Road to recovery #1: Adapted training, supplements & red light therapy

[@SleepingCult]

Over the past three months, I’ve been using a red light therapy device from Future Form Official, and the results have been incredible. Years of desk work left me with persistent lower back pain, making daily tasks like gardening or playing with my dog a challenge. Dedicating just 10 minutes each evening to my lower back has made a significant difference. The stiffness I used to feel every morning is gone, and I’ve regained mobility I thought I’d lost for good. I’ve also been sleeping better-I fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed. While I love the device, the short power cord can be inconvenient. A longer or wireless option would be ideal. Overall, I’m thrilled to have found something that works so well for my pain and overall well-being!

[@russellcarter6699]

5 years ago I had to have my elbow operated on. I lost feeling in my little finger and ability to grip things like bottles. My physio said nerves will regrow but it is very slow and to keep using my hand as best i could. Fast forward 2 years & everything was back to normal. Good luck with the recovery.

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Ok phew, whilst 2 years sounds lengthy it also makes me realise it’s possible. Thank you 🙏

[@russellcarter6699]

@JulietElliottsChannel obviously it gets better slowly without you realising rather than bang its mended. The grip thing was odd at first, no matter how much I concentrated, I couldn't grip a water bottle.... then gradually I could & now I don't think about it. I was riding outside with elbow support at 3 months but changed mechanical front gears by reaching across as hand wouldn't play. I'd set electronic gears to change on the good side with a blip or sprint shifter.

[@glennoc8585]

I nearly cut my left tip of my index finger off as a kid and it took 2 years before the feeling cane back to normal

[@nederlanditism1154]

be prepared for months up to a year for strength coming back. I couldn't keep hold of a towel which someone would pull, couldn't close a zip, button a shirt, hold a pen ... let alone write. hope you ve been informed to avoid your arm to go to sleep at night or whenever. you won't feel it (no needles and pins), and might damage the nerve/s even further in the process.

[@piotrc1496]

it's amazing how much positive energy you have, I wish you a quick return to full fitness

[@vonbrockone]

As someone who has suffered 7 x broken arms & 2 x busted shoulders. Your an inspiration & always smiling. Keep at it, you will recover & it will just be an episode you dealt with...

[@TIMSANDYSURF]

I smashed my shoulder to pieces ten years ago in a snowboard accident. I had surgery to cut back my clavicle and put in a plastic band in to hold the remaining bone in place. After the two operations my right arm mobility was very limited. I couldn’t raise my arm above waist high. This meant I had to stop all the sports I loved (snowboarding, tennis and surfing. It took about five years to regain strong mobility but it did come back eventually . Now I play golf, cycle and occasionally surf and snowboard again. Don’t let this get you down. ❤️ The body is an amazing thing.

[@rogerturner3353]

It's great to see your positivity! Don't underestimate the energy required to recover from injury. I have been through 3 lots of surgery in the last 3 years and each time I've had to remind myself to allow the body to heal, but to do the best to support that healing process.

[@Wyliedawg]

So nice to see that smile back again despite the aggravation of the healing process! - Bob (Toronto Canada)

[@robdodson171]

It will take a while, hang in there. Patience... Thanks for the update.

[@BellaVista1470]

Hi Juliet, it sounds like ulnar nerve loss of function. This nerve could have been permanently damaged at the elbow or just bruised/stunned which is called neuropraxia and can recover after a few weeks (anyone's guess how many weeks). At some stage the doctors will most likely want to do nerve conduction studies if it doesn't improve. Good luck with everything, you are amazing! Best wishes from Aileen, in New Zealand

[@leighharwood9415]

Remain positive Juliet 🙏 I'm 4 years into recovering from knee and leg surgery and could've given up on many occasions. I have continually battled against setbacks and muscle atrophy, but finally, I'm now able to ride pain-free again. Stay strong, you'll be back doing what you love soon ❤️

[@shivsnorman]

Zone 2 - just think of all those lovely mitochondria you are creating! GREAT to see you looking a little happier. Best of luck with your healing.

[@PizzaPizzaPizzq]

I really liked that you briefly discussed the science behind the red light device. You showed some skepticism and mentioned that you don’t expect much from it. There’s so much mumbo jumbo in the recovery segment. Hope you get well fast :)

[@johnmuttitt]

I love your positivity, and nice to see you smiling again. I'm sure you'll recover, and will be back on the bike soon. Just be patient.

