For those of you who do not know, I was a gymnast for 17 years. I loved every minute of that experience, but now my body is regretting it. 2 months ago, while getting out of the car to enter the dreaded Walmart, my hip locked up and I almost fell to the ground. It was terrifying. For 2 days I could barely walk. I am young, in school, planning to open a business, AND I CANNOT WALK?! Therefore it was time: I had to go to Palmer clinic to become a patient.

We had just chosen our mod doc (the Doctor of Chiropractic I will be working under in the clinic for the next year) so I decided I might as well go to her and my soon-to-be mod mates. After exams and treatments, I am now feeling MUCH better. However, 2 months later and I still cannot run with my cute little husky, Thunder. What does this mean? I have been humbled and gained so much understanding of how an injury can change your daily life. It has encouraged me to do my HOMEWORK of stretching and exercising my leg in order to get back to normal.

For all of you who are patients: DO YOUR HOMEWORK!! This experience has emphasized the fact that as a patient, your health is your responsibility. Yes my fellow students and Doctor are helping me improve, but to get back to 100% there is work to be done on my part. I need to schedule my appointments, show up, stretch daily, exercise certain muscles, and do these things CONSISTENTLY. Which face it: some days, there is “too much” going on. However, in order to get through the next day when there will still be too much going on, I need to WALK. So take the time you need to for your health today and tomorrow!