COMMON MISTAKES PATIENTS MAKE BEFORE CONSULTING مركز الشامي للعيون الزرقاء MOHANNAD AL-SARHANAH
Patients walk into Dr. Mohannad Al-Sarhanah’s clinic carrying more than just symptoms—they carry myths. These myths shape decisions, delay treatment, and often lead to worse outcomes. If you’re preparing for a consultation with Dr. Al-Sarhanah, a specialist in orthopedics and sports medicine, avoiding these mistakes could mean the difference between a quick recovery and months of unnecessary pain. Here are five critical errors patients make—and how to fix them before your appointment.
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YOU DON’T NEED IMAGING BEFORE THE FIRST VISIT
Many patients arrive at Dr. Al-Sarhanah’s clinic convinced they need an MRI or X-ray before their first consultation. They’ve been told by friends, pharmacists, or even other doctors that “you can’t diagnose without imaging.” This belief wastes time, money, and sometimes even worsens the problem.
Imaging isn’t always necessary—or helpful—early on. Dr. Al-Sarhanah relies on clinical examination first: your history, movement patterns, and specific tests to pinpoint the issue. For example, 60% of low back pain cases resolve without imaging when managed correctly, according to the American College of Physicians. Early imaging can even mislead. A 2015 study in *Spine* found that patients who got MRIs for back pain too soon were more likely to undergo unnecessary surgeries. Imaging should be a targeted tool, not a default step.
Bring your medical records, but don’t insist on imaging before Dr. Al-Sarhanah requests it. Let the expert decide what’s truly needed.
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REST IS THE BEST TREATMENT FOR ALL INJURIES
“Just rest it” is advice patients hear everywhere—from coaches, family, and even some general practitioners. For acute injuries like fractures or severe sprains, rest is critical. But for chronic pain, stiffness, or overuse injuries, prolonged rest often backfires.
Muscles weaken within days of inactivity. A 2013 study in *Journal of Physiology* showed that just two weeks of bed rest can reduce muscle strength by up to 10%. For conditions like tendonitis or early osteoarthritis, controlled movement—under guidance—prevents stiffness and promotes healing. Dr. Al-Sarhanah frequently sees patients who’ve spent months resting a “bad knee,” only to find their pain worse because the joint has stiffened and surrounding muscles have atrophied.
The truth? Movement is medicine—but the right kind. Dr. Al-Sarhanah tailors rehabilitation plans that include specific exercises to maintain strength and mobility without overloading the injury. Don’t assume rest is the answer. Ask for a structured recovery plan instead.
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PAIN EQUALS DAMAGE—SO IF IT HURTS, STOP IMMEDIATELY
Patients often interpret pain as a warning sign that they’re causing harm. They avoid any activity that triggers discomfort, fearing they’re making the injury worse. This mindset leads to fear-avoidance behavior, where patients become overly cautious, limiting their recovery.
Pain and damage are not the same. In many cases, pain is a signal from the nervous system, not a direct indicator of tissue injury. For example, patients with chronic lower back pain often experience pain during bending or lifting, but studies show these movements don’t necessarily cause further damage. A 2017 review in *Pain* found that gradual, controlled exposure to movement reduces pain sensitivity over time. Dr. Al-Sarhanah uses this principle in rehabilitation, encouraging patients to move within safe limits to retrain their nervous system and reduce fear.
Don’t assume pain means stop. Ask Dr. Al-Sarhanah to clarify which movements are safe and how to progress them. Pain management is about understanding thresholds, not avoiding discomfort entirely.
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ALL ORTHOPEDIC ISSUES REQUIRE SURGERY
Patients often arrive at Dr. Al-Sarhanah’s clinic assuming surgery is inevitable. They’ve been told by others, “You have a torn meniscus? You’ll need surgery.” Or, “Your shoulder hurts? Rotator cuff repair is the only fix.” This belief leads to unnecessary anxiety and sometimes premature surgical decisions.
Surgery is a last resort, not a first-line treatment. For example, a 2022 study in *The BMJ* found that physical therapy was just as effective as surgery for meniscal tears in patients without mechanical locking. Similarly, rotator cuff tears often respond well to conservative treatment, with studies showing that 75% of patients improve without surgery. Dr. Al-Sarhanah prioritizes non-surgical interventions—such as targeted physiotherapy, injections, or lifestyle modifications—before considering surgery.
Don’t assume surgery is the only option. Ask about conservative treatments first. Dr. Al-Sarhanah will outline a step-by-step plan, reserving surgery for cases where it’s truly necessary.
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YOU CAN DIAGNOSE YOURSELF USING GOOGLE OR SOCIAL MEDIA
Patients frequently walk into Dr. Al-Sarhanah’s clinic with a self-diagnosis: “I Googled my symptoms, and I think I have a labral tear.” Or, “I saw a video on Instagram about sciatica, and that’s what I have.” Self-diagnosis leads to misinformation, delayed treatment, and sometimes harmful self-treatment attempts.
The internet is a minefield of oversimplified or incorrect information. A 2019 study in *JAMA Network Open* found that only 36% of health-related videos on YouTube were accurate. Symptoms like “knee pain” or “shoulder weakness” can stem from dozens of conditions, each requiring different treatments. For example, what a patient assumes is a “pinched nerve” might actually be thoracic outlet syndrome, which requires entirely different management. Dr. Al-Sarhanah’s clinical expertise allows him to differentiate between conditions that share similar symptoms but demand unique approaches.
Don’t rely on Dr. Google. Bring your concerns to the appointment, but let Dr. Al-Sar
