THERE IS LIFE AFTER INJURY OR SURGERY IN MY CASE

  For the first posting of the new Coaches Corner format,  I thought it would be appropriate that I talk about a subject near and dear to my heart. I know you guys are used to seeing information posted here from people who know what they are talking about, and in your mind this might be different. However, keep that mind open because in this case I am pretty sure what I am going to say is accurate and will hold true for most of you.
 Let me start this rant by giving you some background info.  I know it was hard to tell by seeing me play (me being funny), but for the last few years I was in some pain. I could tell you all were noticing because I couldn't go anywhere around the rink without someone wanting to carry my bag for me. I waited as long as I could but eventually had to get hip surgery.  As most of you know I had a hip replacement procedure that has been around for awhile, however it is new to the US.  It's called a BHR .  The Surgery was performed by Dr. Scott Rubinstein on July 12. He is not only a great Doctor, he plays hockey too. That day will always be special for me because it marked the beginning of another chance. Another chance to live an active lifestyle without arthritis pain.  That date also started a reeducation for me on how the human body works, what makes it weak, what makes it strong, and just how much control we have over it. That's what gets me to the important part.  The part I want to share with you.
 The surgery itself was the easy part, I was asleep.  What starts from day one post surgery is the hard part.  Before the body even realizes what has happened they have you standing with your new hip. They have you doing some light walking and then some bed exercises.  After you are out of the hospital they have you work with a physical therapist at home. Phil was assigned to me and I was very lucky. Phil really knows his stuff.  Phil spent time explaining about what muscles were directly and indirectly affected by the surgery. He taught me the best exercises to get my hip, leg, and core muscles going.  After a couple of weeks of at home physical therapy you graduate to clinic therapy.  Once again I lucked out.  I was able to find a Physical Therapy Clinic that specialized at getting you back to the sport you play.  Rick was assigned to me.  It was there that I learned the most about the muscles I needed to strengthen to prepare to play hockey. Rick concentrated on core, leg strength, balance, and mobility.  I worked with Rick for two months 2 times a week.  I supplemented this PT with bike riding and walking.
 I graduated on October 11.  I am now walking at least 4 miles a day.  I have now incorporated several stretching, strength, and mobility exercises to my daily routine.  I skated for the first time on October 12 without any hip pain.  It was an easy skate during a public session, but it was an overwhelming feeling of relief.  Three months to the day post surgery and I can do all this activity. The message is clear.  Your body can recover no matter how old you are.  You are never too old to improve your body through exercise and eating right.  Your performance in any sport can be improved with a little conscious effort.  I hope that all of you take a few minutes to write down how you would like to improve your health and strengthen your body.  Then go out and search the internet for some exercise ideas.  Put together a plan for improving yourself and get started.  Keep track of your progress and document the results.  You will not regret it. 
 Here are some ideas to start with:

Free sites that offers help with diet and exercise.

http://sparkpeople.com/  

http://exercise.about.com/cs/weightloss/a/12weeks.htm

http://www.freetrainers.com/

http://bodybuilding.com/fun/eteam34.htm

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Hockey-1547/ice-hockey-training.htm

 

Books

http://www.humankinetics.com/products/showproduct.cfm?isbn=9780736042048

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Conditioning-Hockey-Peter-Twist/dp/0873228871

This is just a sampling of maybe 100's of places on the web.  GET STARTED TODAY!

 

Tom Dolan #4

FTYD