[@bengt_axle]

A few weeks post op for a big surgery following a compound fracture doesn't really tell you anything about the final outcome. Damaged nerves can take much more time to recover. You may still get your fingers and hand working normally, but it might take 2 years or so. It is actually quite common for people to have a nerve impingement for several years and when it is corrected the parasthesia goes away and the function returns. I've had many neuro surgeries and the best thing to do is to resume function of your hand. Using it works the muscles and restores blood flow.

[@larsh8560]

Wish you speedy recovery!

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Thank you

[@oschibaby3471]

Don't push yourself too hard! Give your body a chance and ease back into training. This setback will soon be overcome!

[@dominicbritt]

Rising like a Phoenix from the ashes - well done Juliet!

[@LordNormandy]

A few years ago, I crashed my bike and broke my hand. It took close to a year of physical therapy to regain mobility in my ring finger and pinky. In my case, the loss of mobility was caused by the joint being pinned for 5 weeks. I was in the same situation where I needed help doing so many simple tasks. It drove me crazy. These things take time. Stay positive and work on recovery every day.

[@negasigerima9273]

Juliet I’m always impressed by your positivity. This injury is just another momentary hurdle for you to overcome. I’m sure you’ll be back out on the roads very soon.

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Ah thank you, I definitely have my down moments and grumpy periods but being able to turbo feels like progress!

[@1carusjohn32]

I love the kitchen sink approach, ' I will get better!' One thing you should also ram in if you are not are, dark fruits/ any form of berries. They have a lot of micro's that help with all things healing... and always better than tablet form!

[@saskhiker3935]

Yes, there is never one thing that will heal you. It takes doing a whole lot of things.

[@djiembefolaDan]

Glad to see you back in the saddle and with higher spirits! The comment below about function likely returning to your fingers is reassuring!

[@1114gabby]

You’re a trooper! Best of luck with recovery!

[@alainbergeron1675]

From Montreal Canada! Take good care Juliet! You are a very strong and positive person.

[@louisethompson2861]

Good luck with your recovery Juliet, wishing you all the best for 2025!

[@bob-ny6kn]

I had a couple unbendy fingers and shoulder from twenty years of rugby. They all bend correctly now. You will recover.

[@timmedforth2992]

I had a very bad hand injury and had an excellent surgeon in Jon Simmons at St Marys in Paddington. he’s a magnificent man and has a fantastic team around him, including great physios.

[@thunderingbear777]

One of my favorite sayings (and book) is "Keep Going". We have no doubt you will. I've been sidelined in the last two years from thumb reconstruction and knee replacement. Frustration at its finest. Heal swiftly!

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Sorry to hear that. Agree with the saying! My Dad always says ‘don’t weaken!’

[@jayneteale9782]

My hubby has had a lot of injuries,he uses weights to build muscle and cartilage around dislocated or broken bones,it can take a year on somethings but you can be better than before.

[@238949]

Great to see you back pedalling. if only static, please take care and heal really quickly xxx

[@lifeincycling]

Hey that blurred out jacket is the best, I have two!

[@SimonBorneman]

Beterschap en dat je volledig hersteld het is erg belangrijk dat je zelf de tijd nemen en geeft om te herstellen.

[@fierytybalt4534]

Love your positivity

[@MiataBRG]

When nerves are damaged or impinged by inflammation they really don't work, signals just don't get to the muscle and the muscle wastes really quickly. Nerves can just recover of their own accord, especially if the problem is inflammation, and everything switches on again. I had it with my left thigh/femoral nerve last year after mtb injury. Takes a while to rebuild the muscle but it all works again! Take care & best wishes.

[@theydisintegrate]

this is what happened to my right shoulder earlier this year. I went from being an endurance mountain biker lifting weights 4 days a week to being completely sedentary for 3 months while not being able to sleep from the pain of a pulsating nerve and adhesive capsulitis. I've been in PT for 4 months now and I've gone from 10% range of motion to about 80%. Just started strengthening exercises about 3 weeks ago and I can literally only eek out 2 push ups. My supraspinatus muscle wasted away to almost nothing in 3 months... which is how long I sat in pain before insurance finally approved an MRI (so I really hate them) I'm really glad to hear you were able to recover because it gives me hope. Thank you!

[@davegearing2707]

Completely understand the frustration having been through injury many times over the last 60 odd years, it's a learnt skill getting through it! You'll succeed!

[@walrusbiteme]

Very glad to see you back on the trainer. I'll have to miss the Mountain Festival, I live 6k miles away.

[@_Mountain_Dave]

As i said in last video still early days, some of my sensations came back with physio/hydrotherapy and was still getting beter movement and feeling improvements well over 12 months after the accident / operation. The biggest battle, mental and having to deal with not being able to do the things we love the most during that period. Sending and wishing good luck for your recovery.

