A setback due to surgery, how to restart?

[Traildoggie]

I had a surgical procedure unexpectedly in mid july. I had been on STS disk 19. Since the surgery I have been instructed not to raise my left arm above my shoulder, nor use it for weights. I've kept up cardio pretty well, treadmill and elliptical. Did most of the "standing " portion of GS legs several times with a 5 lb weight in one hand.

In about 2 weeks I'll be released to do anything. I've never had a layoff this long before. I didn't post this on the STS thread ... foolish to restart it....I have 3 weeks of vacation between late aug and sept... hiking.

My rt arm has been doing all the work and was stronger to begin with. left side will need to catch up. What should I do for 3 weeks late august to mid september to get the most benefit? Muscle max? Power hour? GS series? KPC? What do you think?

 

[NRG Woman]

I don't know your whole story so let me give you some general advice. You are going to hate the first part of this. Start out SLOW. Several years ago I was asking my doctor a similar question and he told me something that will always stick with me. He said that "if you wonder if you should, 30 seconds later you will wish you didn't". He was really right. Every time I have been injured or laid up I tried to go back way to fast and ended up setting my recovery back.

Are you doing PT? If you had a procedure involving your arm PT is important so if it is available take advantage and do whatever the PT tell you to. (I am heading to do my PT right now). I know it is frustrating to be strong and active and have that taken away from you, but the best thing you can do for yourself is to listen to your body. While at the moment it feels that you are out forever, when you look back at this time in your life it won't feel so long.

Good luck.

Shayne

 

[Traildoggie]

No PT, I had a minor cardiac procedure but the location of the incision is why my arm had to be kept less than 100% ROM.

I guess I'm asking if it's better to start a circuit type workout first, or if it's OK to go back to something focused like the GS series, with reduced weight from previous. I hope to restart STS in October.

 

[NRG Woman]

I actually think either is fine, whatever feels most comfortable.

Good luck,

Shayne