Protecting those muscles
I am 1000% type A personality
I am 100% type A. See I can’t even say 1000% because IT’S NOT A THING. I’m tightly wound, I need a plan, I follow the rules, it’s a whole thing. BUT, it makes me really good at what I do. Because comms needs a plan, successful projects follow the plan, and rules…well, rules just keep things tidy – just as I prefer.
All this structure wreaks havoc on my neck and shoulder muscles, and I have been in low-grade pain for about 20 years. I’ve tried all the pillows, the ergonomic monitor set ups, standing desks, all the things. Over time, I’ve just learned to live with it. I would get regular massages when things got more painful. I have a chiropractor on standby when I need him. It was just part of who I am and how my body works (or doesn’t).
I finally found a new doctor – one who listens to me. She’s wonderful. I pay for her out of pocket, because she’s [sort of] concierge. She’s worth it and I am finding out all kinds of new things to improve my health because I have a provider who cares.
Stay with me – I promise it’s worth it.
My favorite doctor referred me to my [now,] other favorite doctor for this chronic muscle tightness. I went to the consult, and she recommended trigger point injections. She felt around my neck and shoulders – used a purple marker to dot the spots – and went to work, digging around in my muscles - WITH A NEEDLE.
People – there was all kinds of popping, crunching, and blessed instantaneous relief of my next and shoulder pain. I nearly cried. My neck is now about 4” longer because my shoulders dropped so much. The natural curvature of my spine is back, and the pain is SO MUCH BETTER. My mobility increased by 20-30 degrees IMMEDIATELY.
I’m now going to see my new favorite doctor weekly for a few months to make this new, pain-free, extra torque version of my life stick! And life is better because I met her. Yes, I left a google review. Yes, I’ll share her name if you ask me. Yes, she’s worth traveling to Cleveland to see if she can help you too.
You are probably asking – “So why is this in your newsletter, Laura?” This isn’t business related. And maybe it’s a little indirect, but I would argue it IS about business – because all parts of our lives intertwine and we really can’t compartmentalize (at least not well).
And here’s the business lesson: don’t settle for constant, dull, pain, that feels like it’s always been there. Even if it’s manageable. You deserve better. My facia was so tight, protecting these muscles! No amount of massage, or soaking, or pillow support was ever going to break through. My muscles were literally starved from oxygen and blood because of the “protection” my body delivered. After decades of low-grade discomfort, I am LOVING the way the bruises feel after each treatment, because it means the muscles are finally free, and healing, and that protective coating is breaking up a bit.
No matter what you are doing today – working in an office, building on a factory floor, selling in a retail shop – if you aren’t feeling healthy, happy, and supported – you are starving parts of yourself from oxygen and fuel needed to stay healthy. Your kids aren’t going to love you more for working overtime. You deserve to be healthy and happy. Start flexing those muscles. If you need a little guidance along the way – reach out and let me know! I’m here for a coffee, a virtual meet up, or to help with a comms project.
I appreciate you all following along – next week is a big milestone for Hardin Heights Communications. Stay tuned for some cool things incoming!