[@Fiberface]

It appears as if you are some sort of a superhero with the therapy brace on your arm, and you should feel like one after going through all this. Best wishes on your recovery and hopefully you'll be out rinding again soon!

[@omarebrahim7225]

You're doing great! I've noticed that when I've woken up sleeping on my arms, my ring and pinkie finger are "dead" so it could be the trauma and some nerve damage from the elbow fracture is making it like that. It might be once it's all healed up you will regain some function and slowly get the use of those two fingers back. Nerves do regrow but it does take a long time. I severed a nerve in my palm and it took about 6 months to a year to get the nerve to regrow and get full function back (I was unable to close my hand at all). It's amazing to see you so positive about it!

[@bryanhayes86]

Get well soon.

[@ashleymartin3704]

I completely sympathise. Broke my collar bone in Feb 23 after coming off on a trail and the nerve damage caused by the surgery is still ongoing. Loss of feeling and function in fingers and strength in left forearm. Nearly two years on and there is incremental progress - nerves just take a long time if they can recover. Stay positive and I'll try and cross my fingers for you (its hard cos they're still a bit funky).

[@nvernon66]

Wishing you a speedy recovery Juliet

[@wsbygt]

watching you putting the socks on got me almost to PTSD status. Can relate alot to what you going through as I got it way worst. Get physio as soon as possible and replicate them at home to reactivate the limbs neuro motors ASAP for as long as the pain allows.

[@maverick6631]

What a massive uplift for you! I can see you were buzzing after getting the go ahead to start your rehab. ❤

[@paulwilliams4990]

I honestly think if anyone can get back to 100% fitness it will be you Juliet 👍 good luck 🤞

[@johnlieto8906]

Great to see you back on your bike Juliet, best to you and your recovery!

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Thank you 🙏

[@hannahfleet4044]

You've got this 💪 This recovery series will help so many people. I've just started back at work this week after 8 weeks off due to being knocked off my bike. I took the extra time I had to reflect on and do the other things (however small) that make things that little bit better like going for walks, reading, warm showers, time with family and friends and extra cuddles with my cat ❤ Hope to catch you at the mountain festival to wish you well face to face Ps more cat content please 😅

[@JPBVideo]

😢❤ it's a slow road coming back from an injury like that. Good to see that you're making some progress. I wish a full recovery for you. You definitely want to be your own advocate with doctors.

[@jasondunn5410]

So glad to see you are on the mend, and really nice to see you so happy to be getting back to the turbo.. Like everyone else, I hope your hand recovers well, just take your time and don't over do things!! Anyway, I'm sounding like your dad or something,so I'll go now!!

[@paulmcilvenny]

Great vid as always Juliet. Will be good to see your recovery. Actually chatted to Jon a while ago when I saw him about you. Used to be my neighbour. 🤣🤣👍. Good luck.

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Wishing you the best with recovery. GranGuanche and all these ultras will still be there when you get back your health; I can fully relate to weekends though, crashed out of PBP last Summer breaking my collarbone so 2 months of not felt so alien - and there's only so much walking your neighbour you can take before it drives you insane! I did GranGuanche Gravel earlier this year and it was mental - tough but beautiful!

[@Danilyn_Livao]

Your positive outlook and dedication to your health are truly inspiring! Can’t wait to see your progress! 💜 Keep bringing your best-we love it! 🙂

[@brendanpurcell1231]

Hi took a tumble off my bike leaving work during the summer and broke my right clavicle so have steel plate. I went over a stone and down I went and lucky enough no car hit me. Your injuries are far more serious than mine but you are very positive which is so important so get well and get confident like I did.

[@moelvin]

One feet after another and good to see you back an the bike. All the best from germany. Sorry for my bad english. Tried my best. 😊

[@leighdickinson8299]

Good luck with the recovery your Juliet, as for the nerve damage it can recovery. Take it from me, I had damaged nerves in my hip after a climbing fall 25 years ago that started with no nerve sensation at all down the skin muscle of one leg but it gradually recovered over the the years being almost normal now. All the best

[@joannelouiserodriguez5966]

2014 i had a mtb accident broken collarbone in 3 places recovery and surgery and more recovery i was off the bike over a year and half lets just say i never went off roading again sold it and bought a nice pretty looking Trek road bike ❤

[@johnroper7776]

Good to see you on the road to recovery. I started indoor cycling after my accident and remember doing it with a neckbrace as I still had two cracked vertebrae . End result I now cycle more than I did before my accident plus during recovery I found your KZbin chanel so there are always silver linings to any situation.

