I remember having a conversation with Hilary at the studio one time before the repetitive movement injury that took her out of work for 6 weeks. I stressed the importance of getting to the studio regularly to balance her body because of all of the one sided-ness of hold a camera. I’ve also seen Hilary in action. She is all over the place. She’ll do whatever she needs to do to get the perfect shot. And you have to be strong and flexible to do that.
I’ve dealt with shoulder injuries since my early 20s. I deal with bicep tendon issues and rotator cuff problems on top of shoulder and upper back pain associated with my job as a photographer, as a busy mom and working on our farm. With so much of my work happening in front of me and with repeat movements in my shoulder area I deal with chronic pain. I usually spend my fall season, the busiest season for me as a photographer, in agony and taking ibuprofen constantly! In May 2014, after a busy spring season of shooting, I was left with a shoulder that I couldn’t move and was in agonizing pain. An MRI resulted in finding two large burses around my rotator cuff. I was ordered a cortisone shot, six weeks rest (meaning no shooting!!) and physical therapy. Along with physical therapy, I returned to taking regular barre classes at Sphericality. Knowing from a shoulder injury in my 20s that I needed to build up strength between my shoulders and have better posture as well as increased core strength, I thought I would try regular barre classes and TRX.
I couldn’t hold a plank and I definitely couldn’t hold a forearm plank. I couldn’t do two push-ups and my core was outrageously weak – way weaker than I even thought. But I started to notice a difference in my strength within a few weeks of going to class only two or three times a week. Fast forward to fall 2016 where I shot five weddings in a matter of four weeks, and hundreds of families and children in a three month period all while being completely pain-free!! I’m still surprised at my strength and know I get stronger with each class I take. Dorian has been a huge support in my recovery and strength building. She’s a constant support as a friend and in my business. I appreciate her and all of the teachers at Sphericality so much! This community she is building is an amazing place I love coming to work out here! Hilary Murphy.
Hillary is the owner of Hilary Murphy Photography and specializes in capturing moments that will last a lifetime >> Hilary Murphy Photography
