Paging Dr. Mary

It never ceases to amaze me – how the simplest, seemingly effortless exercise can make such a dramatic improvement in my flexibility, muscle strength and, yes, quality of life.

When I started seeing Doug in August for my hip , I never imagined I could feel this good and, more importantly, be in control of my body.

During the past five months, he has discharged me three times – once for my right hip, a second time for tendonitis in my left shoulder and finally, yesterday, for my right knee.

Doug’s combination of targeted massage and an exercise program designed specifically for my multitude of issues has yielded tremendous results.

Yet, sometimes, a simple suggestion from a good friend can also be effective.

You may have read about my friend (and twisted sister), Mary , in previous posts. Although we are both scoliosis patients, we are as unique in our respective skeletal muscular issues as our DNA. But that doesn’t stop us from comparing medical notes.

Recently, Mary told me how she has strengthened her knee by using it. She ascends stairs without aid of the handrail, and also does knee lifts while sitting on the edge of her bed -- simple stuff that made me realize I’d been “coddling” my own knee.

The proof came just one week after I incorporated these changes into my day. I noticed an improvement in strength and flexibility, not only in the knee but also my hip. Then, when Doug tested my hip strength he noted it was “much better.”

As he discharged me yesterday, Doug said he had a feeling he’d be seeing me again. “But let’s make it a good, long while from now,” he joked. Armed with his email address and Mary’s advice, I’m off to a good start.