It kind of bothered me as it was such a weird behavior. Something twigged in the back of my brain about compulsive counters. I looked it up. Yes, some people count all the time. They count no matter what they are doing.
So what's going on? To me there should be a reason for things happening.
I started to think about what was happening in my life. I have a nasty bit of rotator cuff problem. I'm doing all kinds of stretching and strength building exercises. Of course, with all of these routines you count and then you do another routine and count. I've been working hard on the stretches and strength building. I want to end my rotator cuff suffering.
So I think because I've been counting so much for my exercises I started to count at other times.
Now rotator cuff is nasty. Little tears occur under a tendon that goes over the shoulder joint. Muscles stiffen and then weaken. To complicate mine, I have arthritis. I noticed something uncomfortable with my shoulder in September but thought it would go away. It didn't go away so I asked my doc about it when I had my check up in Nov. He told me to look on the Internet and find stretches which I did. Things just kept getting worse so that in January I booked my self into physio therapy. Now I'm at a stage where I have the odd good day or good night. I hope I get on top of this thing before spring. I know one thing for sure. Counting isn't going to help me.
...Red, don't fee; like the Lone Ranger, I count and have for years. One of my daughters does too.
ReplyDeleteWell, I know a guy like you really counts...like you're important!!!
DeleteI've not heard of that before but your explanation for your counting seems logical.
ReplyDeleteI checked it out just before I wrote the post.
DeleteIt's probably just a way to keep your brain busy. I usually find myself singing (inwardly) -- I have a song going all the time!
ReplyDeleteYes, I sometimes get ear worms and a song goes around in my head for days.
DeleteHello, I count sheep, trying to fall asleep. Sometimes I count my steps while I am walking. Also trying to do more steps. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day. Have a great new week ahead!
ReplyDeleteCounting doesn't put me to sleep. I am a very poor sleeper.
DeleteThat's interesting. I was wondering about your injury.
ReplyDeleteI've found I can do my reps for my hand weights and not count, but know how many I've done.
I think you should go to physio. They are very good about giving you specific exercises, as well as ultrasound healing caps. The TLC is comforting!
Take it easy!
I've been going to my favorite most wonderful physio therapist ..Shannon!
DeleteI am sorry to hear about your shoulder problem. Perhaps going swimming once or twice a week would help to ease your discomfort. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you might have had this one.
DeleteGet your yellow speedos and goggles on!
DeleteI am someone who counts. Stairs, always, and several different things all day. It calms me somehow. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis was subconscious so it got me thinking about why.
DeleteWhen you mentioned counting, I immediately thought of exercising. Yes, I do physical therapy every day and counting to 30 for a 30 second hold on a stretch is something I do over and over. I count repetitions. And so, of course, I find myself counting other things, especially stair steps.
ReplyDeleteI find myself getting mixed up on my repetitions.
DeleteThat makes sense about the counting. Some people count to relieve stress and/or anxiety. It can be relaxing.
ReplyDeleteWell... I can think of lots of other things to do to reduce stress...more fun stuff!
DeleteMy wife counts a lot. She usually counts stitches when she is making something. She said she counts when she walks up the stairs too. I never heard of this before but lots of people obviously do it so you are not alone. Good luck with your shoulder problem, I hope it gets better.
ReplyDeleteThe shoulder is just going to take a long time.
DeleteI am a counter, and it started back in the days when I took aerobics exercise classes, where the count was always the same, one through eight. I've learned to count pretty reliably with the second hand of the clock, so I can mark time when I'm doing various things and not need a watch. I think this kind of behavior shows how easy it is to get the brain into a pattern of any kind, whether it's counting or negative/positive self-talk or obsessive thoughts of any kind - once a pattern gets going it seems to keep going of its own accord. It can be harder to stop than to start.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your shoulder. My dad had a rotator cuff problem too and it was very painful. I hope the physio helps. My experience with physio has been very positive every time I have gone so I always like to encourage people to go. I didn't think it would be like that and I was pleasantly surprised. There are exercises but there are also things like ultrasound and TENS machines (with electrical impulses to stimulate the muscles) that can help bring relief. Good luck.
I'm sure some people do not realize that they count! I have always recommended physio. I used to have back spasms. Over the years they helped with the pain and gradually they got rid of my back pain.
ReplyDeleteCrap. I know how painful that can be, I still make sure I lift inline with the rest of my body. A shot helped me and lots of Physical Therapy:) I wish you the best Red:)
ReplyDeleteI had a boss who counted everything all the time. I noticed that it was quite handy for him in manufacturing.
ReplyDeleteMy mum had rotator cuff trouble and expected it to get better but it didn't and eventually some tendons tore right through. She has learned to use different muscles now but her shoulder will never be the same. It taught me to get stuff checked.
I do physical therapy exercises twice a day for my back, and I count and count. I haven't extended that into other counting during the day... yet. My twin brother completely tore his rotator cuff in a fall last summer. He's been in a lot of pain and has done physical therapy which helped. Now contemplating surgery.
ReplyDeleteCounting? That is a good idea. I have all sorts of pains (not rotator cuff, thankfully)and counting is something I could use.
ReplyDeleteOuch!
ReplyDeleteThat rotor stuff is going around LOL I am having same problem, I am going to Physical therapy right now with neck problem, also.
ReplyDeleteLike they say old age/ senior years aren't for sissies.
I can identify with your shoulder pain, Red. Last spring, my left arm was yanked when the subway train I was riding on stopped suddenly and it was pulled as I held onto an overhead pole. Despite exercising and some massage therapy, it can still be troublesome at times. I was told it would take “quite a well” to return to normal. But I know I will never ride a subway if I have to grab an overhead hold. Here’s to both our shoulders healing.
ReplyDelete