I've been doing the "workout" my physical therapist tells me to do everyday. And I've found something quite surprising, and to me... odd.
Okay, so for months I've been doing free weight workouts and I use dumbells anywhere from 8lbs (mostly for tricep exercises) to 25lbs (mostly for bicep exercises) Actually need to get more weight for some exercises now. So anywho... the therapist says for me to stop working out my "big muscles". That I needed to focus on my "little muscles" around the shoulder that are weakened, inflamed, and/or damaged. She says for me to get 1 - 3 lbs weights (or a soup can or something) and do bicep curls, and tricep lifts, and lower rows with my elbows tight at my side. Very tight, very specific movements. Very limited range of motion. 2 sets of 10. With 1-3lbs of weight. When I normally use 25. :shock: And, she gave me a new exercise that really isolates a certain area in my shoulder.
I remember thinking, this woman is insane. I do bicep curls with 25lb weights and those are too light now. And she wants me to use 1-3 lbs and thinks that's going to have any effect?!?
Well, apparently the chick knows what she's doing. I dunno, maybe she's like... trained in physical therapy or something.
Because I do those exercises and my shoulder is SHOT. I mean, SHOT. I had a hard time lifting my arm to brush my teeth afterward. Now granted, it doesn't seem to have much effect on my left shoulder, but on my right? Holy crap. I couldn't believe that using a 2lb weight would do ANYTHING. But I have a hard time actually finishing the last set.
I guess I really needed to work the "smaller muscles". LOL
So yeah, that's been my workout for the last week, and for the next few.
