With the growth of the Internet, we have at our fingertips an enormous, and almost inconceivable, amount of knowledge. There is no question that the Internet cannot answer! However, this does not mean that every answer it give us is true. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who do take what’s posted on the web as fact and make decisions base on the wrong or misguided information. Even the most reputable sources can get it wrong. So when searching the internet for answers, especially when it come to your health, remember that it is “User Beware!” However, there are more reputable sources that if and when you do seek health information, I’d rather have you looking at then a random article or a post on answers.com, for example. Here are some of the recommended sources for the most accurate and up-to-date health care information.

• WebMD.com – A great resource for health related information and tools. They have expert medical practitioners on their staff that review all the published content and take extra measure to make sure they are providing credible information.
• MedlinePlus.com – Through its extensive research database, Medline provides the most up-to-date information on most health care topics with easy to use navigation tools, videos, illustrations, and dictionary of medical terms.
• MayoClinic.org – Is a website that produces content provided by more than 3,300 physicians, scientists and researchers with ties to the world renown Mayo Clinic.
• Synergympt.com – Okay, so we had to put our website on this list! After all we provide a great resources through our website, newsletters, and blogs on orthopedic injuries, women’s health issues, health tips, and more. Check it out, we think you will be impressed!

As physical therapists we often have patients that will self-diagnosis or even self-treat due to health care information that they found online, even from these reputable sources. At times the patients have been correct and have performed the right stretches or exercises, but there are even more cases of patients who have either delayed their healing or made things worse by becoming their own doctor or physical therapist.  Just because you researched shoulder pain from one of these websites and came up with a diagnosis that fits your symptoms does not mean the diagnosis you think you have is the actual diagnosis. For example, if you have a torn shoulder muscle but through your research think you have tendonitis, which can present very similar to a tear, you could be doing the wrong treatments and making things worse. So use this information with a grain of salt and please do not disregard the value of a physical exam and diagnosis by a licensed medical professional.  If you do suffer from an injury your best bet is to stop by and see one of our physical therapists today. At our clinics you will get a personalized examination and diagnosis that will most often lead you to a quicker recovery. Call to schedule an appointment today!

Michael Phillip, PT

Physical Therapist

Synergy Manual Physical Therapy – South Office