I'm writing this post on the sidelines...

Just before Copa Ontario I noticed my shoulders were getting increasingly sore.

Then after the tournament, at the Royler Gracie seminar, my left shoulder started acting up.

I just put it down to bruising.

Even after my 'full moon roll' by the end of the week (7 days ago) I literally hobbled off the mat with a very sore shoulder and my left knee seemed to be taking a beating too.

So I rested until Wednesday - went to class & rolled with some tough guys and on Thursday my shoulder was on fire again.

I went to the clinic last night for an XRAY but my health card had expired and I was not prepared to start paying for Health care. Then I went and got my card sorted out and planned to go to back to the Dr today but to be honest (with almost a week off training) it was not feeling too bad this morning and I did'nt think it justified an Xray. It seems to be mending itself with 'rest' (which is what the Dr would have ordered)

I put my Gi in my bag today and headed to work in hope. It's almost time to go train but instead of going to class I am going to chill tonight and Saturday. I still feel a burning sensation and some pain when I stretch the 'shoulder of Justice'. I will go to Open Mat this Sunday and work at my own pace and see how I feel but this is the first time I can remember being out with an injury since starting BJJ (I do not class Impetigo as an injury)

It's so hard to not go to class...I have to keep weighing:

The feeling of being on the mat at 50% against the feeling of returning to the mat at 100%.

It's obvious which should come first.

So what am I doing to heal?

• Taking more Omega's (3,6 & 9)
• Glucosamine
• Rest and Ice
• Swimming
• Stretching

Next

• Yoga
• Lifting weights*
  

* It's possible that the fact I have slacked off on weights completely has contributed to this (or coincidentally ) so it is time to get back on the wagon and keep my joints strong.

I'm also about to jump into Yoga Classes. Having been undecided for a while (mostly because I think I am too cynical for all the New Age elements of Yoga) , I was recommended a studio around the corner from work (and they have another location by my place) with a great schedule so I will probably start that in the next couple of days as a supplement to my Jiu Jitsu.

Keep an eye out for a new section on the blog about my adventures into Yoga and how it is aiding my training.

I am thankful though the injury is clearning up. It makes me realize how thankful we should be when we have the chance to train everyday healthy. All of a sudden that can be taken away from us at any time for any length of time.

JiuJitsu is a river always running that we can jump in and out of at any time...it's always going to be there for us..Another 2 days on the shore...I will be able to swim stronger when I jump back in...

• Grappling with Sore Fingers (2010-03-18)