Prevent injuries before they happen. Here in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Carefree, it can be easy, but like the game, you’ve got to play by the rules. Even though we’re active and love to play our sports, our bodies just aren’t the same as they were years ago. Like all of the greats; for instance, Michael Jordan, our game must change as we age. Our pre-and post-game preparations are different now. People used to criticize Michael for sitting on the bench after playing, icing his knees. He had to do that because his knees weren’t the same as they were when he was in his teens and 20s. Neither are ours.
First of all, as we age, our joints may be arthritic. This involves inflammation and excess fluid in the joints. It can be painful especially in the morning. In most cases, this is osteoarthritis. NSAIDS, steroidal medications and injections are not necessary. Because I am an amateur bodybuilder in my 50’s, I lift heavy weights for my age. If my diet slips and I eat inflammatory foods, my joints and muscles ache. I manage this with an anti-inflammatory diet and regular stretching and exercise. Please review my previous articles on Sonoran News’ site. Sugar, gluten and dairy are three things you must eliminate in your diet to decrease inflammation. This is a process. It does not happenovernight. Start slowly and work your way into eliminating these foods. Holidays, birthdays and special days are fair game for most. It’s okay every once in a while for some, but not on a regular basis. I can help you with this process. Once you start following this way of life, you will start to feel better and want to do more to clean up your diet. This will increase your range of motion, decrease pain and ultimately improve your game!
Acupuncture & Cupping For Peak Performance
26 years ago, I studied acupuncture with a Chinese Orthopedic surgeon. I learned techniques and protocols that are not taught this country. Acupuncture is not just for addictions, pain, and musculoskeletal conditions. It’s mainly used for peak performance and body balance. Cupping is also combined with my acupuncture protocols. Your body can heal itself. Please don’t wait until it’s too late and we are having to try and fix something. Use traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture to balance your body to perform it’s best without drugs or medicine. Just remember Michael Phelps’ cupping marks during the last Olympics. Get back in the game at the top of your game!
Cold May Be Best For Sports Injuries
Textbook says, for musculoskeletal injuries, ice is best for the first 24 to 48 hours. Then moist heat is indicated. I generally recommend all my patients with acute injuries use ice for a while. Together, we work to see what is effective using ice, intermittent heat and ice, then heat. Every athlete is different. When in doubt, ice is best for most injuries. Then get to my office and we’ll take it from there.
Stretching In The Hot Tub Or Shower Gives More Bang For Your Buck
Stretching for rehabilitation works best in a hot, moist environment. If you have a far infrared sauna in your home or Gym, this is great. If you do not have a far infrared sauna, doing your stretches in the shower is very therapeutic. This allows the muscles to stretch, contract and relax appropriately. The healing happens. The heat from the outside will help you to heal the fibers and help to repair any damage. I do caution however, that any acute injury or injury that has happened in the last week, may not respond well to the far infrared sauna. Continue therapy with ice at this point. You can figure this out by realizing that moist heat feels good while it’s on, however the next day the pain may return, sometimes even greater.
I hope this helps with any sports issues you may have. For any further questions please contact me.
For any questions regarding my articles, please contact me via email or calling my office.
Accurate Care Pain Relief Center
21043 N. Cave Creek Rd. Suite A9
Phoenix, AZ 85024
602-493-2228
