Building a better weekend warrior
Originally published in the McMaster Times newsmagazine for alumni.
David Robinson ‘91 might be a sport doctor, but most of his days are spent acting like a detective.
The veteran doctor spends most of his days trying to figure out what’s wrong with his patients, based on clues like family history, previous injuries, sports played and, of course, what hurts when you poke it.
Robinson is part of the diverse team of health care experts at the David Braley Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre, and his sleuthing is usually the first step on the road to rehabilitation for injured athletes.
It’s a common misconception that the clinic’s services are only available to McMaster’s varsity athletes. In fact, in addition to Marauders, current patients include a mix of slo-pitch superstars, Sunday morning quarterbacks and pick-up hockey players.
“I even see one person who’s close to 80 years old,” says Robinson, “which is fantastic.”
Fantastic? It’s proof that you can be active throughout your entire life, and that, says Robinson, is why the team at the clinic exists.
Over the years, the clinic has become a one-stop shop for sport medicine and rehabilitation. Its services include chiropracty, massage therapy, nutritional planning and coaching on strength and conditioning. Staff can also help fit proper orthotics and special braces.
It’s a unique consolidation of resources that allows the clinic to offer truly comprehensive treatment to help keep people healthy.
“You might get hurt, but we don’t want you to be discouraged and quit,” says Robinson. “We can give you a very accurate diagnosis and specific treatment, because we see this stuff all day, every day. Our goal is to get you back out there being active – no matter what level you compete at.”
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Read more stories in the spring 2016 issue of the McMaster Times newsmagazine.
