Breanna Guettler PT, DPT
As a former gymnast and CrossFit enthusiast, the shoulder injuries I experienced taught me invaluable lessons about the intricacies of the human body and the importance of proper rehabilitation. My journey from injury to recovery was not only a physical challenge but also a profound mental journey that reshaped my approach to fitness and well-being, ultimately making me a better physical therapist.
The Complexity of the Shoulder: A Delicate Mechanism
The shoulder is a marvel of biomechanics, composed of multiple joints and muscles that work together like the gears of an old clock. This complexity allows for an incredible range of motion but also makes the shoulder vulnerable to injury. In my case, it began with a rhomboid tear while spotting a child as a gymnastics coach. This seemingly small incident marked the start of my journey through shoulder rehabilitation and gave me firsthand experience in understanding the shoulder’s complexity, enriching my perspective as a therapist.
The Initial Injury and Subsequent Setback
I initially injured my shoulder during a routine spotting session, an unfortunate event that highlighted how easily the delicate balance of the shoulder can be disrupted. Despite the injury, I returned to CrossFit too soon, eager to resume my training without fully rehabilitating. This decision led to a shoulder dislocation during a snatch, exposing my lack of posterior shoulder strength and control in overhead motions. The shoulder joint’s instability and my rush to return to intense training without adequate recovery resulted in a significant setback. This experience taught me the critical importance of rehabilitation timing, which I now emphasize with my patients.
The Road to Recovery: A Three-Year Journey
The path to recovery was not quick. Over the course of three years, I committed to drilling basic strengthening and stability exercises while attending physical therapy school. This period was crucial for rebuilding my shoulder’s strength and stability. I focused on:
- Posterior Chain Strengthening: Emphasizing the muscles that support the shoulder blade, improving control and resilience.
- Stability Exercises: Incorporating exercises like scapular push-ups and resistance band work to enhance shoulder joint stability.
- Gradual Progression: Increasing the weight and complexity of exercises in a controlled manner, ensuring my shoulder was prepared for each new challenge.
These rehabilitation experiences have made me a more empathetic and effective physical therapist, as I can now relate to my patients’ challenges and guide them through similar processes with confidence.
The Mental Battle and Lessons Learned
As a former athlete, not being able to work out at my peak potential was a significant mental challenge. I had to learn patience and accept that my body needed time to heal properly. This experience taught me the importance of respecting the rehabilitation process and prioritizing long-term health over immediate performance gains.
Though this injury hindered my progress as an athlete, it provided me with a deeper understanding of my body and the necessity of self-care. I realized that proper rehabilitation is not just about physical recovery but also about fostering a healthy mindset that values sustainability and well-being. These insights have been invaluable in my practice, where I stress the importance of mental resilience alongside physical recovery.
A New Chapter: Overcoming Limitations
In the last year, I have been able to lift 95 pounds overhead with no pain or lingering issues. This milestone is a testament to the power of evidence-based techniques and progressive strengthening. While I am still working towards regaining my previous level of fitness, I am doing so safely and with greater awareness.
This journey has reinforced my commitment to using evidence-based practices to guide my recovery and future training. I am continually learning and adapting, ensuring that each step forward is taken with care and consideration for my long-term health. This commitment to evidence-based practice is something I bring to my patients, helping them achieve their goals safely and effectively.
Conclusion: Embracing Growth Through Adversity
Shoulder injuries may have set me back temporarily, but they have ultimately propelled me towards a more thoughtful and informed approach to fitness. My journey has taught me that setbacks are opportunities for growth and that the body’s healing process is to be respected and embraced.
As I continue to work towards my fitness goals, I carry with me the lessons of patience, resilience, and the importance of a balanced approach to health. These experiences have not only shaped me as an athlete but also as a physical therapist, enabling me to provide better care and guidance to my patients. My experience is a reminder that while injuries may challenge us, they also provide the chance to rebuild stronger, wiser, and more determined than before.
