Playing (and Living) with Pain

Snap, Crackle . . . Stop 
Sometimes, injury can’t be avoided. When and how it’s treated, however, can make the difference between a short-term injury and one that persists. Michelle Gorman McNerney, MD, a sports medicine physician at TRIA Orthopaedic Center, in Bloomington, says getting the injury checked out immediately is the best first step.

“You need to get the subtle things addressed,” she says. “Small injuries can be the result of a muscle imbalance, and physical therapy early on can help. Doing more upfront can prevent a lot of things from turning into a serious problem.”

Start with your family physician to rule out other possibilities, then consider visiting a physician with sports medicine training who can review your medical history, biomechanics, and injury—and then develop a course of treatment. Merz recommends seeing a physical therapist, along with your physician. “Many [physical therapists] have relationships with the fitness centers and trainers you need for rehabilitation,” he says.

Team Approach
Some pain management clinics offer an integrated or complementary care approach, which includes a staff of specialists who provide physical and massage therapy, plus alternative forms of treatment including acupuncture, reflexology, nutrition, and psychological counseling for the emotional effects of long-term pain.

The advantages of a pain management clinic include a team approach between doctors, therapists, athletic trainers, and other specialists. It also may be more convenient—especially if you need X-rays and other diagnostic procedures.

Assembling your own team of professionals has its merits, too. Merz recommends finding the right specialist for your sport and injury, via word of mouth. “Find people who are involved in the activity you’re interested in and ask around,” he says. “They’ll know who’s good.” One session with the right specialist, he says, may be worth several with someone with less knowledge about your sport.

Ultimately, you have to take control. “I tell my patients, it won’t hurt my feelings if they try something else,” Merz says. “It’s their body, and they’re the ones in pain.”