Free Advice

Here's an adage that's worth remembering. Free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it.

A lady came up to me in the gym tonight and introduced herself as Tina. Tina said I had great arms and looked like I knew what I was doing so she asked me for stretches or exercises to help her injured shoulder. ME???

Anyway, she had injured her shoulder during a trail bike accident and said that it had gotten pulled out of the socket. This happened 7 or 8 months ago and she'd never had it looked at. I advised her to see a doctor, but she said she was a graduate student (she looked about my age) and didn't have insurance. While I can relate to the problem, I sure as heck wasn't going to offer advice on how to rehab her shoulder when I didn't know anything about her injury. So many things could be going on there, but after this length of time, I doubt if it's minor.

When I left, she appeared to be asking the kid at the front desk about the problem. He may be a nice guy and he may have some training, but her problem really required a doctor's look-see.

This is why I ALWAYS say, check with your doctor before beginning any workout program. It may cost you, but it'll probably save you pain and possibly further injury in the long run.