Physiotherapy is the career path I've chosen.  I, like many, had suffered some setbacks due to injury.  I am not a pro athlete nor have I ever been.  Injuries on this level affect the quality of one's life if not immediately, then at some point later in life.  I now have arthritis of the knees and I'm only 46.  People say to me, "But you're young!" and "You are a therapist."  It doesn't make me Superman, though.  I just have a little more knowledge of the human body and how to get it going with some degree of functionality.

Pro athletes work hard to compete.  They play though injury, bumps and bruises, and receive the benefit of top quality of care but injuries cut careers short if not end them all together.  It is their livelihood and the path they have chosen with which they compete.  It puts bread on the table.  For those of you aspiring to be, and striving to get noticed heed this: You've got a life ahead of you of which a solid foundation must be built.  Trying to come back without properly rehabbing or receiving the neccesary surgery and follow up care will get you noticed...but not for the right reasons.

What I tell you now is as a coach and not a therapist.  I notice how my players compete on the field.  I admire determination and good attitudes and great skill, but I more greatly admire and respect a player that knows when to pull up.  I will notice you for the right reasons as should any quality coach.  I'd rather have you out there at 100% and have you for the next game than to win the battle but lose the war.  For the weekend warrior such as myself, you have a life to live and maybe a family to provide for.  Give it a thought when you are out there trying to live your dream or recapture lost glory.

Now, you are worried you will lose your spot on the team...maybe, maybe not.  Talk it over with your coach.  You will work hard to get it back.  I'd rather see this approach than to cut someone from the team because they can't compete at the level they need to or cannot be counted on to finish.  I have to do summersaults trying to juggle my lineup and it upsets the chemistry of the team.  When players are drafted, they already have a book on you.  If you are not properly rehabbed or have otherwise had the proper medical intervention, you more than likely become injured again and a pattern will develop.  All teams and coaches admire talent but we want someone we know we can count on to play the full game, the full season...someone we know will be there when needed.

Injuries are a part of the game unfortunately and we have to live with them.  Look at the big picture though.  It's your body and you only get one.  We can replace the parts, brace them, bandage them, get them back in the game but we have to live with them.  Last I checked, we're living longer.  Thats a long time to live with pain or loss of function.  Do the right thing and get the care you need.  Don't just play for today...play for tomorrow.