Recently I experienced unexplained pain in my left hip for about a week. This happened after a road trip that had me sitting in the car for 8+ hours on a weekend both Friday and Saturday. Can the the hip pain be linked to the car ride? Maybe. But do we always know the cause of our pain or discomforts? No.
After a couple of days not being able to alleviate the pain I became frustrated. Someone experiencing the same feelings might go to the doctor and have things checked or take some pain medication. I didn’t and it’s because I’m stubborn and because I believe movement heals. As a Pilates instructor I want to be able to move my body free of tension and relieve aches and pains. And I want to be able to have my clients do the same.
I felt so vulnerable when I broke down and said how upset I was that I couldn’t ‘fix’ myself. I know of other instructors who have felt the same, even worse after a surgery or accident. As we grow older and age our bodies change and sometimes we’re not ready for it. Having celebrating my birthday a week ago I joked, is that what happens at this age; hip pain? I hope not!
The bad part about being vulnerable is being vulnerable. It’s the feeling of not knowing the answer or solution yet. The good thing about being vulnerable is it will build the connection to your clients who experience similar feelings. Just like when I have a client who has scoliosis and has the same movement patterns as me. I understand how frustrating certain exercises can be and I tell my clients that so we can relate to one another.
I may never know the answer to my hip pain last week but I do know it will help me learn and connect with my clients and fellow instructors better.