A case for PAIN PREVENTION

Why prevent pain? Why do you need to take the time to think about how to prevent pain? You are busy, and you have important things on your to-do list.

First, now is the time to think about pain. Think about it before it happens. If you think through every movement and every activity, you can prevent accidents, injuries and therefore prevent pain. You can prevent pain now, which will also prevent pain later in life. If you injure your knee playing soccer at age 20, you may end up with arthritis in that knee when you are 40. If you practice poor posture now, you will end up with back or neck pain in the future. If you are sedentary now, you may not be able to walk later.

Many accidents can truly be avoided. Have you ever been in a car accident? Think back to that day and how it all happened. Were you at fault? If so, is there something you could have done differently? Were you driving too fast or talking on the phone or trying to quiet the screaming kids in the back seat?

Think of the last time you hurt yourself. How did it happen? If you could rewind time, could you have done anything to prevent the pain? I propose that most injuries are preventable because I have worked with so many patients with preventable injuries over the years. So before you become my next patient, think ahead and practice pain prevention today!

ABC's of PAIN PREVENTION

This was my 2-year-old's idea, when I asked him what to blog about today.

Always Be Cautious (especially when lifting).
Do Everything with a safety Focus.
Get out of the House and Into shape!
Jump into preventive medicine/wellness!
Keep your body moving.
Look for More Nutrition.
Over-exaggerate Proper body mechanics (even when your spouse teases you).
Quit making excuses.
Eat Right most of the time.
Splurge on occasion without feeling guilty.
Think like a PT!!!
U can have a more Vibrant body: With more eXercise!
Yoga, pilates and Zumba are great tools to improve your health!

Major Preventable Injuries

You hear about injuries and accidents every day. But are they truly accidents? Which ones could be prevented?

1. Burns
2. Falls
3. Diving accidents (esp. diving into shallow water)
4. Alcohol-related accidents
5. Unsafe driving
6. Rotator cuff tears
7. Back strains

Safety and injury prevention is your individual responsibility. If you truly want to live with minimal physical pain, you must practice safety at all times. This is true whether you are at home, at work, in the car or at the mall. Do not expect your employer to make your work environment or work station safe. Your manager will not be the one experiencing your pain if you get hurt at work. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself safe from these types of injuries. I do not want you to end up being my next P.T. patient, and trust me--you do not want that either.