Today, I accomplished my first significant athletic endeavor since I broke my wrist – I went on a bike ride! I wore my brace since it was considered a "high-risk" activity. It felt incredible to be on the move again. I did notice that I couldn't shift with my right hand, but the hills weren't too challenging, so I managed quite well.
This phase of recovery reminds me of the first trimester of pregnancy. It's a period characterized by no outward signs of difficulty (no visible baby bump or arm cast), yet the internal struggles are very real. Just as the first trimester can be the most demanding for some, I've found this stage of healing to be more painful than any other phase of my injury. The reason is straightforward – I'm doing more now, which is fantastic (yay!), but it also means experiencing more discomfort (boo).
What's intriguing about this recovery process is how it aligns with my five years of research and experimentation with fascia. Here's a partial checklist of my observations:

1. It's astonishing how much mobility I've lost in such a short time (Fascia creates stability and holds onto it even when it's no longer needed).
2. Weakness is a real consequence of immobilization.
3. Strengthening movements and stretches are more effective after proper warm-ups (loosen up that fascia before attempting to build strength).
4. Morning stiffness improves with movement (I can barely make a fist in the morning, but by night, it's much better).
5. Stiffness is relieved with heat (I wrap my hand in a heating pad during my meditation).
6. Stretching restricted tissue can be uncomfortable, but it gets easier over time (Ouchy becomes manageable).
7. A movement that was painful or uncomfortable last week barely registers this week after repeated practice (It's getting better!).
8. Once a painful movement has been freed, an underlying one often surfaces (as long as I keep striving for my pre-break range of motion).
9. Settling for limited range of motion will likely keep it limited (that's how it tends to go).
10. Comparing range of motion from side to side can be both encouraging and frustrating.
11. Patience must be a guiding principle throughout the healing journey.

So, that's where I stand right now – still feeling weak and achy, but firmly on the road to recovery. I'd like to express my gratitude for all your well wishes and support. While Vinyasa yoga may still be a distant goal, I'm excited to be able to offer assists once more!