Q: In keeping up with my training schedule I frequently seem to be fighting off nagging injuries. What can I do to get out of this cycle?
A: As the old saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." We often ignore the early little signs when our health is fading, and only address problems as they limit our ability to perform our daily activities. Being "in tune" with how your body is feeling and taking steps early on to solve problems will help avoid most all running related injuries and health problems in general.
Health care should be just that, focused on what can keep us healthy and at our best rather than focused on the end stage symptoms. Listen to your body to keep it working right.
Most injuries are due to a progressive process from the repetitive stress brought about with running. Research has shown us that the symptomatic presentation with a health problem is generally the last thing to show up as a problem progresses and the first thing to go away as our body heals itself up. Symptoms are similar to the oil light coming on in your car, at this point you better get it taken care of quick before a serious problem arises.
Ideally we want to maintain an optimal level of true health, and to do this we must have all parts of the body functioning at 100%, 100% of the time. Keeping ourselves at this level of health before the oil light needs to send us that warning sign.
How do we maintain this level of "health"? There are no quick fix answers, but with good habits relating to diet, exercise, and practical health maintenance care this level of wellness can be obtained.
Dr. Jeffrey P. Metcalf
Helping fellow runners stay healthy allows Dr. Metcalf to combine two of his passions in life, running and Chiropractic health care.
