Should the Army (Military) have more Physical rehabilitation and Sports Physical therapy support?

CPT Eric Diaz — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:17:45 -0500

In the Army I would make the general assertion that we all train pretty hard. If you add up the time that people spend doing PT in the morning; 5 mile runs, up to 12 mile ruck marches, and upper body 5 times a week. Then various version of field exercises humping rucks and other types of weight around. Then on top of that all the people who still find time to go to the gym and due marathons or whatever, many of us train like athletes. But what we don't have is the the smallest amount physical care that athletes receive to recover from all that training. It would seem that if a little bit more was invested in caring for soldiers physical aspects, we would not have so many injuries. To caveat I am a little biased as I currently suffering from a slew of overuse injuries. Thoughts?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 8:24 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:24:07 -0500

Short answer, CPT Eric Diaz, yes. I think we should put some money and effort into sports physical therapy and rehab. That would help to eliminate problems like the ones addressed in this post:

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/did-the-military-leave-you-with-back-pain

Did the military leave you with back pain? | RallyPoint

LBP - lower back pain 86% of the population will suffer with it at some point in their life. It has mechanical origins and organic causes as well. I ask that you open your mind to the CAM option for treating your neck and back pains. CAM - Complimentary and Alternative...includes everything except medications and surgery. It does include, Massage, Yoga, Chiropractic, Spinal Decompression, Inversion Therapy, Manipulation, Acupuncture, and...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 8:27 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:27:54 -0500

CPT Eric Diaz I had an ankle injury and finally to the physical therapist. He did an amazing job and was able to get me back to +90%. It was on me though for waiting 2-3 weeks after it happened before I had it checked out. Too many times it's the mindset of "drink water, ibuprofen, and take a knee" that puts us in worse shape than if we just had it checked out from the get-go.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 17 at 2014 9:46 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 21:46:21 -0500

Yes. The military needs to realize that SMs are essentially professional athletes and that they need a high level of support to keep them fit for duty.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Dec 17 at 2014 11:52 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 23:52:59 -0500

I've witnessed some very impressive rehabilitative programs when I was cadre at the WTB in Alaska. Impressive support in coordination with outside agencies and some non-profits.

But that is just it, it only existed because it was for the WTB. Service members can certainly benefit from these programs.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2014 12:15 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 00:15:29 -0500

I think the first question we need to address is the overweight question. Excess weight can cause many of the issues that cause Lower Back Pain (LBP) as well as many other issues like diabetes, heart disease and the list goes on and on. What we have in the United states is a mobility problem.

If you take a PT Test and you are sore the next day, then you probably don't do enough of the right PT.

Physical Therapist for the military much like they are for pro sports are there to rehabilitate folks who have sustained injuries from their jobs or things like jumping out of airplanes etc. If you are overweight and have LBP, then the problems may be because you are carrying excess weight.

If you are doing exercise correctly with the right form, then you should get stronger and be less prone to injury.

Don't get me started on organized sports within military organizations. I am too at fault when it comes to this, I have had a shoulder and rotator cuff repaired, ankle injuries, meniscus tears etc all from playing sports for PT. I guess all of us want to get our "Al Bundy" on!

BL: train properly and with a plan to reach your goals. get good portion control on your eating habits and get your sleep!