In the fall of 2011, I came down with a sever virus that not only kept me in bed with a fever for 3 weeks, but also attacked the nerves in my right shoulder blade, paralyzing them and causing what is called a “winged scapula” (click here for pictures) Basically, my nerve was dead, therefore not sending messages to my muscles causing severe pain, weakness in my arm, and greatly limiting my range of motion in my dominant arm. I couldn’t do simple things like throw a ball for my dog or lift my arm to wash my hair in the shower.
My first trip to the doctor cost me $60. He did nothing but send me to a bone and joint specialist, who also did nothing but send me to a neurologist, and charge me $120. I was frustrated, but didn’t know what else to do, so I scheduled an appointment with the neurologist.
The neurologist was not able to see me for a whole month and explained to me that the co-pay would be AT LEAST $200, and they would asses my condition and go from there. They also mentioned surgery and electro-shock therapy.
In between scheduling my appointment and actually going to my appointment, I talked to an old friend who mentioned something about this thing called “Crossfit”. I had never heard of it but was instantly intrigued! I loved the idea of pushing myself to my limits. The next day I drove the 25 minutes downtown, got a really good feeling about it, and signed up.
The first workout at Core, I instantly felt the camaraderie my friend had tried to explain to me. The coaches, Tom, Bryon and Kim were there that day and took great interest in what I referred to as my “creepy shoulder”. They seemed certain that by just strengthening the muscles around it, I would regain my range of motion and my strength. I was skeptical but hopeful. No doctor I had spoken to ever mentioned anything about strength training.
By the end of the first month, I was doing more pushups that I had ever thought possible (not modified either!). I cancelled my appointment with the neurologist. I had decided to try a different route.
By the end of the second month, people who I regularly worked out with were noticing how much stronger I was getting and mentioning how my shoulder blade didn’t protrude out as much. When I was convinced that I “couldn’t do something”, the coaches encouraged me to just try or modify the movement so I could be successful at it. Eventually I no longer doubted myself and the strength of my arm and just did it. For me, feeling strong like that is one of the best feelings in the world. I felt invincible and like I could overcome anything.
By the third month, my range of motion had almost completely returned, my right arm was stronger than ever and my shoulder blade hardly stuck out any more than my left. I couldn’t believe it. Just 3 months prior, I was considering surgery. Little did I know I just needed the knowledge, encouragement, and guidance of the great team at Core Crossfit. I am no longer limited in the daily things I do and can honestly say I owe it all to Core. I am stronger than ever and am in the best physical shape of my life. Thank you Coaches Tom, Bryon, Kim, Adrian, Santana and Andrew. You guys ROCK!
Alison Carrubba Member since May 2011
