Some patients visit clinics not because they are injured, but to keep exercising safely and consistently.
Patients Who Visit Clinics to Keep Exercising
By MADI-BONE CLINIC — Seolleung Station, Gangnam
Not All Patients Visit Because They Are Injured
In many people’s minds, visiting an orthopedic clinic means one thing:
pain that has already become difficult to tolerate.
However, in clinical practice, we regularly see a different group of patients—
individuals who visit not because they must stop exercising,
but because they want to keep exercising.
They are not looking for permission to rest.
They are looking for guidance on how to continue physical activity
without causing further harm to their bodies.
Exercise as a Lifestyle, Not a Temporary Phase
These patients tend to view exercise as part of their lifestyle.
Golf, tennis, running, and recreational sports are not occasional hobbies,
but ongoing commitments tied to their identity and well-being.
For them, stopping exercise entirely feels unrealistic.
Instead, they seek professional input to manage stress on the body
while maintaining consistency.
This shift in perspective is important.
The clinic becomes a place not only for treatment,
but for long-term physical management.
Unilateral Sports and Hidden Imbalances
Sports such as golf and tennis are unilateral by nature.
They emphasize repetitive use on one side of the body,
while the opposite side receives significantly less stimulation.
Over time, this pattern leads to:
- overuse of dominant muscles and joints
- weakening of underused stabilizing muscles
- reduced movement efficiency
Pain often develops not because of a single injury,
but due to gradual imbalance.
Why Pain Keeps Returning Without Proper Conditioning
Treating only the painful area often leads to temporary relief.
Without addressing underlying imbalance,
symptoms tend to return.
This is why many physically active patients
choose to receive manual exercise therapy regularly.
Manual exercise therapy serves two purposes:
- reducing stress in overloaded tissues
- strengthening underactive muscle groups
It functions not only as treatment,
but as structured physical conditioning.
A Golfer Who Pushed Too Hard
Recently, a patient visited the clinic with acute rib pain.
He reported increasing his training volume
in an effort to gain distance in his golf swing.
The pain developed suddenly,
making rotation and breathing uncomfortable.
A single injection was sufficient to control acute inflammation.
However, treatment did not end there.
From Pain Control to Movement Education
Following pain reduction,
the patient underwent two weeks of manual exercise therapy.
During this period, we focused on:
- identifying muscles requiring pre-exercise conditioning
- educating proper warm-up and cool-down routines
- correcting movement patterns that increased rib stress
The goal was not simply recovery,
but prevention of recurrence.
Runners Who Refuse to Stop Running
Another common group includes runners,
particularly those who enjoy long-distance running.
Many experience recurrent plantar fascia pain
due to cumulative overuse.
Despite repeated advice regarding load management,
their love for running often outweighs their willingness to rest.
Early Signals Matter
Interestingly, experienced runners often recognize early warning signs.
Morning discomfort during the first steps of the day
is one such signal.
Rather than ignoring it,
they choose to visit early for shockwave therapy,
aiming to restore tissue condition
before symptoms escalate.
The objective is clear:
maintaining a body capable of continued running.
Exercise for Health Can Still Overload the Body
Exercise is essential for health.
Yet without proper management,
it can become a source of stress rather than benefit.
Pushing through pain,
especially without understanding its origin,
often leads to longer recovery periods.
Early assessment and intervention
allow individuals to remain active
while minimizing risk.
The Concept of Orthopedic Consultation
In this context, orthopedic care extends beyond pain relief.
It includes:
- movement assessment
- load distribution analysis
- conditioning strategy guidance
This approach supports sustainable exercise habits
rather than forcing interruption.
Related Articles
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Why Pelvic Balance Matters in Running and Golf
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Foot and Ankle Pain After Long Walks
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Why Shoe Choice Matters for Foot Pain
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Should I stop exercising when pain appears?
Not always. The appropriate response depends on the cause and severity of pain.
Early evaluation helps determine safe continuation.
2. Is manual exercise therapy only for pain relief?
No. It is also used to improve movement patterns
and reduce future injury risk.
3. Can consultation help improve performance?
Yes. Identifying imbalance and inefficiency
often leads to improved comfort and performance.
MADI-BONE CLINIC — Seolleung Station
MADI-BONE CLINIC
3F, 428 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Seolleung Station (Line 2) Exit 1 — 3 minutes on foot
📞 02-736-2626
⏰ Mon–Fri 09:30–18:30 / Sat 09:30–13:00
