THE HUMAN DANCE

COMPENSATION – PART TWO


Yesterday Physical Therapist Greg Taylor explained how compensation can occur after an injury and some of the problems that this can cause. Today, as we continue our conversation with Greg, our first question is:

OLD:  What can we do to avoid this?

Greg:  The first thing to do – and the best - is to be aware. 

Be aware of how you are sitting; more slumping or arm support when getting up can be a sign. 

Be aware of how you are standing; more hip leaning and frequent adjustments can be telling.

Be aware of how you are walking; a foot scrape sound that wasn’t there previously is a sure symptom.

I do a fun challenge test in my teaching clinic with the new medical students that rotate through by asking a patient with a post-surgical foot injury to walk so that the students cannot tell which foot was operated on.  This instills confidence in the patient.  They know that they are on the right track when they can fool these well-trained eyes! 

Try this experiment with a friend or colleague if you are not sure you have overcome the habit of limping from an injury to your foot, ankle, leg, knee or hip.  They still may have a 50/50 chance of getting it right, so if they do, ask why.  Though they might not be medically trained you are bound to get an interesting answer.

OLD:  How can we tell when it’s time to get help from a healthcare professional?

Greg:  It’s time to get professional help when you are unable to reach the physical goals you set for yourself after your injury.  
And if you haven’t set any goals do so now! 

Try to make them more than just being pain free, although that is an important one when trying to avoid compensation. Choose functional and physical goals that will make you feel good about yourself and your accomplishments. 

Physical therapists and other rehabilitation specialists are trained to help you do just that - reach your goals. 

We are trained to look at the whole body as it relates to function, focusing on more than the site of the injury and the immediate clinical symptoms. 

Our goal is for our patients to know as much about their injury as we do, promoting independence through education and shared experiences.  

I really do believe in the motto I wrote for our clinic:
Physical Therapy – Improving Your Movement, Improving Your Life!

Seeing a physical therapist may consist of a regimen of 3 times a week for 3 months or just once every few months for a tune-up, it all depends on your goals and needs. 

New York State has recently passed the law of direct access.  This allows a patient to see a qualified therapist without a referral from another doctor.  (Insurance company requirements vary so check with your insurance provider on what they require).

To reach Greg directly:

Gregory P. Taylor, PT, DPT
Director of Physical Therapy  
Foot Center of New York/New York College of Podiatric Medicine
55E. 124^th Street, New York, NY 11201
212 410.8090

GTaylor@NYCPM.edu

http://footcenterofny.org/physicaltherapy.html

http://footcenterofny.org/