On Friday, I paid a visit to a physical therapist in Białystok. Actually, two of them spent about an hour
studying my knees and my x-ray, and guiding me through some restorative
stretches and exercises. I don’t know if
my case was just that interesting, but also, one had a better understanding of
English, and did much of the translating.
They determined that both of my patellas are “naturally”
rotated inwards. (I don’t know if this
is a birth defect or a result of improper usage over the years.) This irregularity would cause extra strain on
my knees from disproportionate muscle usage and improper joint movement; never
mind the added pressure of hiking in the challenging conditions of the
marsh.
Both physical therapists were confident that I would heal by
following a regular exercise routine, designed to shift the patellas back into
place, and simply because I am young.
Yet, this process will take months, which I had already gathered from
speaking with others here, who had previously suffered from knees
problems. This, combined with my relapse
of pain and a more regular Aquatic Warbler breeding season, which is winding
down, will prevent me from getting back to work, as I had been hoping. Now, I’m trying to figure out my next move
and how to push forward from this.
