What Are You Missing Out On?

Let me start by saying, that the main picture attached to the top of this Blog is there only because I love the Fall colors and wish this season could last a lot longer than it does around here! It really has nothing to do with the Blog topic, unless you are not able to get out and enjoy the colors because of limiting pain or injury. [...]

Let me start by saying, that the main picture attached to the top of this Blog is there only because I love the Fall colors and wish this season could last a lot longer than it does around here! It really has nothing to do with the Blog topic, unless you are not able to get out and enjoy the colors because of limiting pain or injury.

​One thing I have noticed over my 22 years as a physical therapist is that most people are ok with experiencing some pain now and then. I have come to this conclusion after talking with many people outside of the clinic about pain or discomfort they are feeling. They will tell me about it and ask for my advice and ask if there is anything that can be done. When I explain to them how I can help them, most say they will think about but do not seek treatment. I have also heard from my current patients about their friends or family members who are having pain. My patients will advise these people to come and see me to get some help. Despite this recommendation, the majority of people will not call to get some help.

On the other hand, I have a caseload full of people who have pain or discomfort who have sought out my services so that I can help them. So, what is the difference between these groups? In my opinion, I really think it comes down to how their symptoms are affecting the things that they want to be able to do. When someone is no longer able to do what they enjoy, want to do, or do as well as they want to do it, they will look for help. Many people have pain that is there, but it does not stop them from doing anything. These people are ok continuing on the way they are. Conversely, when someone starts missing out on activities they enjoy or start to fear that they will miss out in the future, they will ask for my help.

So, my question to you is, “What are you missing out on?” Or, “What are you afraid that you will miss out on?” Perhaps you have always been very active, but now you cannot go for your runs, walks, or bike rides because that pain that gradually started is not going away.

I often see people who have been “waiting” for the pain to go away for a long time. They have tried rest, medication, foam rolling, hot/cold packs, and other treatments they have found on the internet or have been recommended to them, yet their symptoms persist-to the point that they have to stop doing the things they enjoy and the things that help keep them healthy. Some examples are the “old” muscle strain that never goes away, hip or knee pain that hurts with running or walking,  heel pain or Achille’s tendon pain that makes a person stop running or walking. Eventually, because these activities are important to the person, they seek my assistance and we are able to get them back to enjoying life.

I have also seen people with long standing back pain who now find that they can no longer go for walks like they used to, can no longer play with their grandkids or children the way they want, or have stopped some

Rear View Of Grandfather And Grandson Walking Along Pathactivities that used to bring them happiness because the pain gets worse, or they are afraid the activity will make it worse. Many of these people have “put up” with the pain for a long time, but only when it stopped them from doing these things, did they ask for some help.

So again, my question to you is “What are you missing out on?” Are you a Crossfitter who has been having to adjust your workouts for a long time because of shoulder pain? A runner or walker having heel, knee, or hip pain that is limiting your runs or walks? Perhaps an older adult who has had to stop doing things because you “are just getting old” and these aches and pains are normal? A cyclist with neck or knee pain? Don’t let these things keep limiting you. Life is too short to not be able to do the things we enjoy and we all know the overall health benefits of physical activity. The great thing is that most musculoskeletal injuries and pain can be managed without drugs, injections, and surgeries once a person receives the right care and education regarding their condition.

If you have questions about whether I can help you get back to doing what you are missing out on, please feel free to contact me by phone or email. You can contact me at bob@promotiongb.com

Thanks for reading.

Bob