PT

After an injury, Physical Therapy (PT) is often required. In fact, long before the broken tibia allowed me to begin moving my leg, I was receiving in home PT. It began with upper body strengthening and leg lifts and lateral movements. These required using the brace to pick up the leg with my hands. Over the past several months the exercises have increased and changed as the healing bone allowed. The continual work along the way has led to a point where now that the bone is strong, I am ready to complete the process of returning to regular movement and activity with the left leg. This will be accomplished with out-patient services that provide machines to facilitate the recovery.

When discussing this phase with the doctor, we commented on the necessary pain ahead. He jokingly stated “You know PT actually stands for pain and torture.” We laughed, acknowledging that this was not a serious statement, but that Physical Therapy would require pain and sometimes seem like torture. The muscles, ligaments and tendons of the knee, ankle and foot have all been compromised by these last months of forced inactivity and swelling from the accident. So with full knowledge that necessary pain was in the future, we set up appointments for PT.

Life can be extremely challenging at times. We have all made mistakes from which we need recovery. “Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives.” (Romans 3:23 AMP) Sometimes our need for recovery comes from our own sin and other times it may be the results of someone else’s sin. Often it is a mixture of each. God forgives every sin. “Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits - Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,” (Psalm 103:2-3 AMP) He also heals all hurts, injuries and disease. Yet in this healing process there may be pain.

How we respond to the healing process is very important. God’s healing hand is gentle, “A bruised reed He will not break…” (Isaiah 42:3a AMP) but He is also thorough. Some of the recovery process may hurt. When there is pain will we acknowledge the necessity and push through to total healing, or will we see it as torture and run from it. It is all a matter of our perspective. When this spiritual PT enters our lives will we embrace the therapy or grumble about the torture we are unfairly enduring.

How we respond depends on our knowledge and beliefs concerning our Heavenly Father who is guiding the therapy. When we have an accurate knowledge of God and His love for us, we are more likely to trust that there is good at the end of the pain. In the worst moments we can believe His promise. “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP) We will believe this problem in the midst of trials when we believe God is always on our side with a good plan. “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP)

During the hardest of times these promises may be difficult to believe. Then we must truly know our therapist. In the midst of severe trials, the apostle Paul was able to write, “And this is why I am suffering as I do. Still I am not ashamed, for I know (perceive, have knowledge of, and am acquainted with) Him Whom I have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on), and I am [positively] persuaded that He is able to guard and keep that which has been entrusted to me and which I have committed [to Him] until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12 AMP) Paul knew that through God every trial would benefit him as well as those who would hear and read his teachings. He also told the Philippians, “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP)

Through pleasant and difficult times, David continually focused on the character of God and His good plans. “As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him.” (Psalm 18:30 AMP) In the listing of God’s benefits of forgiveness and healing mentioned above, David went on to proclaim, “Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]! The Lord executes righteousness and justice [not for me only, but] for all who are oppressed.” (Psalm 103:4-6 AMP)

If you are in a painful struggle, get a clear and accurate perspective of your loving Heavenly Father. PT does not stand for pain and torture. It will bring about restoration and strength if you endure.

(This is a difficult lesson that I am learning both physically and emotionally at this time.)