I am curious how many folks had their doctor tell them the x-ray of their knee is the worst they have ever seen. It really is maddening at the frequency with which “the worst ever seen” is uttered. Not only is it scary for the patient but actually leads them toward the operating room before considering other options. People believe what doctors tell them…so when they hear these words, they are struck with despair believing nothing can be done.
The mind is a POWERFUL thing and one that is easily influenced. The person with maybe mild knee pain who sees a doctor and is told their knee is in awful shape amazingly and almost without fail begins to have much more pain. That is because their brain processed “the worst ever” comment and adapted the pain experience to match the words as opposed to continuing on with just mild pain. Truly the consequences of these words must be considered and STOPPED.
Why do they continue to be said?
The cynic in me believes it is about establishing ultimate authority in the room and lining pockets with money. Now I am sure those beliefs are over-reactions, but I cannot help feeling there is a clear motive behind their usage…and it is not building patient self-confidence.
The reality of the situation is age-related changes happen. Joints do not and will not look the same at age 50 as they do at age 18. BUT that does not mean a person has to be in pain or have joint replacement surgery. Yes, the person may have pain, but what are the reasons for it? Lack of exercise, loss of strength or flexibility putting increased strain on the joint, some recent injury. Any and each of these factors are modifiable. That is if the person is willing to address them, not waiting months or even years.
It is the same old story…put in the work to avoid surgery or deal with the pain of surgery…and then put in the hard work. Wouldn’t you like to skip the pain of surgery? For many it is ABSOLUTELY possible to avoid surgery, BUT this involves addressing small issues when they arise. One cannot wait until pain is so severe that they cannot do anything. And don’t expect results in 1 week. It could takes weeks or months to undo months or years of issues. This is where so many just opt for joint replacement surgery, not realizing all the weeks and months it will truly take to recover. Studies often find deficits in those who had joint replacement surgery even 2 years later. That’s right 2 YEARS.
SO…the time to act is yesterday. ANYONE and I mean ANYONE who has concerns about their knees (however small) take action. Learn what can be done to improve your strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Nothing bad ever happens from improving in those areas. In fact, it just might help keep you from visiting a surgeon about those knees. And without that visit, x-rays never happen. And without those x-rays, you never hear the worst “the worst ever”. Wouldn’t that be great?
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