While filming a Hong Kong Kung Ku Fu movie, I hurt myself doing a stunt fight scene. I was strapped on harness15 feet off the ground doing a sword fight with a stunt man when the harness snapped and both the stunt man and myself fell straight to the ground. I landed on the right side of my body, was in and out of consciousness and was immediately rushed to the hospital. After several examinations and tests, I was told that I had fractured several discs in my lower back. Doctors told me to lay off all my physical and sports activities for 9 months and to go to physical therapy 5 times a week if I wanted to be cured. Surgery was an option but I refused it. I did not want to take that risk and instead opted for more conservative measures.
I was doing PT in the Philippines 5x a week then I went to the US for a 2-month vacation and had physical therapy at Pillars Physical Therapy and Wellness Center. I was happy to know that they had all the necessary tools and equipment needed for my therapy and was more than I expected. The kindness, caring and friendliness of the staff makes it easier for anyone to recuperate faster. I am so pleased with my experience-it was a pleasurable and fun. Ultimately, my back got better, the fracture fused and the pain went away.
Although I continue to wear a back brace when I work out with heavy weights, my trunk muscles have regained its former strength. I also learned new exercise and stretching techniques including shoulder exercises which have benefited my formerly busted shoulder as a result from sparring, weights, and boxing. From time to time, when there are flare-ups, I visit Pillars Physical Therapy and Wellness Center to get treatment and learn new exercises.
Today, I am still able to do all the activities I usually do including: taekwondo, boxing, Arnis (Filipino marital arts), basketball, golf, swimming, wake boarding, wind surfing, jet skiing, motocrossing, beach volleyball, among others.
Monsour del Rosario
Seoul 1998 Olympian and 1985 World Taekwondo Champion
Film and TV Actor, Philippines
Taekwondo Instructor and Coach for Philippine National Team
Marketing Director, PEAK Martial Arts Equipment |
