1. My strength is getting better every day, but my flexibility is coming along VERY slowly. I am still swelling quite a bit after just about any activity and am only getting about an 85 degree bend with my heel slides right now. My therapist keeps saying we need to really push on that and get it to 120 by the time I go to see my doctor (in 2 weeks) but I feel as though the swelling impedes my flexibility significantly. I'm happy to push myself, and I do - often to the point of tears. But it would be very helpful to understand what is "normal" at this stage in my recovery (if there is such a thing, since I know all bodies are different) and if I should worry about my lack of progress. (When will the swelling subside???)

 

2. I am a communicator and a relationship coach by nature. I would like to give my therapist some constructive feedback about her approach and her energy (I can tell she's nervous and trying to look competent, but it comes across as aggressive), but I don't want to cross the line and I also don't want to embarrass her in front of her colleagues. Suggestions? I think she knows her stuff, but she needs to focus, stay with the patient she is working with (she flits around a lot and yells at me from across the room while working with someone else) and use more empathy even as she is pushing for the best results.

 

Thanks for any and all feedback.