Physical Therapy - Day 1

   Today was my first official visit to the physical therapist.  Since this IT issue has been going on for at least 3 weeks and didn't improve with rest / ice / simple stretching, I made the move to get into an official physical therapy program.  Thankfully, I had a good referral from Renee since she is well know to the PT crew at the BAC.  After her ankle injury a few years ago she went to physical therapy at the BAC 2-3x / week for about 4 months.  Somehow, her health insurance at the time didn't have a copay for physical therapy and since she had already met her deductible from her surgery ... it was essentially free.
    So I got to the physical therapy place and found it to be a tiny hole in the wall, a small room off the upstairs gym of the BAC in South Boston.  My physical therapist is named Declan and is a younger guy in his early to mid thirties.  He did his initial assessment which basically consisted of measuring how flexible my ankles, knees and hips were.  I have to say, that I am not flexible at all!  After we did that, we did some basic strength testing and then proceeded to get into the therapy portion of the visit.  I ended up getting ultrasound treatment on the IT Band since this is supposed to increase blood flow to the area which will promote healing. 
     Lastly, I was given a list of "homework" that basically consistent of 6 stretches / exercises that i have to do twice a day until my next appointment in ~ 5-6 days.  In addition to these exercises I need to continue to "roll" my IT Band with a foam roller, ice multiple times a day and avoid running for the time being.  As of now, my cardio is going to continue to consist solely of the elliptical since that seems to be the only thing I can do now without reaggravating the IT Band. 
    The good news is that Delcan felt confident that I have plenty of time to get over these IT Band issues and finish my training for the marathon.  I just need to continue to put the time in on the elliptical until I can get back onto the road.

Physical Therapy at the BAC