Listen, we know there are many reasons to use the interwebs to help you find a solution to your problems. We also go on the line to research things, look up information, and find solutions to our problems. It's quite literally the greatest invention of all time. Actually, it is second to sliced bread, of course. BUT when it comes to pain and injury, using the world-wide-web could be opening a can of worms. A bigger possible can of worms is using social media to help with the situation as well. Let's learn why.
First, we aren't hypocrites. We post helpful and educational content about pain and injuries often. We post videos and tips on how to manage certain injuries or what to do and WANT people to use those posts to help them with their aches and pains. However, this doesn't always apply.
How does this not always apply? Well, let me explain. See, there are certain injuries that are on the more serious side of things that can really mess you up short and or long-term if you don't follow the right track. For example, we posted a video on things to do for wrist and thumb sprains. We had someone say they did those exercises and it made the pain worse. After diving deeper into the conversation with the person and what happened, it was believed that the patient had broken their thumb and wrist. Guess what you're not supposed to do when you break your thumb and wrist? Immediately go to loading those structures with bands and dumbbells.
Quite literally, one of the worst things they could have done was perform those exercises without consulting with someone first.
Another example, we had a presenting knee pain patient who had what we diagnosed as a meniscus tear. What we wanted them to do is temporarily avoid deep knee flexion while we managed the pain and swelling. What did they do? They listened to kneesovertoes and ATG and went straight to super deep knee flexion. You know what happened next? They felt worse. Was it something that rehab would eventually get into? Yes. Was it appropriately timed for them to do that at the time? No, but the internet convinced them otherwise.
We can continue for almost every body part. And the thing is, we're not shaming you for doing that. It makes sense. It's normal to utilize the internet and social media to learn things and try and help find solutions.
What we're saying is there is a time and a place to use them! I tell patients all the time to utilize the internet to learn more about what we've diagnosed them and to make them feel more comfortable that they are on the right track.
It's not that none of it is helpful, it is that we are in the business of not wasting time and being sniper-specific and intentional with what we do, how we do things, and what we tell our patients to do. Want to waste time? Go ahead and try all 14 of the different exercises for the pain/injury that you THINK you have from the 3-5 different social media experts you found.
Just remember, the dosage makes the poison. Too much or too little or not the right stuff can sway your outcomes for the good or bad.
If you're looking for an individualized game-plan that is tailored to you and your rehab and how to get better for YOUR situation and yours only, it's time to schedule at strengthchiro.com to learn more about how we can help.
