Cheryl's Story - Back Pain Journey
“Exercise and Cheryl were never in the same sentence! Seeing I am able to move again as I once did is thrilling! I have my life back and I’m looking forward to getting more!”
From The Coach
Coach Matthew: “When Cheryl came to Align, she was in debilitating pain. She was using a walker for the better part of the day. She couldn’t clean her floors, do laundry, or make her bed without her pain levels getting excruciating. When she walked in for her first day, I could see the pain on her face and in her body language. She was miserable."
"She was dehydrated, inflamed, her hips and ankles were immobile and unstable, and she was stuck in a severely bent over position when she stood up. This led to her overloaded low back and hamstrings. My heart just went out to her. I was so glad she was at Align and I was ready to walk her out of that place.”
Before Align
“Well, I turned 60 and everything hit the fan! I enjoyed spending time with my granddaughter, sewing and quilting, but everything came to a halt in late 2018. I landed in the ER because I couldn’t sit, stand, or walk. I’ve never said this before, but if immobility was going to be permanent, I wasn’t going to be on earth very long. My whole life was sedentary- lots of studying, sewing, quilting, and embroidery. I worked a desk job and then I’d go home and have to be my mom’s companion, which meant watching tv with her. I’ve come to see how this resulted in Swiss cheese for tendons.”
Making The Change
“There were things I still wanted to do, and I wanted to be around for my granddaughter. In the past I hadn’t done anything for my body. I tried Align and started working with Matthew, especially when he wouldn’t let me give up on myself. He has encouraged me every step of the way, especially through the hard ones.”
Life Now
“Now that I am taking things seriously- and liking myself- I am able to walk, stand up and get my life back! I have a way to go, but I am very grateful for what I have. I’ve also been able to do a new thing from my pail list- I am beginning to get my vegetable garden started in containers. Tomatoes are great!"
"I am able to walk and horseplay with my dog. My grandson, dog, and I dance- sway to 60’s music. My grandson loves it, the dog, not so much. I am very content with life. I can hang my laundry in the closet without taking a break. I can get more chores done in less time because I need fewer breaks. I spend more time romping with the dog and meditating in my garden.”
Giving Advice
“Keep at it! As they say in AA, keep coming back, it works. And don’t be afraid to ask for what you need or help with difficulties you may have.”