[@MrBarry4ord]

All the best for your recovery! I broke my elbow 2 weeks ago in a crash on the bike, waiting to get back on the trainer very soon. x

[@richardharris8538]

I'm sure your positive, indomitable attitude will see you through. As encouragement, in my 70s, I injured my right hand. The surgeon said I wouldn't be able to close my hand to make a fist, and I wouldn't be able to get my fingertips closer to my palm than 1 cm. Well, I didn't like the sound of that, and I was determined to prove him wrong. I can now touch my palm with my fingertips and make a fist.

[@Barrygee]

27 years ago I almost severed two of my fingers, the nerves were damaged and I lost full use of them for a good year…even now they still don’t feel right but I have full motion again. In your case it seems the damage is further up the chain in the elbow but perhaps the same will be true…it may take quite some time for the nerves to heal and inflammation to subside allowing the nerve signals to get through….in my experience a few weeks in terms of nerve damage is a very short period of time.

[@barrowsworm1226]

❤❤❤❤❤❤. Be patient and take care, you'll be happy and riding strong by the spring.

[@SuperDixxxie]

Sooo happy for you that you've had the ok to do some bike workouts. I always feel happier after watching any of your videos because of your awesome vibe. Love your videos so much and i haven't even ridden a bike in years but you make me want to again. Sending you positive vibes as you do to me. Speedy recovery.. Dixie🚴‍♀🥇❤

[@ashleycoups3922]

super huge thanks Juliet - you're fab and i love all of your work. Brilliant to share how you're doing - it's hugely positive and inspiration and just damn interesting. Keep up the good work

[@rodmilankov8966]

Physiotherapist is now your best friend. A neurologist is your second best friend. Please ask if passive movements (using your left hand) of your injured fingers and arm may improve your nerve healing. I wish you a complete recovery.

[@steffenstolborg7695]

Hugs from Brazil, you are an inspiration Juliet!

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Thank you! 😊

[@andybrock67]

Great to see you back on the bike - recover well and PLEASE be kind to yourself - nerve damage is weird while rebuilding (before I could do much I would get completely the wrong signals touch replaced by feeling I’d burnt my hand etc) celebrate each thing you can don’t beat yourself up for what you can’t - it’s a process but you will get there - sending love and positivity

[@hans-e6x]

Glad you keep your spirits high. Sending you additional healing vibes for your recovery. Relax! 🧘‍♀️🫶🏻

[@Ash_1111]

So pleased you're on the road to recovery 😊 you're doing amazing, just don't push too hard, you'll be back to riding in no time I'm sure 😊

[@johnpayne2465]

Good luck with your recovery. I have no advice other than to follow what you feel works. And, don't push it too much.

[@Spicybangralover]

Focus on your comeback not your setback 👍

[@wilfwilliams]

2015, I severed the nerve to my foot, drop foot and total numbness. It took a year to get the feeling back and ‘most’ of the movement. I was told that nerves can regrow but slowly. Good look for the recovery ❤️‍🩹 your positive attitude will see you through!

[@Gabriel-r9c5b]

Never stop, never stop fighting until the fight is done - Here endeth the lesson!"

[@brendonions1634]

Julie highly recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy. You can do it at Exeter ms unit . I used it for broken wrist when I was racing . It’s brilliant

[@TheMusicLabComposer]

Thanks for the update.

[@jambon9777]

Hope your recovery is going well, i sprained my shoulder recently so I'm using an smart trainer to try and keep a bit of fitness without risking falling off my mtb again for a little while. I've taken advantage of your free month of Rouvy offer and am quite enjoying it 👍

[@philsmeanderings7991]

Surgery would have been my next guess. Had some of that too myself . Just for you to consider , they had to cut through my nerves in my neck to get to the artery they were trying to fix. After 1 year , on occasions , I have some feeling return to the surgery site but it is slow progress. Oddly because the surgery was done with very sharp and clean tools it can actually take much longer to regain normal sensation or so I am told. I was only given a 10% chance of anything returning there . I am 63 years old and wasn't too fit so you should do just fine . Keep on trying .

[@glennoc8585]

My left shoulder is a constant reminder of a couple of nasty hits from my jujutsu days and a bike accident. I avoided surgery but had weeks in a slung followed by tens and physio. Ligament damage can be repaired with surgery. Supplements I believe helped.

