Rehab

[Susan B.]

I am wondering what other riders have done to come back after injuries? I have found myself sitting on the couch watching the world go by for most of the past two months. At first I though I would get back in the saddle as soon as I could, but now I think it would be wiser to spend three months getting my fitness back to where it was.
Comments?
At this point, I am concerned with the physical part of recovery as opposed to the mental part.
I am also hoping that we can discuss this in general terms as I don't want to put anyone off riding. Thank you, Susan :D

[Horselover2]

What kind of injuries do you have? What happened??!!

[Allie]

I had knee surgery a year and a half ago, and as son as the doctor said I could ride, I was venturing out on the trial in a western saddle (which is a lot harder to fall out og than an english saddle) on my reliable mare, going no faster than a walk, but riding just the same. At the same time I was doing physical therapy per doctor's orders. I don't really remember, but probably after a month or so, I was riding like I did before the injury. Hope that helps, and good luck with your recovery.

Allie

[Susan B.]

Thanks for your reply, Allie. An instructor I know has suggested I use a western saddle when I begin riding again. HL2: I had a severely bruised hamstring and seat bone(left) and a broken wrist (right). I came off when the horse swerved left while we were cantering to the right. My left foot got caught in the stirrup and I got a good pull before it released. I know you broke a leg, what did you do to recover as a rider?

I'm also an enthusiastic runner and I miss that as much as the riding. Take care everyone,
Susan

[Horselover2]

Susan B, the only thing I know is just keep riding. Stretching before/after helped me a lot too. It sounds like you must really be a hurtin' unit what with your wrist and leg messed up! When my ankle was broke, it hurt very badly just mounting, and hurt the entire time I'd be riding, but I somehow just learned to ignore the pain...easier said than done, LOL!

[Allie]

Susan- since you sadi it was your left leg you hurt, you will probably want to mount from the right side. I also injured my left knee, so I got one from the ride side for about a month, simply because I didn't want to take the chance of reinjuring it. At first it was very awkward, but now I get on from whichever side I am closest to, as I have gotten used to it and my horses don't care.

Allie

[Horselover2]

Susan, Allie is quite right about mounting from the off side...in my case, that caused me more pain and I HAD to mount from the near.

[intouch]

If you can find someone who practices the Bowen Technique I'm sure it would help your recovery. It's a very gentle way of encouraging the body to heal, and can correct lots of imbalances quicker than anything else I've come across. Works just as well if not better on horses too.
Have a look at kickon.com/ (horse welfare) for more info.

[This message has been edited by intouch (edited 22 December 1999).]

[Nancy]

Dear Susan,
I find riding helped with the physical part of the rehab. I got hurt in Jan.99. Even while my leg was in a cast, a friend drove me to yoga class and I did stretches and whatever movements I could manage. I also went to therapy class 3x a week for 3months.
Whirlepool, stim, stretches, strength, etc. I was riding again by summer. (Western trail).
I find the hard part is mental. My body heals faster than my mind. Just do what you can and try not to rush it.
Happy trails,
Nancy

[Susan B.]

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments and suggestions. I hadn't thought about the possibility of mounting from the right. Good idea! In fact, posting about my injuries indicates that I'm on the road to recovery. It's nice to know that other riders have got back in the saddle again. If you guys can do it, then so can I!
Merry Christmas
Susan

[olympicprincess]

Susan- I injured myself a couple years ago. I went to a physical therapy clinic and explained how important it was for me to have strength again and regain my balance. Plan on your riding to be set back and goals to take longer. You'll probably need to work on balancing excercises since you will favor one side. Good luck.

[Susan B.]

Thanks, Olympic Princess. In fact had physical therapy today on my wrist. It's so frustrating not to have any strength or range of motion. I know it's going to be a long road back to health and riding. I will ask my therapist about balance exercises.

Susan