<< Is it really okay to 'wait and see' with that injury? >> Survey of 550 men and women in their 30s to 50s nationwide! Exploring the reality of medical visits and rehab after injuries and the overlooked risk of chronicity - Survey by Tokiwadai Tokiwa Dori Clinic

'It's just a minor injury, it will be fine' -- Pain that is ignored thinking this way can sometimes lead to prolonged issues later on. Injuries during daily life or sports are not just minor bruises or sprains; there are cases where fractures or damage to ligaments and meniscus are hidden. In particular, the working generation in their 30s to 50s tends to prioritize work and family, showing a tendency to postpone visiting a doctor. However, if left untreated without a proper diagnosis, it can lead to joint instability, chronic pain, and functional decline. For muscle and ligament damage, early assessment and starting rehabilitation can often accelerate recovery. While the number of people in their 30s to 50s enjoying sports and training is increasing along with a rising health consciousness, there is also a risk of falls and injuries during exercise. That is exactly why the importance of visiting an orthopedic clinic at an early stage, rather than ignoring it thinking 'it will heal eventually,' is being questioned again today. Based on this background, Tokiwadai Tokiwa Dori Clinic conducted an 'Awareness Survey on Injuries and Treatment' (internet survey) targeting 550 men and women in their 30s to 50s nationwide. Survey Name: Awareness Survey on 'Injuries and Treatment' Survey Date: March 7, 2026 Survey Method: Web Questionnaire (Multiple choice and descriptive) Target Audience: Men and women in their 30s to 50s residing in Japan Number of Respondents: 550 people ## Summary of 'Awareness Survey on Injuries and Treatment for Men and Women in their 30s-50s' 1. The most common injury experience is 'sprains/bruises' at 38.9%. 2. When feeling an injury or physical pain, about half visit a medical institution. 3. Regarding recovery status, 'fully recovered' was the highest at 44.0%, while about 10% experienced lingering pain or discomfort. 4. Regarding post-injury rehabilitation, 'Did not do it' was the most common response at 38.4%. 5. What people expect most from medical institutions is an 'accurate diagnosis (X-ray, MRI, etc.)' at 40.5%, showing a high need for clarity regarding the cause. --- ### 'Injuries are not special' Many working-age people experience everyday trauma Survey results showed that many people in their 30s to 50s have experienced some kind of injury. Common traumas like sprains and bruises are particularly frequent, and hurting one's body during daily life or exercise is not rare at all. A certain number of traumas due to fractures or falls were also seen, indicating that injuries are a familiar risk for the working generation. These injuries occur not only during sports but also in various daily situations, such as tripping on a step or carrying luggage. It is also possible that a decline in muscle strength and flexibility due to aging is a contributing factor. --- ### Go to the hospital immediately or just wait and see? A huge gap in behavior immediately after an injury While some people visit a medical institution immediately, it was found that many people respond by waiting to see or using their own judgment. There are quite a few cases where people just use over-the-counter medicine or compresses, or do nothing and monitor the situation, highlighting the reality that getting injured does not necessarily mean an immediate doctor's visit. Especially among the working generation in their 30s to 50s, busyness with work and feelings of...