How do other trainers who suffer from chronic pain manage training clients?
Hi Matthew,
Firstly: I’m sorry to hear you are in pain. NOBODY understands chronic pain until they experience it first hand. It’s debilitating and depressing!
Honestly, I’m in your shoes right now. I have a sever form of psoriasis (had it only once before 10 years ago) on the bottom of my feet, stimulated by an infection and fungus. It’s been like blisters from running 10 miles all over feet and toes in the shape of a moccasin. Horrible pain just to put on sneakers. “skin” pain is different than joint pain. No words really. It’s like anything touching feet causes pain and blisters. Last time this was on my feet for 2 long years. Now, it’s been 7 months and quite a ride. 11 bacteria cultures and lost count of how many doctor visits.
Personally: I have to take care of myself first. If it means work less hours, I’ve had to in order to let my feet rest and get healthy again. It’s been a financial strain at times so I sure understand that. I’ve had to find different sneakers that didn’t irritate and have sat down during some sessions with clients. Some can tell by the look on my face how much I’m in pain when I walk in. So, I’m honest. I tell them I love my work, I still want to coach them, and take off my shoes. It’s a great distraction too. And as mentioned above: I don’t think our clients expect us to be superhuman.
But, In these months I have lost business since I’ve been unable to even get up at times and lost online clients too due to being unable to video or even sit at the computer. I’ve pissed off a supervisor by not responding to emails and lost a group ex. class I’ve been teaching 5 years. Nobody will REALLY understand unless they have your condition. I would also look for support (as you’ve done here). I’ve joined a couple groups just to vent about this condition and it’s helped me be grateful daily that I’m not alone and not the worst either.
All this said: have faith that you WILL come out the other side a smarter, wiser human able to help people in an even more compassionate way. I’ve also had a pro-golfer client that has had some complications of shoulder replacement similar to your situation~had 3 different shoulder surgeries and rehab from each over the past year. Clients like this DO understand.
Hugs and wishing you healing vibes.
Kimber
www.completephysique.com