hiatus: physiotherapy
Seven months ago, I over-exerted my hand to finish an assignment on time. Then, I experienced some residual pain, which is normal after drawing or writing for too long. Unfortunately the pain has lasted until now and I’ve visited numerous doctors to fix this condition.
I’ve visited my family doctor, who referred me to a neuro specialist. I’ve had an x-ray and ultrasound for my hand and wrist, and (fortunately) nothing hazardous was found. The specialist says that my hand is experiencing simple muscle fatigue, which I’m very grateful for. Just in case, I’ll be having my hand EMF-tested for nerve damage, but it’s unlikely that anything will be found. This is excellent news, since nerve damage is much more difficult to repair.
Today I began physiotherapy in a close location (15 minutes by bike) with a nice doctor. For those of you who have had physiotherapy, I’m sure you can sympathize when I say it’s relaxing to have the doctor explain the procedure beforehand. For those of you who haven’t, but need to go to a physiotherapist, make sure that you are comfortable with their treatment and that you know the risks beforehand. (For example, back acupuncture may lead to a lung puncture with an inexperienced acupuncturist. Be careful, it’s your body.)
So far I’ve been enjoying the treatment. They’re simple massages and stretch workouts, some snazzy heat and electrical pulse for my arm, and acupuncture along the juncture of my hand and wrist. I’ve been asked to stretch my hand and wrist at regular intervals, but not too much because there’s a balance that the body needs to keep between stiff and flexible. (I had no idea that being too flexible could cause injury, but apparently that’s the case with my arm.)
I’ve also been asked to pause drawing if possible, which is the reason for my “hiatus” title. You can imagine my internal panic. Pause drawing? Do you mean figure exercises as well? What about colouring? What about digital, surely that must be okay. Nope, you’re stressing your muscles beyond what they’re comfortable with. Not until your hand recovers.
What. I mean - why. Drawing is my life, how.
Okay. I understand.
—
Long story short, I need to stop drawing for around a week (maybe more?) so I don’t fudge up the healing process. Luckily the treatment should be finished before I start college, so I won’t have to deal with the pesky pain when I need my hand the most. So apologies - I’ll be having a short drawing hiatus. Wish me luck, I hope I don’t go boggly insane.
Now, there’s a moral to this story: watch out for your health! Artists, authors, musicians, athletes, everyone. Once you lose your health, it’s very easy to lose everything else.
@10 months ago with 7 notes#apologies! #hiatus #physiotherapy #hand pain
