Let Your Body Do The Talking: How Not Ignoring Pain, Could Keep You Healthy

Aiken, SC—Bill Granade has been here before…but this time, his visits have been considerably better. A few years ago, Bill had some pain in his leg that would come and go…but he ignored it until it was too late.

Bill Granade, physical therapy patient: “One day, I was out on the dock, and when I ran, and did a flip into the pond, and when I did, I heard something tear, I thought it was my shoe or something.“

That tearing sound was his Achilles tendon snapping. He had surgery, was out of work for weeks, and couldn’t walk without help for six months. Physical therapists say it’s something they see frequently:

Lindsey Capps, physical therapist: “Some people will put it off and hope that it will just resolve itself on its own, and during that time, they can actually be causing more damage to themselves, which may lead to the need for a surgery.“

Recently, Bill’s pain came back, this time in his other leg…but this time, he did not wait.

Granade: “When I started having this pain in my right heal, it reminded me of my other injury considerably. I met Lindsey, and we came up with a plan, and she came up with some ideas she might think would help.“

Capps: “It could have gotten to a point where it really could have more debilitating, and could’ve kept him off of his feet.“

Although it was too late for his first injury, this time the healing process will be a lot faster…and hopefully…surgery-free.

Granade: “If I didn’t have physical therapy, I’d still be lame, walking around…probably feeling pretty bad.“

Joy Howe, reporting: “Feeling good now?“

Granade: “Feelin’ good now!“

If you would like more information on physical therapy, signs to look for, or a have questions on therapy, visit WRH.org.