Ah, the joys of playing softball after a spinal fusion. First softball game of the year is tomorrow! I have played since fifth grade when I pitched my way from a Minor onto a Major Little League team my first year.
I pitched until high school, when I specialized in middle infield (mostly second base). I had the incredible opportunity to play on a traveling ASA team called the Omaha Quakes. Awesome players, almost all of whom went on to play collegiate-level fastpitch. My very talented cousins landed me that gig.
I could move, juke, jive, dive, and everything in between. I knew that there wasn’t much getting past me. And I knew exactly how to accomplish that.
It was confusing at first. I couldn’t play for about 3 years, then when I started again things were different. Sure, slowpitch and fastpitch are two completely different beasts. But the fundamentals should be there. Why couldn’t I move like I used to? How am I missing the ball? What the what?
It dawned on me. My body is different. Of course my ability to move will be different. My reaction time might be just as fast in my mind, but my body will be slower. I subconsciously anticipate the pain, which gets in the way.
Sometimes it feels as though I am trapped in a different body. I know this happens to everyone. But usually it’s a gradual process, part of aging. For me, it was immediate and jarring. Whereas I used to dive toward second, grab the ball, pop up on my knee, and wing that thing to first, now sometimes I dive toward second…and miss the ball. And every time that happens my first thought is: WHAT? Then I remember.
Learning my new body and adjusting to its new movements is taking years. I’m figuring out when it’s just not worth it to throw myself into the dirt (the answer often still seems to be: IT IS!! DOWN NOW!!). I still out-sprint almost anyone on the field. And I look deceptively weak, but I can out-throw almost anyone too. I use those things to my advantage.
So, it’s not all bad. I’ve learned how to tone down my competitiveness and actually enjoy other aspects of sports, including softball. My patience and acceptance grows each new season. I’m a different player. In some ways, I’m a better player. And I’m just thankful I can still play.
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Hello Tarah.
I just thought I would give you an update on my daughter 4 months post op. She has come a very long way in a very short period of time. For the first 6 weeks she did nothing just as the Dr ordered. After the 6 week checkup she started doing little excercises including a little overhand throwing. On November 11, 3 months post op, she started working with a personal trainer on a workout routine that is softball specific. All keeping in mind no twisting till January 11th ,6 months postop.
I believe she has gotten to be stronger than she ever was pre op. Her muscles in her shoulders, legs, and core are awesome. She works out with weights 3 times a week and 3 more days a week she runs a mile, works on stretching, and her core. Before she could hardly touch her toes. Now hands are on the floor.
She will start back pitching this weekend. Should be able to start swinging a bat after 6month checkup. No pain what so ever.
Jimmy
That's awesome! You must be so proud of her. I love that she's working with the trainer and listening to the doctor too. :)
My daughter is 4 weeks out of spinal fusion. She is 13. She plays at a high level fastpitch. Just got back from asa nationals a week before surgery.
My question is since you have been thru this how likely is it that you think she'll
be able to pitch again. Her Dr says start after 3 months post op, with no restrictions after 6 months. I know she begs me everyday to throw or course I say not till the 6 week follow up.
I highly recommend waiting and following exactly what her doctor says. She's very young and this healing time is extremely important. If she tries too soon, it's possible she will be worse off and not fully recover. She will now need to learn how to listen to her body and slow down. She can't go full-out anymore. If she's like me (I played high-level ASA too), this will be very difficult for her, both physically and emotionally. But if she can master that, she'll be far better off when it comes to high school and college play. Please help her understand that the decisions she makes now will set her up for success later. Yeah, it sucks to sit out and it's really hard to do, but she can do it. Especially if it means she can play for longer into her life. I wish you both lots of luck. Keep me posted on how she's doing!
Don't worry. I wont let her do anything till the DR says its ok. I love watching her play but I would rather her be healthy. Good news is shes 2 inches taller and 15 pounds lighter postop.
Shes is doing very good after surgery. She started walking a mile 4 days after surgery and still walks it everyday.
Awesome! Tough girl. :)
I guess my question is how hard do you need to worry about taking care of your back?
Hi Janie:
I think that depends on your pain level. Maybe it's not so much "worry" about taking care of your back as it is being aware of what's going on with your back. Personally, I try to do proactive things that help my back (like core strengthening exercises, maintaining my weight, exercising within reason), etc.
That said, I wouldn't stop playing softball. Your situation might be different, though. Have you been cleared for activities by your orthopedic surgeon? If not, go slow and do the physical therapy until you are. Then, when you get the "go ahead"- get out there! Don't be afraid of the pain; just be aware of it and take care of yourself.
Keep me updated on your progress. I wish you the best! :)
tarah