfully I realised that I had not yet packed my tent and sleeping mat!! Pretty crucial bits of kit 😊
Among other delights on the trip, I heard my first cuckoo of the year and enjoyed the lovely smell of the gorse which was in full yellow flower.
I ventured over Askham Fell and down to the Swindale valley where I set up camp for the night next to this amazing pool!
For those avid wild swimmers out there – I’m afraid I let you down!, I managed to get in up to lower ribs area, but then the sun went in and I got out!! I’m just not brave enough in a cold northerly breeze!
To build up to doing this small bike packing adventure, I have been working on strength, back mobility, daily step count and distance cycled.
More top tips for recovery from injury;
- Set yourself small achievable goals, based on your interests
- Be realistic with these goals, and take every small achievement as a massive success
All these aspects of my training have been increased very gradually, trying my best to listen to my body;
At one point, I started cycling again, but reluctantly, had to admit that it was making my pain worse and that I needed to take a step back
Even more top tips
- Be aware that there are likely to be set backs in your recovery and knowing this, makes them easier to handle at the time
- Know that these set backs, are just this ‘a set back’ and that you possibly need to give your body more time to recover or you need to work on a certain aspect of strength or mobility
My May bank holiday adventure was great, if a little chilly in the evening (very glad I remembered the tent and sleeping mat 😊). The reality of setting out at first was daunting and a little scary, as I had not done anything like this since January, however, I knew I had progressed gradually towards this point and following on from it, it has helped me realise, that I can get back to doing the things I love, and that hopefully through listening to my body and being consistent with my mobility and strength work, I will be able to get back to adventures at whatever level I desire.
Final top tip
- If you are struggling with an injury and how to get back to doing the things you love, come and see one of us at Kendal Physio to help you on that road to recovery
I hope you all had a great bank holiday and got out into the great outdoors and sunshine and had fun.
Alison
