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Baylor Medical Center at Garland

 
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Exercise, Therapy or Surgery 

Take the Right Course of Action

When it comes to making a full recovery, getting the right treatment at the right time is key. Whatever your injury, this quiz will help you determine your next step. 

1. How long ago did the injury occur?

A) Just recently, and it was the first injury I’ve had like it.
B) Recently, but it’s a recurring one.
C) A few months ago, but I still have pain or difficulty. 

2. How severe is/was your injury?

A) Some light bruising (or none at all) and mild pain.
B) Bruising, swelling and/or pain that subsided in six weeks or less.
C) Severe discoloration (blue/grey extremities), severe bruising, swelling and pain lasting several weeks or more. 

3. What impact has the injury had on your life?

A) Not much; it’s getting better with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation).
B) It’s frustrating and it’s getting in the way of doing the things I love.
C) I regularly modify my activities around my injury.

Your Results

Mostly As: Exercise
After the initial bruising, swelling and pain subside, George Zoys, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Medical Center at Garland recommends slowly and cautiously returning to light exercise as you feel comfortable, and calling your doctor if something doesn’t feel right. 

Mostly Bs: Therapy
Repeat injuries can indicate that a prior injury was more severe than previously thought. Physical therapy may be your best bet for making a full recovery. “Check with your orthopedic surgeon. A combination of surgery and physical therapy might be the right course of action,” Dr. Zoys says.

Mostly Cs: Surgery
“Injuries this severe and slow-to-heal are usually the result of broken bones, torn ligaments or a re-injury,” Dr. Zoys says. “An orthopedic surgeon can figure out what’s really going on and determine the next steps—for therapy, surgery and beyond.”

Get it Checked

Still unsure of the next steps for healing your injury? Our experts can help. To set up an appointment at Baylor Medical Center at Garland, call 1.800.4BAYLOR.