Chirico Physical Therapy And Wellness
  • Home
  • About
  • Success Stories
  • PT Services
    • Sciatica Pain
    • Low Back Pain
    • Neck Pain
    • Shoulder Pain
    • Knee Pain
    • Foot and Ankle Pain
    • Golfing Injury Pain
  • Recovery Blog
  • Contact
    • Contact Information
    • Free 30 Min Telehealth Consultation
    • Talk To A PT On The Phone
    • Ask About Availability And Cost
  • Patient Info
    • Rates & Insurance
    • FAQ
    • What To Expect
  • Home
  • About
  • Success Stories
  • PT Services
    • Sciatica Pain
    • Low Back Pain
    • Neck Pain
    • Shoulder Pain
    • Knee Pain
    • Foot and Ankle Pain
    • Golfing Injury Pain
  • Recovery Blog
  • Contact
    • Contact Information
    • Free 30 Min Telehealth Consultation
    • Talk To A PT On The Phone
    • Ask About Availability And Cost
  • Patient Info
    • Rates & Insurance
    • FAQ
    • What To Expect

The Pitfalls of Prolonged Rest

7/6/2018

0 Comments

 
​Every week we hear countless patients ask us the same question: “how can I keep active even while I’m recovering from an injury?”. We completely understand: you’re fed up of resting the problem area in the hope that things will get better. Is this you? Keep reading! [...]
​Every week we hear countless patients ask us the same question: “how can I keep active even while I’m recovering from an injury?”. We completely understand: you’re fed up of resting the problem area in the hope that things will get better. Is this you? Keep reading!

We often find that the general advice given by doctors (and sometime even the internet!) is that ‘rest’ is the best thing for an injury. In the hope of healing faster, the patient then rests the problem area for prolonged periods of time. Later, though, once he/she attempts to get back to his/her activities, the pain is still there and often it’s even worse than it was at the start.

There are two major flaws in the ‘rest your problem’ strategy. The first issue is that an active person finds the idea of prolonged rest to be almost impossible, if not unbearable. Secondly, resting the area for long periods of time can actually be even more harmful – but, more on that later.

Let’s take a look at a fairly common scenario we encounter at our clinic on a regular basis. Quite a few of the patients we treat are generally active adults, and though they may not be professional athletes, they do enjoy running or cycling over the weekends. We often find that once an active patient sustains an injury – like a leg or groin injury in a runner – he/she finds it difficult to swallow the doctor’s “rest” pill. In fact, all those kind of patients want to know is when they can start running again!

And we absolutely love hearing that question! In fact, we dislike the “rest” prescription as much as the actual patient! Here are the two major problems we always try to make our patients aware of:

Firstly, rest almost NEVER actually fixes anything. Think about that for a moment. Our runner has injured his leg and is advised to rest it. What happens when he does? Well, the root cause of the problem isn’t addressed – in fact, it is often hidden behind painkillers. The problem with this is that the real healing just cannot begin. It’s as though the patient is, really, just wasting valuable time.
​
Secondly, resting the problem area for prolonged periods of time results in what is called “whole body de-conditioning”. That is to say, just because the patient experiences pain in the leg does not mean his/her entire body is incapable of staying active. Here’s the problem with a full-body rest-up: the entire body loses strength, power, endurance, and flexibility. Once this happens, the recovery time needed practically doubles! Remember, healing the problem area – and SUCCESSFULLY addressing and fixing the root cause of the problem – is really only possible when the muscles surrounding the issue are strengthened. This strengthening helps with support and flexibility, ensuring that the muscles in the affected area no longer overcompensate and create pain. Not strengthening these critical surrounding muscles only aggravates the issue at hand. The key is to adapt the patient, that is, to ensure that he/she keeps active in a safe/sustainable way – always building back up to the run, the walk, or the cycle. Doing this keeps the patient motivated, strong, and gives him/her the best possible start on their journey to health.

So, if you’re resting because you’re injured, but you only find more pain at the end of the day, then it’s time to make a change. Here at Chirico Physical Therapy And Wellness, we can help you. Our professional, friendly, and supportive therapist will help you get back to the activities you love in no time at all. With custom-made exercises suited to your routine and recovery, we aim to heal the root cause of the problem. If you heal the root cause of the problem then you are sure to create a strong foundation for the MAINTENANCE of a pain free life. This means that running, walking, or any activity you love will no longer cause anxiety or worry. We want you to get back to doing what you enjoy!

​If you’re ready to finally sort that pain out, to get off of the sofa and back out running or doing what you love, give us a call TODAY. We look forward to helping you get back to health safely, quickly, and effectively. 
Talk To A PT On The Phone
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Author:
    Peter Chirico

    "We Help Active Adults & Athletes In Oahu Get Back To Doing The Activities And Sports They Love Without Meds, Painful Injections Or Unnecessary Surgeries."​Risky Surgeries."

    Picture
    Back Pain Guide
    Picture
    Neck Pain Guide
    Picture
    Golfing Pain Guide
    Picture
    Sciatica Pain Guide
    Picture
    Knee Pain Guide
    Picture
    Foot & Ankle Pain
    Picture
    Shoulder Pain
    Picture
    Call Or Text Us

    Archives

    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    March 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017

    RSS Feed


​Address:
804 Mokapu Road Kailua, HI 96734
​
​Phone Number:
(909) 345-3370


Email:
pcptnwellness@gmail.com

Office Hours:
By Appointment Only

Privacy Policy (Click Here)
Medical Disclaimer:
All information on this website is intended for instruction and informational purposes only. The authors are not responsible for any harm or injury that may result. Significant injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek suitable professional advice about your injury. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied on this website.
© Chirico Physical Therapy And Wellness All Rights Reserved