[@ames_taylor]

You've ridden a lot of places but yet to see you adventuring New Zealand by bike! Come here!

[@johnbethscheider3242]

use a red light for my lower back does help- use it every morning when I get up- hang in there!

[@sandybeachdoes...whydontyo3839]

hi Juliet ...great to meet you today at the KMF :). I was the guy with the Jeremy Vine story! haha

[@luthermclain2959]

Hope you're doing ok and on the mend. Another bit of unsolicited advice is to take a little time throughout the day to manually flex and extend your uncooperative fingers. I'd add the tiniest bit of resistance once they began to cooperate a little. Cheers!

[@neil9525]

It may be worth asking for a referral to an upper limb plastics for an opinion. In the UK, you will likely get a much better plastics opinion than from an orthopaedic surgeon (bit of a sweeping generalisation, but probably a fair one outside of a very good upper limb orthopod in the UK). For you, that would be either Exeter or even Bristol. I suspect however they are unlikely to suggest or change much and will say that any ‘nerve damage’ (from the trauma or the operation) is best left alone at this point and can take many months to show any signs of recovery and subsequent sensory and motor function will take months/years to recover (sorry, perhaps not what you want to hear). I think red light is probably not of significant benefit, but very unlikely to do harm, so give it a whirl. It is really important to continue to stimulate and move the joints/fingers to retain freedom of movement and encourage neurological recovery. For your elbow, make sure you have good, regular physio and do the exercises - you seem well motivated, so sure this will be fine. From a (non-orthopaedic) surgeon in the area. Best of luck!

[@tonymoore4012]

Juliet 18 months ago I came off a bike landed on my right side but got whiplash on the left .I had issues with radius and ulnar nerves pain in my elbow and collar bone . Took me along time to recover.. bit still not right now. However I can ride a bike now

[@davidwhyte4348]

As Arnold said in jingle all the way ITS TURBO TIME

[@SenorGonzo]

I’m really curious what you (had to) blur out. I hope it was very obscene.

[@roa5359]

Heal quickly

[@meneersjonnie]

It Will heal don’t worry😊

[@prcr]

I used red light therapy at physio at some point during my recovery, and I enjoyed it because it was the least painful part of my physio sessions. 😅

[@philippegateau5761]

Bonne récupération! ;)

[@Lowell-oo7cf]

You need to get an EMG to see where the near damage is located. It could be in your cervical spine and not your arm or hand. Be pushy with the doctors. It may require more push in England with socialized medicine. No one says there can't be two locations either both peripheral and more central where the problem is. Long term nerve compression in the neck especially will become difficult to fix if not addressed sooner than later. After a crash I had I had difficulty raising my arm easily. I did have a small tear in my shoulder joint so the doctors assumed that was the cause. Later, I had an episode where I was riding and could not squeeze the rear brake (left lever). A MRI showed damage to the facets / discs in my C-spine. An EMG confirmed that is where is issue was also. I started to have trouble even writing and had some occasional tingling in my other hand too when doing things or shifting gears on my manual transmission on my car. Two surgeries later I am better but not 100%. I never did need shoulder surgery as the repair would possibly do more harm than good. Sometimes it takes months for all the issues to fully appear. I still can ride though but not like I used to, but of course I am older now too.

[@strickostricko]

I’m interested in the red-light therapy. Is this how you’re funding your rehabilitation? Good luck the injury sounds horrendous. 👍

[@wsbygt]

M o r n i n g !

[@jeremylacey7047]

I been using red light therapy for a neck injury for years, wouldn’t be without it

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Good to hear. How do you feel it helps?

[@MsLizzylaw]

Hi there will your Kendall talk be recorded ?

[@saskhiker3935]

I am not sure if the red light works while your exercising. It is used mostly for recovery. I do the red light after workouts.

[@bluevoodooiv7072]

You need to seek a second opinion, and also a Neurologist review. Electromyography should be done to facilitate a definitive diagnosis. Time is of essence, because if you need a second surgery, it should be done as soon as possible to avoid further nerve damage. I wish you speedy and full recovery.

[@BiKEnBiTES]

Will yu want to bike again?😮

[@pauledwards499]

What happened to the video from a couple of days ago? 😅

[@Ledomestique]

ice water up to a little above the bicep... 3 sessions a day of 2 minutes lengthening every two days until reaching 8 minutes per session, plus the infrared sleeve in 15 days you should have mobility in your fingers...

[@JulietElliottsChannel]

Hope so!

[@esgee3829]

could always learn how to play guitar as a right handed player like django. he only used thumb and first two fingers so you got that as a fall back.