Dr. Ira Shapiro
Director of the Plaza Chiropractic Center in Old Bridge
Age and gender don’t matter. Virtually everyone wishes they were in better shape.
But the pursuit of better sports performances, enhanced durability and flexibility, and
even six pack abs, should never overcome common sense. Wellness transcends sports
and extends into every area of life. It provides a template for healthy living that furthers
the enjoyment of favorite or even basic activities without pain or other hindrances.
For many, this is not as simple as it sounds. We all have our limitations, which become
increasingly more pronounced with each passing year. It’s just a fact. An older athlete in
relatively the same shape as a younger one doing the same sport will likely suffer more
aches and pains. In addition to having more physical wear and tear on the body, after
the age of 40, most of us must also fight the battle to remain active, while overcoming
the increased loss of muscle mass and reduced flexibility of tendons, ligaments and
cartilage.
In addition, recurring injuries can have an accumulative effect. This is especially true for
the baby boomer generation, which is more active than ever before and participating in
far more sporting activities ranging from biking, swimming and running to yoga, cardio
kickboxing and Zumba.
Generally, activities like these often accompany two types of sports injuries. Traumatic
injuries are normally caused by violent, sudden events such as falls that can lead to
lacerations, pulled muscles or broken bones. Overuse injuries develop over time due to
the continued, long-term stress placed on ligaments and tendons. These nagging
problems if not properly diagnosed and treated can last for years or even a lifetime.
As a result, knowledge, dedication and forethought are as important as activity when it
comes to staying in shape and participating in sports and other events pain-free.
It’s all in the form. There are good athletes with bad form, but almost no bad players
with good form. Proper form is not only integral to improving athletic performances, but
alleviating undo stress on the spine, neck, joints ligaments and tendons.
Anyone who has ever played knows golf is a sophisticated sport that includes a wide range of motions. A good swing can result in a 250-yard drive straight down the fairway, while a
bad one can easily slice or hook in the wrong direction. On the medical side, bad form
can also result in host of injuries ranging from muscle strains, herniated discs and
separations to shoulder tendinitis and bursitis.
Warm up to prevent injury. Properly warming up before working out is one of the most
important investments you can make in your health at any age. A proper warm up will
not only ease the body into activities, but will gradually increase the blood flow necessary to warm muscles and enhance flexibility.
Consequently, muscles that are subjected to abrupt starts and stops without preparation are more likely to suffer all forms of muscle, ligament and tendon damage.
Never ignore pain. Pain is the body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. It is
imperative to stop the activity immediately. Individuals ranging from seasoned athletes
to beginners, no matter the age and level of fitness, should never try to play through
pain. Hoping an injured elbow or hamstring will get better on its own without the suitable
treatment and rest can result in months or even years of distress.
For more information on creating better, fitter and healthier lives for the entire family
please contact the Plaza Chiropractic Center at 732-723-0023 or visit www.plazachiro.com. Our trained staff will be happy to work with you, no matter your age or condition, to develop a safe and effective wellness program that complements your life style and offers long-lasting fitness rewards.
Dr. Ira A. Shapiro is the director of the Plaza Chiropractic Center, which he founded in
Old Bridge in 1984. A two-time member of the U.S. Olympic team medical staff, he has provided safe, gentle and effective chiropractic care to tens of thousands of patients ranging from community members to professional athletes competing at the highest international levels.
