So, I went to the doctor last Thursday for a follow up. The verdict isn’t as “cool” as I thought it would be. My legs are different lengths, but the difference is so negligible that it’s not the culprit of my problems. From what I can discern, my problems lie in an excess of scar tissue around my tendons in my ankle and both sides of my left calf. To fix this, we’re doing some ASTYM:
The ASTYM System is the form of augmented soft tissue mobilization (ASTM) that allows the clinician to stimulate the body’s own capacity for healing in patients with soft tissue degeneration or fibrosis and chronic inflammation. This leading edge, non-invasive treatment is performed with ergonomically designed instruments that initiate the healing process necessary for tissue remodeling.
Basically my PT, who is awesome, by the way, uses some tools to stimulate inflammation in my muscles to get them to heal normally and break up all that scar tissue. Pretty cool, eh? I had my first treatment today, and it hurt a little, but I’m sure it will help. And the good news is that I get to resume running this week if I slow down or stop if I feel pain. I’m overjoyed, really. Maybe I’ll knock out about 3 tomorrow. I know I won’t be in the best shape for the half in a month, but I’d rather be able to run it and walk some than not run at all. Wouldn’t you agree?