The Injury Report by Julie Wicher, Sirens Half Back Perspectives Editorial Volume 3, Issue 3 November 28, 2003 I had my first appointment with a physical therapist last night. I’ve never been to one before and really had no idea what to expect other than they would be doing some tests and start me on a strengthening routine. I’ve been to massage therapists before and there have been many times I’ve considered going to psychotherapy (well not really), but I’ve never been to physical therapy. I’ve had injuries before; a broken or sprained ankle, a broken wrist, bumps and bruises. Most of the time I refuse to go to the doctor; unless something is falling off I figure there really is nothing they can do for me that I can’t already do for myself for free. The few times I’ve actually gone to a doctor they have told me what I already assumed, put me in a cast and sent me on my way; some help that was. I dislocated my finger playing in a softball tournament a few weeks ago. I was playing second base and dove for a ball. I hit the ground wrong and when I stood up my hand wouldn’t stop shaking and my finger was angled the wrong way. I looked at my shortstop and said “I think my finger’s broken.” She replied “no, it just looks dislocated.” I looked at it, pulled it out and it popped back into place. It immediately stopped shaking so I said ok and kept playing. For years now I have had a little trouble with my left knee. When I was in college I went on a skiing trip during spring break. The last run of the day we were going down a very steep slope. I went to turn back and my ski’s got caught in a grove. They kept going one way while I turned the other, twisting my knee and sending me tumbling down the hill. I heard it pop and I knew something was probably wrong but I could still walk and didn’t want to spoil the rest of my vacation so I just fought through the aches for the rest of the trip. Once I got back home I went to a doctor and he took some x-rays. He told me he didn’t see anything wrong and sent me on my way; c’est la vie. Every now and then my knee feels loose or locks up a little bit. It has not kept me from going about my every day routine but it has made me wonder. Mid way through last season I was hit as I was running the ball and my knee locked up. I was able to finish out the game but I found it hard to walk the next couple of days and me knee swelled a bit. Eventually things felt fine and I was back on the field the next game without a glitch. I thought about going to see a doctor but figured I’d get the same old song and dance that I got before; “I don’t see anything wrong, be sure to pay the bill on the way out.” The most recent occurrence was just over a month ago. I was out playing ball and turned wrong. I felt my knee twist but this time (without getting too graphic) it felt as if the bones shifted out and back. For the next couple of days I could not run, it hurt to go up and down stairs and there was swelling once again. Finally I decided that this was not going to get better on it’s own and if I don’t get it looked at eventually something is going to happen to make me sit out permanently. I went and talked to a PT and then an Ortho. I had an MRI done. The MRI results showed that my meniscus was fine but interestingly enough the doctor could not find my ACL. “What does that mean” I asked. He said basically it’s hard to say; it may be there and may be just fine but you just can’t see it in the MRI. I then was given a couple options. The first was to have an orthoscopic surgery so they could go in and see what was going on; recovery time being apx. 8 weeks. If, however, they got in there and found something seriously wrong, they would want to do a major surgery right away; recovery time then being 8 months! The other option was to start PT 3 times a week for 8 weeks; work on strengthening and conditioning of the knee and hopefully it will feel as good as new. What is it with doctors and the number 8 anyway… On a positive note, I have learned many things from this experience. I have always felt invincible; things happen to other people but never to me. I guess everyone has to be humbled at some point in their life and I’m sure this will not be the last time. Although I feel like I’m still a kid, in all actuality I am getting older and need to take care of myself; I can’t replace body parts when they are broken like I could with toys or games. I’ve also learned to take advantage of all the time I have to do what I love to do. I’m not going to take for granted the fact that I’m allowed to go out and play tackle football. Doing this with a great group of athletes and coaches is just icing on the cake. Many people in this world would love this opportunity and for one reason or another can not do it. Finally I’ve learned that it’s ok to ask for help when you need it; everyone needs a little therapy every once in a while. Perspectives Archives