Friday 3 February 2012

Week 3 - Friday 03 Feb - Rolfing, bouncing and bug sex

I've been Rolfed! As I've said before, I'll explore all avenues to support and accelerate my rehab, so today I had my first Rolfing session. Rolfing is a form of bodywork that reorganizes the fascia. I first learned about the fascia from Viv Spanopolous, Andrew Liaw and Erose's team at Body System Therapy back in Singapore. Its a seamless connective tissue that permeates the entire body and surrounds and supports all of the muscles, bones, nerves and organs. Rolfing works on the fascia to improve postural efficiency, including spinal and pelvic alignment. Today's session also aimed for improved breathing. It seems very much in line with the work I did in Singapore. That  seemed to be helping, so hopefully I can continue that. 


I followed that with two hours with David and one hour with Steve. I didn't quite achieve what I wanted on the treadmill and the hurdles, as my ankles, glutes and hamstrings wouldn't fire as fast as they needed to, causing my feet to get a bit out of control at higher speeds. Even so, there was some improvement, especially on the hurdles. Also, whilst I'd thought that the treadmill measured speed in kph, I learned today that its in mph - so I'm now comfortably reaching 4 mph on the treadmill with no problems (and with effectively no body weight support). That's a lot faster than when I left Singapore. In David's session, I had my first go on the trampoline, including two footed and single legged bounces. That went well - with my feet plantar flexing (toes pointing) and landing as they should. It took me right back to the garden in Shanghai, and the many hours I spent on the trampoline with Max and Amy. Steve got me on the vertical climber - and that's the first time I've used one of those for nearly 5 years. Also a success. So, whilst there were no specific breakthroughs, it was a good, hard 3 hours of work. 


As well as learning all this new stuff about SCI and the body, I'm getting acquainted with the local animal life. If you look closely at last Friday's video from the beach, you may see lines of birds flying in a line of 6 or so, very low and almost touching the waves as they break. These really cool birds are Surf Scoters. They come here in Jan and Feb and are great to watch as the sun goes down. Earlier this week I saw a humming bird just behind the house. And this morning, as was doing my hand exercises and stretches on the roof terrace, I learned that a female ladybird can walk 18 inches up a wall whilst carrying a mating male. Then she fell off - caused by a knee trembler, perhaps. No, he did not let go. They disappeared off under my yoga mat. I thought it best to allow them some privacy.


Its Superbowl weekend. I'm invited to a party at a PW client's house, somewhere in the desert 45 minutes drive north of here. This will be the first time I've watched a full game of American football - I need a bluffer's guide. The party starts at 1 - and ends at 10pm!!

3 comments:

  1. Go Rolf. Re the Superbowl just "whoop" a lot and shout "go Patriots" a few times. In American football - Rugby but with a forward pass. you get 4 plays in which to move forward 10 yards, else you lose possession. Touchdown (Try) is when a player catches or runs ball into the end-zone. 6 points. Then they have "point after" 1 point (like a conversion). If the ten yard gain looks unlikely they can choose to punt or if in range go for a field goal. Unlike rugby, they have specialist teams 1 for offense and one for defense. But mainly it's just a party so enjoy the Budweiser and chips. :).

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good morning Paul It was quite brilliant for your Mum and Dad to see the improve ment from first video to the one at the end of three weeks. You must be feeling very pleased indeed.It was much more relaxed and natural .I bet you enjoyed getting about with Anne and Steve Enjoy the super bowl, i see mark has sent you an idiots guide,you will be watching super league next,( a bit less interesting than watching lady birds). Julie and her mates at work are so impressed with your progress she rang us first thing. Just had the first snow fall this morning. speak to you later love Mum and Dad

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Bud. I've been reading your blogs for the last few weeks and have been inspired by progress as always. I thought the US phone network analogy was great as it really allowed me to understand whats going on. I've been trying to post comments but have been unsuccessful. So fingers crossed this one works. The positivity and joy at successes gained shine through your blogs. Keep it up matey. Si

    ReplyDelete