Buy one get one free.

That’s how it worked out for me today.

I paid for a massage of my gammy left leg this morning to loosen up my knee joint. It worked well, and driving afterwards I could feel the lack of stiffness, it was wonderful.

From there it was on to the hospital for my NHS knee physiotherapy. Here, Andy proceeded to give me another identical massage, ( i.e., the free massage ), which was even more intense. and I could feel my front thigh muscles loosening up even more. He believes this is my main problem, my thigh muscles are much too stiff. He gave them a really good going over. But then he said, and I was dreading this, it was time to improve the bend in the knee, which he measured as being back to only 80% of possible bend.

This meant gradually exercising forcing the knee back a little bit further, then holding for 30 seconds repeat and the same again. It was torture, but he says there is no other way if I’m to get to a minimum of 90% bend ( and maintain it ) by the time I see the surgeon again. Who will decide whether or not the knee needs to be “manipulated”.

Andy also pointed out my leg was a good 10% off being straight, so he proceed to force the whole leg around the knee joint the opposite way. I had to put up with this torture for 20 minutes, after his massage. It was painful and hard work together.

I felt worn out

But I survived, albeit with a sweaty brow and tears in my eyes.

Now I have to keeo doing the exercises, which, basically, are masochistic to say the least.

No pain no gain?

This recuperation definitely has the OUCH factor.

No pictures I’m afraid, it just didn’t feel right to ask Lilly or Andy to strike a pose. Probably shaking too much anyway.

Due for physio with Andy next Friday morning, please be gentle with me. Then another massage in the afternoon, this time with Jo, who did the honours last Friday. ( Free with my accident insurance ) Plus another session with Lilly the following Monday.

So, I now have three physiotherapists, all trying to get this welshcyclist back pedalling ( and back to work ) through massage and exercise ( torture ).

Hopefully, it will all be worth it.

Cheers.