Treating a Minor Injury Can Help Avoid a Major One

    If you read my last column, you know this coming Saturday morning is the Color in Motion 5K in Central.  In this edition of LiveWELL with Phil Rainier, I’ve asked Central Physical Therapy’s Erik Strahan to talk about pain, sports-type injuries and how we can all “stay in the game” of life.  Erik is a Certified Athletic Trainer.  Here’s what he had to say.

    Have you ever heard the saying, "if it hurts, don't do it"?  Whether it’s with running or some other activity, it’s not unusual to feel a twinge of pain during exercise. Sometimes it’s more than a twinge.  Many may think about seeing a doctor or Physical Therapist, but most don’t.   Instead they keep going telling themselves whatever is bothering them is probably minor and will go away on its own.  They don’t want to risk being told to stop doing what they enjoy.  Here’s the irony.  If that twinge of pain was being caused by an injury that could have been caught early and treated conservatively, they probably would have been instructed how to continue their fitness routine with only a few minor modifications.  By waiting and letting the injury get worse they’ve all but guaranteed they’ll be told to stop what they’re doing until after treatment and a significant amount of time to heal.  As a Physical Therapist, my objective is always to keep people as functional as possible whether it’s for recreation like this Saturday’s Color in Motion 5K or on the job.  That requires me sitting down with a patient for a thorough evaluation before it’s too late.  I dig to I find out what activities a patient is involved in, what their goals are and how I can help them achieve them regardless of their injury. After mapping out a treatment strategy and consulting with their doctor, I go to work.  I get the patient back to where they were before they were in pain.  More times than not, I can do it without their doctor needing to prescribe pain medicines or surgery.   So whether your pain stems from a strain, sprain or some other musculo-skeletal issue, don’t let a minor problem that could have been treated conservatively turn into a major issue that can only be fixed with invasive treatments.  Not sure what’s to blame for your aches and pain, drop me an e-mail at [email protected].  I’ll arrange a free injury assessment. The ultimate goal is to keep you healthy and active in the game of life! 

    In addition to being a Certified Athletic Trainer, Erik has his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Questions? E-mail me at [email protected] . Phil Rainier is Director of Marketing & Communications at Central Physical Therapy.