Time for a Tune Up! Why Athletes Need a Good "Mechanic"
Our cars require periodic preventative maintenance (oil change, tire rotation, fluids flushed, etc.) to run optimally. When we neglect to do this simple vehicle upkeep, we pay for it...and it's usually not cheap. So just like our cars, we too require preventative maintenance. If you're very active, then you'll likely need even more frequent maintenance, similar to a car driven 100 miles/day versus 2 miles. OR if you're an older model, then you might also need a bit more TLC.
So where am I going with this? I'm encouraging you to find a trusted "Mechanic" to take care of YOU, just like you have for your car.
So who should it be? As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, I'm responsible for being the "mechanic" who understands and treats musculoskeletal problems (muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, etc). When it comes to overuse/repetitive sports injuries, it's especially important to find a PT who has expertise in soft tissue treatment. I'm a strong believer in Active Release Technique (ART), Graston and Kinesio taping. You can find you're local provider by searching the above websites.
So when should you see someone? I encourage my patients, especially athletes, to come in for a few sessions if they have nagging discomfort that goes on longer than a week. Early intervention with hands-on treatment and corrective exercise can prevent being sidelined. Many of you are good with stretching, foam rolling and cross training, but may need a few joint mobilizations and tweaks to your program to get out of pain.
So why don't people, especially athletes, do maintenance? Athletes are extremely STUBBORN and like to ignore pain/discomfort. If you don't know the difference between"good" pain and "bad" pain, you'll want to speak with your local physical therapist. My patients can always call or email me to check in about something that has started to bother them.
When I feel a twinge, I often do preventative maintenance (taping, Graston, ART, etc.) to keep things at bay. A quick 30-minute treatment is much easier than running 20 miles in pain (or worse, not at all)
People also avoid seeing their PT because they think a prescription is needed. In most states (including NJ), you do not need any type of referral. You can just come in and see someone for a few visits and often your insurance will cover the cost or you can just pay cash.
So treat your body BETTER than your car! You can't just go out and buy a new one.
Train hard, train smart!
IRON PT WOD: 10/22/2012
9 mi; 1hr 16 mins; avg. pace: 8'34"; 1058 calories
IRON PT WOD: 10/21/2012
Cross training: 15 miles on my bike trainer while watching the NY Giants beat the Redskins!
IRON PT WOD: 10/20/2012
13.51 mi; 1hr 52 mins; avg. pace 8'27"; 1623 calories
IRON PT WOD: 10/17/2012
6.39 mi; 52'18"; avg. pace 8'20"; 776 calories
IRON PT WOD: 10/15/2012
2.57 mi; 21'26"; avg. pace 8'27"; 311 calories