A definition for our Dodging A Bullet title is…”manage to avoid a difficult or unwelcome situation.“
Today we talk about not being able to dodge wear-and-tear bullets or joint injury that can afflict both active and sedentary individuals.
(Interesting that I chose this topic before additional shredding last week of an already-damaged biceps tendon and rotator cuff, which are the muscles and tendons linked to the shoulder!)
Our human anatomy graphic shown above captures the body’s joint areas most likely to flare up.
If damage occurs to our joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles, how do we further Dodge the Bullet of pain, injury and immobilization so we can return to favorite activities?
- Quick and accurate diagnosis. Fortunately the majority of us live in areas of accessible, affordable, quality medical care.
Let’s get to the doctor as soon as possible after injury occurs so we understand the damage to our physiology. Is it acute, needing immediate attention, or likely to become chronic – ongoing lower level pain, discomfort, etc.? - Examine our lifestyle. Must surgery, physical therapy, or other modalities such as chiropractic or acupuncture, be delayed due to other commitments or does action need to be taken NOW so we can continue those commitment in the long run?
- Minimize pain medication. We each have a pain threshold. Find, feel and do-not-cross the line between opiate prescription benefit and addiction.
- Follow doctor’s orders. Do the treatment. Follow the science. Seek a second qualified opinion if we have doubts.
- Give ourselves recovery time, including as much physical therapy as insurance allows.
In my personal trainer and Medicare insurance sales travels, I have met too many people who continue with nagging dysfunction or pain because, except for a few initial sessions, they chose not to follow through on post-surgical physical therapy. - Exercise our non-injured areas. The whole body is not on an Exercise Vacation even if shoulder, hip or knee surgery was required.
One of the country’s leading physical therapists, Gray Cook, has created a medical professional and personal trainer education curriculum, Functional Movement System, based on the principle of MOVE WELL. MOVE OFTEN. Essence of the system is to screen for mobility dysfunction, then NOT exercise the damaged body parts, but focus on healthy joint movements, thus aiding in the whole body’s recovery.
Stay well. Stay Strong, Lean and Limber. Those bullets can’t catch us. WF!
