So here we are “In Season” here in Arizona. The sports and activity world is our oyster. Pick your sport, and we’ve got it. BUT, sadly many have the injuries that go with it. As we age, our body wears down. Like any machine, it needs to be maintained properly, Like a classic show car, we want to keep as many of the original parts as possible. That makes a winner!
Some of the most common conditions every active person should have addressed are:
- Osteoarthritis: Managing joint health and preventing exacerbations.
- Tendinitis: Addressing issues such as Achilles tendinitis, often linked to overuse and aging.
- Fracture Prevention: Focus on bone health to reduce the risk of fractures, especially in contact sports.
- Falls and Balance Issues: Reducing fall risk with balance and proprioception exercises.
- Foot and Ankle Health:
Plantar Fasciitis: Common in aging athletes and how to manage it naturally without steroids or surgery.
Footwear for Older Athletes: Supportive shoes and custom made (not in the shoe store or mall) inserts that can prevent falls and joint strain. - Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In some cases, managing performance and energy through HRT.
- Menopause and Exercise: Adapting exercise routines for women undergoing menopause.
- Mobility Aids and Modifications
Adaptive Equipment: Use of prescription braces, orthotics, or even assistive devices to maintain activity levels.
Sport-Specific Modifications: Adjustments for sports like tennis, pickleball, golf, or hiking to accommodate joint or balance issues.
I know this sounds like a lot, but this is real, especially as we age and want to maintain our active lifestyles here in Arizona. It doesn’t need to be that difficult, and it does not need to involve steroids or addictive pain management. Like anything you work for, you have to take the time to learn about what your condition is and do what’s best for you to keep going and being your best at your sport or maintaining your level of health. Only you know what your goals are I’m here to help you make those goals real at any age.
Steroid injections are harmful to your cartilage. I’ve written at least 2 articles on that subject. It’s such a shame that despite the research articles disproving steroid joint injections, many doctors still utilize them. There are so many regenerative therapies that may help mild to severe arthritic conditions. We help patients every day with these effective alternatives.
HCT, formally known as Stem Cells. Regeneration of Damaged Tissues
Tendon, Ligament, and Cartilage Repair: Stem cells now called HCT, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have the ability to differentiate into various tissue types, including tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and muscle. This makes them highly effective in treating injuries like torn ligaments (ACL), tendinitis, and cartilage damage.
Natural Healing Enhancement: By injecting these cells into the injured area, the body’s natural healing processes are accelerated, leading to more efficient tissue regeneration and repair. Many young professional athletes are using this to prevent serious damage, and are helping their career to last longer!
Ozone therapy. Accelerates healing. It is done as injection in joints, and other methods, depending on the condition. This is 3 oxygen atoms. It is very powerful in accelerating healing in your body. It is also very important to know what kind of ozone equipment your practitioner is using, and where their training comes from. In my office our practitioners are trained by the best, and our equipment comes from the gold standard source, not China.
PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma. Accelerates healing. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a treatment used to help heal an injury and accelerate healing.
These shots, which are based on your own blood, are being used more to treat sports injuries and to help wounds heal even after surgery. In my office, we also use it as a natural aesthetic therapy to reduce wrinkles.
Plasma is the liquid part of your blood that’s mostly water and protein. It lets red and white blood cells and platelets move through your bloodstream.
Platelets are blood cells that make your blood clot. They also play a role in healing. The issue arises as we age, that our platelets reduce considerably over the age of 60, so PRP is not the most effective treatment for those patients. In my office, we do not use PRP alone for those over 60, but we do combine this with other natural therapies to enhance the effects of PRP.
This is quite a list of things to watch for to treat your body as you would a winning classic or luxury show car. We can certainly help you to play your best like the professional athletes I’ve treated in my office for 29 years now. Please visit my office or website to see my wall of extreme and professional athletes I’ve treated over the years.
If you or anyone you know wants to play their best at their sport or any physical activity, please call my office for a complimentary consultation. We also host regular lectures on these subjects. Just call to have you placed on our VIP invitation list.
For questions on any of my articles, please email me at [email protected].
Leisa-Marie Grgula, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
Accurate Care Medical Wellness
Center
18261 N. Pima Rd. Ste. # 115
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-584-3955
