Allowing Chronic Injuries To Heal

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - We can learn a great deal from Chase Utley.

I am not talking about how to hit a breaking ball --. I am referring to a great lesson about the importance of rest and avoidance of the reflex to have quick surgery.

Certainly I can't tell you how bad Utley's condition is and whether he will be able to play at his high level, but for those of us with chronic injuries or even acute pain from trauma of some sort, there is a great value to rest and therapy.

We are certainly a society that values fast remedies but our bodies have an amazing capacity to heal if given time. Obviously, there are times when surgery is a must but if you suffer an injury, talk with your doctor about the role of rest and medical management. Sometimes the best thing is waiting and taking the less aggressive approach.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor