Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Stretching after exercise?

Most people remember to warm up before exercise or physical activity, but did you know that stretching after exercise is even more important.

Exercise is "controlled trauma". We microscopically tear down muscle with exercise causing it to repair itself stronger. Damaged muscle becomes inflamed and begins to form scar tissue. After exercise, while the muscles are still warm, is the best time to stretch the muscles and joints returning normal range of motion. This stretching frees up forming scar tissue from exercise trauma, keeps the joints and muscles fully flexible, helps bring in new blood to feed and clean the tissues.

The next time you work out, don't just jump in your car right after dropping your last weight. Give post exercise stretching a try. Wait until your heart rate and respiration have returned to normal, then go through some slow passive stretches (yoga-like). If done routinely, you will be less susceptible to injury and experience less soreness later. To minimize soreness even more, make sure to drink plenty of water to help wash out cellular waste products formed during exercise that lead to muscle pain the next day.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Kids and Chiropractic?

Of Course!

Most of us know that regular spinal checkups and care should be a part of everyone’s preventative health care regimen.

But did you know that......

Damage to young growing spines can change the way they form, leading to functional problems when they become adults.

As our children grow, they are subjected to many physical stresses through their play, sports and postural demands. Gymnastics, soccer, studying, playing instruments and video games are examples of the stresses growing spines are subjected to. Many problems can be minimized or eliminated if corrected when they are young. Much like dental checkups, chiropractic spinal checkups during the developmental years should be a regular part of preventative care.



Young bones have growth plates that allow the bones to getter bigger. If damage or stresses occur at the growth areas, it can change the way our spines form. Postural changes and potentially even Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) can occur if left unchecked. Once the growth areas reach maturity at around 18 yrs. then they can no longer be influenced. Even children without outward signs of symptoms should be checked peroidically to insure optimal spinal formation. I find many adults that suffer with problems that started as a child. Even though we still are able to help these adults, it would be preferable to have them corrected early and not have them at all later.