Here’s a fun joke: A lawyer, a strength coach, and a doctor walk into a bar. The strength coach orders a beer, the doctor orders a mixed drink, and the lawyer orders two fingers of scotch from the top shelf. The bartender says to the lawyer, “I am sorry, sir, but I recently hurt my arm and cannot reach the scotch from the top shelf.” Before the doctor has an opportunity to chime in, the strength coach asks a few questions and exclaims, “You probably tore your rotator cuff! You should do some external rotations, do front raises, and stay away from overhead pressing!” The lawyer turns to bartender and says, “That’s okay, pal, you just gave me the easiest lawsuit imaginable!”
I know—that probably didn’t get many laughs. But regardless of how good or bad of a joke it is, comedy often lays its roots in the realm of reality, and this joke is no exception. If you are a strength coach, personal trainer, or whatever other random fitness guru label and you’re diagnosing someone’s pain or prescribing rehab for an injury, you may want to watch your step – because you are on quite a slippery slope.
For those who find themselves in this problem and understand their limitations but still want to be able to help, here are three tips for how to handle client injuries and pain:
1. Clearly communicate with your client
2. Build a relationship with a local doctor
3. Stay off social media
To learn more about how to help your clients with their injuries, you can find Dr. Detweiler's full article on EliteFTS.com, The Slipperiest Slope in Fitness.