How are you feeling? What does your body & you need?
Been very busy last week looking after my dad after his hip replacement, initially visiting him in hospital & after the initial pain, he is recovering so well & flourishing & I’ve been teaching all the 3-4 times a day physio exercises in their home & helping with the walking & all movements.. he’s getting stronger & I believe will definitely get back to playing golf at 84 years young.
I absolutely loved seeing all of my family, friends, helping my dad A LOT, still networking and looking after my 121 programme clients on zoom (grateful for technology) and being a good mum… that’s a lot, so it’s time for a weekend off
Now back in Dorset teaching my dad after his hip replacement on zoom daily doing the physio exercises, he’s getting stronger & I believe will definitely get back to playing golf at 84 years young.
He loves the mindfulness too, breathing, relaxation, meditation, positive affirmations and when it was initially a challenge to walk with the sticks & frustrations & negative thinking kicking in, I helped him turn this around & kept saying well done for each achievement & lots of encouragement, that makes a big difference
It’s very important to follow the consultants guidelines to gain the most successful results post surgery, ie not crossing the legs, not picking things off the floor or not using the support of the sticks. I saw my dad do all these things & reiterated that to prevent problems or dislocation to not do this. Thankfully he listened & it went smoothly after a few teething problems.
At the end of the day it’s about finding a new quality of life again, living life to the full & enjoying your passions in life again, for my Dad that’s golf.
Post op posture has transformed (with my help!) & quality of life is returning, having been an England table tennis player in his younger days & then ending up hardly able to walk through pain not easy, balance affected & hip giving way, but thankfully an excellent job by the surgeons.
See the photo above of his posture transformation. No longer severely bent over, phew!, his golf handicap I reckon will go down!! I will keep you posted on progress
We’ve worked on strength affirmations a lot such as:
my hip is getting stronger
My balance is improving
My posture is improving
I am getting golf ready
Whilst he is doing his exercises & he confidently said them out loud
& with each set of exercises understanding which muscles are strengthening, for example the side of the hip, back of the hip, front of the hip, balance, etc etc. having a goal is a great focus. I’d already taught my dad the hip rehabilitation prior to the operation so he was already familiar & weekly 121s prepared his body well plus he was dedicated to walking in the swimming pool & doing his standing exercises in the pool prior to the op
Even smiling after the operation. On my mums birthday. I will update the blog when he’s back on the golf course
My top values are family, wellbeing & making a difference and this ticked all the boxes & glad I could be there to help at this challenging, difficult then hopeful strengthening time as that makes a huge difference as well to not just my Dad but to my mum & the rest of the family.
Love Bev
Beverley Densham
Mindfulness Pilates teacher and Author
Ps (If you know anyone who needs more intense/ regular 121 programme help just get in touch)
Just before the operation I sent this calming affirmation ‘it’s going to be ok’ & to do some calming mindfulness & breathing, I sent an audio with the sea in the background , breathing in for 3 and out for a count of 4 relax. Give it a try
Cards from the happy & calm cards