Physiotherapy is a treatment injury, disease or deformity by physical methods such as massage, heat treatment and exercise. I suffered pain during the process of physiotherapy, and I was disappointed when I did not see any improvements after attending the sessions.

I was born premature and have a condition called “Cerebral Palsy”. Cerebral palsy is a condition marked by limited muscle coordination and or other disabilities, typically caused by damage to the brain at birth. As a result of the brain damage during brain development, my body muscle control and coordination greatly limited.

For this reason, physiotherapy has become a part of my life. I have to learn to control and used my muscles. As far back as I can remember, I never liked attending physiotherapy. When I was young, I would cry every time I had to attend my physiotherapy sessions. The exercises were painful, even unbearable. Thus, I would not stop crying until the sessions ended even though I knew the exercises would help prevent my muscles from being deformed and it was actually good for me.

At the age of nine, I had hip surgery because my hip joint has dislocated as a result of my bad walking posture. This episode changed my life in ways I could never imagined. Soon after the surgery, I had to use a wheelchair. I could barely sit up without any back support and needed assistance standing as well. My immobility made me lose hope thought that I could not do anything anymore. Before that, I was able to stand with some assistance, walked with a walking frame, swim, play on the swing and rid the roller coaster at theme parks.

One day, the words “embrace the challenge” came across my mind. I wanted to be more independent as well as improve my life. So, I have started attending physiotherapy again. The exercises were very difficult for me because my muscles were already stiff. Also, I found it more difficult to move than usual. Although there were moments when I felt like giving up because I did not know how to overcome the pain. I started to feel that the small changes with the exercises had improved my movements. Exercises such as lifting the dumbbell to strengthen my arms, and the bridge exercise had reduced my lower back pain and improved my posture.

Exercising frequently had also improved my mood by making me happier. I feel more relaxed. Also, physiotherapy has increased my self-confidence and I feel good about myself. These exercises have help to improve my muscles strength and help me to breathe better to overcome my sleepless nights. Before that, I had trouble sleeping.

I also took up drawing. It helped to improve my hand and eye coordination which helps me to control my hands and fingers better. Furthermore, drawing also helps me to perform my daily tasks easier, such as buttoning my clothes, grabbing things, opening my lunch box and writing. Besides, drawing has also taught me patience, made me notice the world around me and help me feel calm. Consequently, drawing has become my hobby.

I always spend two to three hours exercising every day to keep my body active. In addition, physiotherapy exercises have also maintained my weight by losing excess fat and prevent me from being overweight or obese.

The more I exercise, the easier it is to handle the pain. I met Dr.Barry Kluner, who is a chiropractor in 2015. He is a kind man who would always take the time to explain the steps of an exercise, in order to make sure I understand and followed them correctly. Dr. Kluner would often answer my questions patiently and help me learn about my bad posture.

My parents are the pillars of my strength during the moments of weariness. They would always encourage me to keep going. My family believes in me. They give me the courage to conquer my fears and help me to believe in myself and make everything possible. My family has help me to live better life.

I attend my physiotherapy regularly and I work hard to achieve what I want. There is a famous saying., “No pain, no gain”. Nothing comes easy. Life is full of surprises and joy, when I believe in myself. I have been able to achieve more than I thought.

***Header image by Nino Liverani on Unsplash

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Tags: Jane Ng