Today marked a milestone—my first physical therapy appointment since back surgery.
Honestly, I didn’t expect it to come this late. Six weeks post-op feels like a long wait, and I was surprised when my surgeon originally suggested holding off until now. But I’ve been learning the hard way: when you’re rebuilding your body, it’s not about speed—it’s about trust. And in this season, I’m trusting my surgeon completely. The truth is—I never want to go through something like this again.
So here I am. Week six. Sitting in the PT office lobby this morning, waiting to get called back, notebook in hand, prayer in heart.
The Couch Pillow Revelation
The session itself went well. No crazy routines, no superhero workouts—just wisdom.
The therapist listened as I described the discomfort I’ve been feeling, especially in the car. Getting in and out, hitting speed bumps, even small potholes—it all lights up my lower back and the incision site like a warning flare. Six weeks in, you’d think the pain would be gone. But healing doesn’t read the same timeline we do.
That’s when she gave me a simple but brilliant tip:
Bring a couch pillow with me in the car.
Slide it behind my back to support better posture and reduce pressure.
Common sense? Maybe. Game changer? Definitely.
My PT Assignment
I left today armed with four exercises designed to rebuild strength and flexibility in my lower back. Nothing fancy. But done right, these movements could change everything.
She told me to do them 1–3 times a day.
And you better believe—I’m planning to show up to next week’s appointment with noticeable progress. I’m motivated. I’m all in.
Advocate for Yourself
There was one moment that tested me though. They tried to schedule me with a therapist I’ve worked with before—someone I just don’t mesh well with. And in that moment, I had to choose whether to go along for convenience or speak up for my healing.
I spoke up. Respectfully. Clearly. And it worked.
Sometimes advocating for your progress is part of the healing too.
Rebuilding One Step at a Time
This blog is part of my rebuild journey—spiritual, physical, and everything in between. I’ve been sharing bits and pieces here, and if you’ve followed along, you know I’m also working with ChatGPT to build out a Keto cookbook that tracks the nutritional side of this transformation. (If you’re curious, you can check that out here). It’s all part of the same journey: taking back my health and inviting God into every part of it.
Back surgery didn’t break me.
It reminded me that my body matters. That healing is holy.
And that showing up to physical therapy is just as sacred as showing up to church sometimes.
Here’s to Week 6.
Here’s to rebuilding.
Here’s to not doing it alone.
