If you’re the kind of person that needs to be dragged to the doctor when experiencing physical pain, this is the article for you. You may think that time heals all, but it doesn’t! Untreated injuries are avenues for more discomfort in the long term. By putting off the doctor now, you may be doubling your visits in the future.
There are 3 types of injuries that are commonly left untreated but can be effectively addressed with physical therapy: Muscle Sprains & Strains, Rotator Cuff Injuries, and Lower Back Pain. “Pushing through” the pain may not be the best decision—read on to find out why.
Muscle Sprains & Strains: The Silent Saboteurs
Muscle sprains and strains, though seemingly minor, can wreak havoc on your long-term well-being if left untreated. Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore them:
- Chronic Pain and Discomfort: Without proper healing, the microscopic tears in muscles and ligaments can lead to persistent pain and discomfort, impacting your daily activities and overall quality of life.
- Stiffness and Reduced Mobility: Neglected sprains and strains can cause scar tissue formation, limiting flexibility and range of motion in the affected area. This can make simple tasks like climbing stairs or reaching for objects difficult.
- Muscle Weakness and Imbalances: Untreated injuries can lead to muscle weakness and imbalances, making you more susceptible to future injuries. The weakened muscles may not be able to adequately support your joints, increasing the risk of reinjury.
- Compensatory Movement Patterns: To avoid pain in the injured area, you might subconsciously adopt improper movement patterns. This can put undue stress on other joints and muscles, leading to new problems.
Physical therapy can help prevent future sprains and strains by promoting proper healing, strengthening muscles, and improving flexibility.
Rotator Cuff Issues: Don’t Wing It
Ignoring a rotator cuff injury can have serious consequences, significantly limiting your mobility and hindering your ability to perform everyday tasks. Here’s what you risk by not seeking treatment:
- Frozen Shoulder: This debilitating condition is a potential outcome of neglecting a rotator cuff injury. The shoulder capsule stiffens and tightens, severely restricting movement and causing significant pain. Regaining full mobility after a frozen shoulder can be a long and challenging process.
- Increased Risk of Tears: Left untreated, a small tear in the rotator cuff can worsen over time, potentially leading to a larger tear that requires more extensive treatment, including surgery.
- Muscle Weakness and Imbalances: Similar to muscle sprains, rotator cuff injuries can lead to weakness and imbalances in the shoulder muscles. This can affect your posture, stability, and increase the risk of future injuries.
- Painful Everyday Activities: Simple tasks like reaching overhead, dressing, or even sleeping can become painful and challenging due to the limited mobility and pain associated with an untreated rotator cuff injury.
Physical therapy exercises and postural correction can help prevent future rotator cuff problems by strengthening the shoulder joint and improving stability.
Lower Back Pain: Don’t Let It Rule Your Life
While lower back pain is common, neglecting it can lead to long-term problems that significantly impact your life. Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore your back pain:
- Chronic Pain and Disability: Untreated back pain can become chronic, leading to persistent discomfort and potentially limiting your ability to work, exercise, and participate in activities you enjoy.
- Muscle Wasting and Weakness: Pain can lead to disuse of the back muscles, causing them to weaken and atrophy. This creates a cycle of pain and instability, making you more susceptible to future injuries.
- Disc Issues: Left untreated, a minor strain on your back muscles can put stress on the discs in your spine, potentially leading to disc herniation. This is a painful condition where the soft inner material of the disc pushes through the outer wall, putting pressure on nerves.
- Postural Issues and Deformity: Ignoring back pain can lead to poor posture, which can worsen the pain and potentially cause spinal deformities over time.
Physical therapists can identify underlying weaknesses and imbalances, and through targeted exercises and education, help prevent future episodes of lower back pain.
Taking Charge of Your Recovery
By seeking physical therapy for these common, often untreated injuries, you can experience significant improvement in pain, flexibility, strength, and overall well-being. Premier Physical Therapy is dedicated to helping you recover from injuries and prevent future ones. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get back to living a pain-free life!