Thinking about some form of active rehabilitation plan but concerned that it may not be for you? Here are three common reasons why you may think so and why they shouldn't stop you.
1) My x-rays showed that this is irreversible
X-rays and MRI results are very likely to reveal injuries and conditions that a doctor may be quick to label as a problem. The thing to remember is that, in almost every adult, there are going to be some natural aging changes in your joints that are overdiagnosed as arthritis or degeneration.
Numerous studies consistently show completely asymptomatic patients testing positive for disc bulges or other degenerative changes on imaging. It just goes to show that pain-free movement is possible in lieu of these occurences, and an Athletic Therapist can definitely return you to function.
2) I need surgery first
When it's been determined that surgery is a necessary intervention, many prospective clients assume that they have nothing to do but wait for the date. However, it's been shown that patients awaiting hip surgery are able to reduce their pain with rehab in the meantime and may be able to improve their post-surgical outcomes. This may have something to do with getting the nervous system trained early for the rehab that will come post-operation or by getting accessory muscles away from the surgical site stronger to support the area.
On the flip side, perhaps you've been told you need a surgery that's statistically unsuccessful or unnecessary. Oftentimes, conservative rehab is more effective and successful than operating on the area. Granted, Athletic Therapists will always respect the recommendations of medical doctors, but it may still be worth receiving an additional opinion or trying out a few sessions first in order to help assist you in your decision-making.
3) I'm not quite ready to start exercising
Finally, too many individuals who are in a large amount of pain have a misconception that they need to wait until their pain, somehow, settles down on its own before commencing a rehab program. Unfortunately, this often results in further pain and dysfunction as they become less and less active.
Inversely, even if a great deal of pain is present, there is always something that an Athletic Therapist can prescribe a client to do, even if it's the tiniest movement with the neck, hip, or even eyes that will improve that client's condition and outcome.
