04/05/2023
FROM WELLINGTON TO JERUSALEM - A CLIENT'S STORY
With only 5 days before setting out on a 270km hikoi from Island Bay to HiruhÄrama / Jerusalem north of Whanganui Kate Stone saw Paul with knee pain. He diagnosed an issue with her hip, not her knee, and prescribed exercises to allow her to complete her mission. Paul says that her achievement despite the odds is one of the most inspiring things he has seen. Here is her story.....
I canât explain why I wanted to do it, I just did. Despite the pain in my knee, being nearly 60, overweight with hypertension and having never walked more than 20km in one session before I just knew that walking from Wellington to HiruhÄrama / Jerusalem was something I had to do. Many people advised me not to do it saying it wasnât safe to walk that distance alone, and yes I was concerned, but the compulsion was stronger.
I went to see Paul before setting out with knee pain and he found the problem was actually in my hip. I took careful notice of the exercise he gave me but what I heard was that my knee was strong and I walked out of his office on cloud nine! And so 5 days later I started walking. At the end of every day I did the exercise he had recommended and after only a few days I had no more pain in my knee at all.
Each day of the walk was a complete joy. I deliberately did not listen to music but took the rare opportunity to be in my thoughts and be in the reality of my surroundings. The kereru, piwakawaka and Tui were my constant companions.
Walking along Otaki beach towards Waitarere I was halted by the swollen Ohau river. The beach was deserted. I sat for 4 hours in the rain waiting for the tide to go out with nothing but my thoughts, watching the river and exploring my options. I felt very alone with no one to help or offer advice and no idea what to do if I couldnât cross. After a second attempt late afternoon I had to admit defeat and backtrack. To get back on schedule this and the subsequent 3 days were very long. I now see this failure as a great personal achievement and those 4 hours on the beach a highlight of the trip.
I have returned more confident with an inner peace never felt before. Like many women I am often full of negative self talk, but now this talk is quieter. I am kinder to myself and more grateful.
Thank you Paul for not laughing at my plans and for helping me in a practical way to beat one of the obstacles. You and Central City Physio are part of this hikoi.
