Am I Suffering From Overuse Injury?

Am I Suffering From Overuse Injury?

 

 

 

Overuse injuries, a.k.a. repetitive use injuries are "cumulative trauma disorders."  This means that as you perform the same activity over and over again (most likely with one or both of the contributing factors discussed below), you will be imposing micro-trauma on a specific region of your body.  The cumulative affect of this micro-trauma is pain and possibly macro-trauma (macro-trauma may require surgical intervention.)  

 

The following questions are common questions to ask yourself or your client if you suspect an "overuse injury."  

 

Question 1:  What is the main complaint?

Answer 1: Pain is the chief complaint with overuse injuries

 

Question 2: Was the onset of symptoms noticed slowly over time, or did it just happen all of a sudden?

Answer 2:   Overuse injuries have a slow onset

 

Question 3: What makes the symptoms worse? What makes it better?

Answer 3: If you have an overuse injury, it is aggravated by activity and relieved with rest

 

Some common areas subject to overuse are:

1. Shoulder: Rotator cuff

2. Knee: Patella Tendinitis

3. Ankle: Achilles Tendinitis

4. Hip: Bursitis

5. Foot: Plantar Fasciitis

 

Two contributing factors to an overuse injury are:

1. Intrinsic: This includes biomechanical abnormalities, muscle tightness/weakness/imbalance, limited range of motion, etc...

 

2. Extrinsic: This includes training errors dealing with intensity, duration, techniques, footwear, occupation, etc...

 

Initial treatment for overuse injury includes:

1. Manage and reduce inflammation at the injured site

2. Correct biomechanical errors to minimize stress on the affected area

3. Assess and prescribe proper therapeutic activities for muscle imbalances

4. Correct POSTURE!!!



Training A Client Who Complains Of Low Back Pain

When working with a client, proper exercise technique is vital in their progress, injury prevention or rehabilitation.  In my experience, many clients will attempt a functional activity such as a lift from floor to waist (deadlift), and lower back pain will result.  If this occurs, I have two choices.  I can completely stop the activity and move onto something else. Or I can ensure that my client has made an effort to engage his/her core prior to and throughout the activity in order to protect their lower back.  I usually choose the second option.  Check out this video to learn how to assist your client in core recruitment.  90% of the time, after engaging the core, the pain is minimized or completely eliminated.  That is a great lesson for your client to learn, and hopefully they will incorporate this technique whenever they attempt a lift.  The more frequently you educate them on core recruitment, the more likely they will make it a new habit, and the less often they will feel lower back pain upon functional activities. 
Engage Your Core

Why Exercise Regularly?

Why Exercise Regularly?

 

 

Here are just a few of the benefits of exercising regularly:

 

1) Exercise decreases your blood pressure, making it easier for your heart to pump blood, which reduces the overall work of the heart

 

2) Exercise decreases your heart rate/pulse, which allows the heart to work less

 

3)Weight control - If you maintain your eating volume and walk 10 miles a week, you will lose 1/2 pound per week

 

4) Exercise can help cholesterol by increasing the "good" cholesterol

 

5) Exercise slows the progression of heart disease

 

6) Exercise boosts your confidence

 

 



Safety with Blood Thinners

Safety When Taking Blood Thinners

 

 

When prescribed blood thinners by your doctor, you must take several precautions regarding everyday activities.

 

1)Use an electric shaver, not a razor

2)Use a toothbrush with soft bristles

3)Do not place sharp objects such as toothpicks in your mouth

4)Don't walk barefoot and see a podiatrist to treat any calluses

5)Inform all other doctors that you are taking blood thinners

6)If you do cut yourself, apply pressure for 10 minutes.  If it does not stop bleeding, see doctor ASAP

7)If you notice a bruise, draw a circle around it.  If the bruise extends beyond the circle, see your doctor

8)Don't get pregnant!!! These drugs cross the placenta, possibly causing birth defects



Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

 



Many times,  Fitness Trainers and Physical Therapists work with clients who have a history of cardiac issues.  They may have been diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) in the past and are now being seen by you for therapy or fitness training.  With CHF, the heart muscle is not able to efficiently pump blood through the body.  The blood returning to the heart becomes "backed up" and moves into the lung and other body tissues.  If a client has a history of CHF and complains of the following symptoms, they must contact their doctor immediately.  As a member of their healthcare team, you should be able to educate your client on the following symptoms of their condition.

1) Coughing persistently
2) Fatigue and feelings of no energy
3) Shortness of breath with their ordinary activities (They did not complain of this prior)
4) Difficulty breathing when lying down
5) Frequent urination at night
6) Swelling of the legs, feet or stomach
7) Recent weight gain of 5 pounds in 1 week without a change in eating habits

Treatment may be as simple as a medication adjustment, but "better safe than sorry"