Integrating PT into my health regimen transformed my well-being

I took part in physical therapy (PT) on a weekly basis to build my strength during the lead-up to my double-lung transplant nine years ago. PT was mandatory to complete the prerequisite requirements to be listed for a transplant, but I learned so much about myself in ways that continue to help me today.

Before my transplant, my limitations were well established as a result of living with cystic fibrosis (CF). Even though I had always been active, exercise was complicated and breathing was a challenge, and I constantly felt like I had to try to keep up with my able-bodied peers and force my body to cooperate in a way it wasn’t able to.

This left me feeling frustrated, but having to struggle to breathe was incredibly scary, and panic would set in when I experienced breathlessness during exercise. Anxiety over not being able to catch my breath after exertion often caused me to avoid exercise altogether.

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All the ways that PT helped me

Observing World Physical Therapy Day on Sept. 8 helps me to honor the role that physical therapy has played in my life.

In order to be listed for a transplant, I had to take part in PT to be more aware of my breathing and begin strength training. After my transplant, I learned how to breathe while exercising and how to build strength just by going up and down the stairs. PT taught me how to work with my new lung capacity. It was a complete change from anything I had experienced before. I was shown how to incorporate strength training and physical fitness, which transformed my capacity and improved my overall health and well-being.

The repetitive nature of PT was a safe space to test my breath when I was scared of breathlessness. The therapist remained at my side, taught me pursed-lip breathing, and showed me how to bend over with my hands on my knees to alleviate the pressure buildup against my lungs. This helped me recover my breath more quickly and easily, which created a new neural pathway in my brain, one that signaled I could do this.

I developed greater confidence after PT. It created trust with my body that I could do really hard things like build muscle, exercise, and work out despite my failing lungs. It also set me up for success after my surgery so that I bounced back faster, despite the declines in strength and function that resulted from being inactive. Muscle memory helped me regain strength and build endurance, too.

PT was an essential piece of my care puzzle. I’m so thankful that it expanded my vision of my own body. I continue to use the same principles to achieve goals beyond what I once thought was possible.

Note: Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cystic Fibrosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cystic fibrosis.