At an appointment with my physical therapist yesterday, I was congratulated by her. She felt I had “graduated” and would not have to come any longer.

It’s been twelve weeks now since I broke my wrist and had the subsequent surgery. I have had regular “dates” with my therapist since the end of August. First twice a week, and for about the past month it was at once a week. As she pointed out yesterday, I’ve come a long way.

The range of motion of the injured wrist is back to normal bending from side to side, rotating in both directions, and bending back (extension). The only range of motion that is not at a normal level is the flexion (bending your wrist so the palm of your hand moves toward the inside of your arm). When I first started with my therapist, the flexion was at 10 degrees (my right hand has a flexion of 70 degrees). Now my flexion is at 50 degrees. With the scar tissue that forms on your wrist after such an injury, flexion is the most difficult to get back. Virtually all patients never get their flexion back to the way it was before. Yesterday my therapist told me when she saw the severity of my injury, she expected my flexion would end up at maybe 30 degrees by the time I was done with therapy. She was surprised (and pleased) that I was able to get that back to 50 degrees and end up with everything else at a normal level.

I’m pleased with how everything turned out as well. At this point, when I’m doing my daily activities, I rarely even notice my wrist was injured. A testament to the excellent care I received from my therapist and orthopedic surgeon — something I am very grateful for.

One “blessing” of this whole incident has been I’ve been playing my guitar more (good therapy). Before the accident, I don’t think I touched my guitar for at least seven or eight months. I really do enjoy playing — I’m not quite sure why I was leaving it in the corner to collect dust. Let’s hope it doesn’t take another injury to remind me to keep playing.