Why Do We Wait?

by Nick Hawkins, Physical Therapist

The question of why we wait can be applied in many facets of life, it is an interesting question. Sometimes it is wise to be patient and wait, sometimes it is irrational. If we just met somebody we like, we know it is going to take time to develop trust, to see if we are compatible, to see if we love them. This is where waiting makes sense.

On the other hand, there are times where waiting makes no sense, forcing the question, “why do we wait?” Specifically, I am talking about allowing pain limiting our function, allowing pain to have a profound impact on our life. Why do we settle with pain for so long? What stories are we telling ourselves? As a physical therapist, I have heard a lot of reasons, ranging from “It’s old age that is causing this” “This is something I am going to just put up with.” What do these reasons have in common? They both let us off the hook! If I truly believe I am going to have to put up with this pain, or if I truly believe old age is causing this pain, then there is nothing I can do about it. If we stack the deck against us in our minds, then there is no need for effort and no risk of failure, we settle. Is this the way we want to live? Do we want to settle and let pain run and limit our lives?

Dare to imagine something you have wanted to do but have not because of your pain, dare to dream of what you would do tomorrow if you woke up pain free. Getting rid of pain and earning your life back takes effort, takes time, and takes persistence but what is the alternative?

If you are being limited by pain, or if there is something you want to be able to do in your life but can’t, please do not settle on the lie that you have to put up with it. Please do not settle on the lie you are too old. At Superior Physical Therapy, we acknowledge that each person is special. We would be honored if you give us the opportunity to work with you and empower you to get your life back. Allow the potential in your life to be reached and raise your expectations again. Be brave, dream, take that big step. Dream to get your life back. The next question will be, “Why did I wait?”

Nick Hawkins, DPT, CSCS, CAFS