2015 was the turning point in my husband's life. At the age of 48, he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. It was a surprise for both of us. He was pretty much more active compared to other men in his age. He jogs every morning and can still play basketball with our son.
Although, he wasn't that in control of what he eats. He can finish two to three bottles of beer whenever he has a get together with his friends, and can't live without eating at least three cups of rice. He has the biggest sweet tooth as well, frequently buying ice cream for him and his children.
After the diagnosis, my husband and I decided to cut our healthy lifestyle. Yes, including me. We started eating a healthier diet, mostly composed of fruits and vegetables, and became more active. I started going with him when he jogged in the morning and began participating in Qigong classes.
It wasn't long until he started cycling. One of his friends invited him to join a cyclists club. They would go from places to places, riding 50km back and forth.
Triathlon
A year after, he participated in his first triathlon. Since my husband had a long practice of jogging and cycling and was good at swimming he first took the shortest course which was a 25km distance from swimming to running. He was a beginner after all. He prepared well for the event. Took regular exercise, practised swimming and continued his diet.
He did finish his first triathlon with ease. More and longer triathlon courses followed after his first.
For three years, triathlon has become his motivation for staying fit and healthy. His doctor was impressed with his improvement and reduced the dosage of his maintenance. His triathlete life was all good and active until his last triathlon.
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS)
It was during the sprinting course my husband felt a sharp pain to his left knee and thigh. Every time he tries to run, a burst of stinging pain travels from his knee to his hip. It was the first time he didn't finish his race.
After a physical check-up, he was diagnosed with iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS).
The iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common injury to cyclists and runners who overuse their knees. Fortunately, my husband's case is not yet that severe to be needing surgery. Months of therapy and rest is needed for his recovery.
Sports Physiotherapy in Singapore
The doctor advised us to visit a physiotherapy clinic in Singapore that specialises sports physiotherapy. We visited a physiotherapy clinic the next day to enrol my husband in sports physiotherapy.
My husband underwent a rehabilitation session to gradually improve his mobility and flexibility.
The physiotherapy clinic in Singapore that we went to had experts who performed the therapy and massages specific for my husband's injury. They used a foam roller to relax his tight muscle along with gentle massages in the thigh and knee area.
They performed massages and exercises to stabilise and strengthen his hip. The rehabilitation lasted for two months. I witnessed how he improved his movement gradually. During the first sessions, he could not perform the exercises without the assistance of the therapist. After a month, he could do it on his own.
I was really thankful for physiotherapy here in Singapore. We never knew sports physiotherapy exists before.
Back To The Race
After our regular visit to our physiotherapy clinic in Singapore, my husband is now able to return to his daily routine. We jog together every morning, although we take it a bit slow, especially when going uphill. He can now ride his bicycle. We also return to our Qigong classes.
We still visit our physiotherapy clinic in Singapore, but not as often as before. It is to check his improvement and undergo sports physiotherapy whenever he feels pain after his activity.
I can see that he really improved that much, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. I witnessed how frustrated he was in the first weeks after his injury. He was upset that he can't perform simple exercises that he could do before. He often gets angry when he insists on jogging every morning.
But after his regular physiotherapy session here in Singapore, his mood brightens and now smiles and laughs often. He is now looking forward to his next triathlon race here in Singapore.
Why City Osteopathy & Physiotherapy?
I would like to commend City Osteopathy & Physiotherapy for helping my husband to regain his strength, mobility and his motivation to go back to triathlon.
City Osteopathy & Physiotherapy provided us with the best sports physiotherapy you can find in Singapore. Their experts and qualified practitioners assisted my husband from his injury rehabilitation to prevention.
They have been a great part of my husband's journey as a triathlete. If you are looking for therapies and rehabilitation programs for your sports injury, I highly recommend the world-class City Osteopathy & Physiotherapy.
