I heard someone say recently that the body is not a rental unit. I felt myself agreeing, rather grudgingly, because if it were, I would be tempted to move at the end of this month’s lease, into a body that featured sturdier bones, straighter teeth, and more resilient feet.
Somewhere, I have a photocopied sheet entitled Downward Pull that refers to gravity’s effects on the body. While “G” is a helpful force that keeps us grounded, it doesn’t have the common decency to back off as the body ages and begins to disintegrate. “G” just keeps at it, making it more and more difficult for us to stand erect.
Both of these ideas—a new lease and the downward pull—were on my mind yesterday as I drove across town and pulled into the parking lot for my initial physical therapy appointment. I was referred by my new osteopath for some muscle strengthening. He reasons that my posture is affected by osteoporosis, leading to kyphosis, colloquially known as hunching. He didn’t mention “G” specifically, but I imagine he wanted the PT to help get my muscles ready to fight the downward pull.
The elevator, much younger than I, lifted me effortlessly to the second floor office. Entering, I was handed a dissertation length form about my medical history. There were so many maladies listed! Thank heavens I’ve only wrestled with a small percentage of them. I felt a wave of sudden empathy for us humans.
Looking up, I noticed a man walking into the waiting room. Spotting an empty chair, he moved rather awkwardly and sat down near a woman clutching her walker. Apparently, he sensed he had invaded her space, because he apologized, saying that he wasn’t yet used to his prothesis at which time he lifted his pant leg. Her face showed concern and she asked him to tell her more. He disclosed the prosthetic device had become necessary because of blood clots related to Covid-19.
About that time, my physical therapist arrived. Beth was dressed in a tracksuit. She looked like a coach getting me ready for a fight! She didn’t mention the “G” word either but had me do a few exercises to determine my strength. She gave me advice on how to get out of a chair while simultaneously focusing on my buttocks and breathing out. “G” wanted to keep me in the chair but I persisted and succeeded. It was more difficult than I imagined. Finally there was a tandem standing balance exercise where I stood with one foot placed in front of the other, aiming to hold this position for 30 seconds. This was a challenge too.
After this session, I decided that even if I could choose to have a different body, I probably wouldn’t. After my first experience with PT, I’m feeling curious about how this training will help me in my struggle against the downward pull.
IMAGE: Me in Brazil 2010 not worrying about the downward pull.
