Sports Spine Specialist Chiropractic Team: Athletes strive to achieve their body’s maximum performance by participating in numerous training regimens consisting of strenuous exercises and physical activity and ensuring they meet all of their body’s nutritional requirements. Through proper fitness and nutrition, many individuals can condition themselves to excel in their specific sport. Our training programs are designed for athletes that look to gain a competitive edge in their sport.
We provide sport-specific services to help increase an athlete’s performance through mobility, strength, and endurance. Occasionally, however, the excess workouts can lead many to suffer injuries or develop underlying conditions. Dr. Alex Jimenez’s chronicle of articles for athletes displays in detail the many forms of complications affecting these professionals while focusing on the possible solutions and treatments to follow to achieve overall well-being.
Some people who rely on fitness trackers to see how hard they work out may want to rethink this approach, according to a small study that suggests the increasingly popular devices may get more accurate heart rate readings when users are at rest than during exercise.
The study tested four popular wristbands, each of which has a light-emitting diode (LED) that measures heart rate from tiny changes in skin blood volumes by using light reflected from the skin.
Participants in the study – 40 healthy adults – wore two trackers on each wrist and compared resting and exercise heart rate readings on the devices to the gold standard used by doctors: an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) test.
At rest, the Fitbit Surge got heart rate measurements that most closely matched the ECG results, and the Basis Peak was furthest off. In tests that also included the Fitbit Charge and Mio Fuse, none of the trackers got exercise heart rate readings that came close to the ECG.
These results suggest that while the trackers may help monitor daily activity, it’s not clear the heart rate readouts would be accurate enough to help patients with certain health problems make medical decisions, the authors note in Annals of Internal Medicine.
“At any moment, the tracker could be off by a fair bit, but at most moments, it won’t be,” said lead study author Lisa Cadmus-Bertram of the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
“This is why our paper doesn’t suggest that the commercial trackers we tested would be sufficient for medical applications where high precision is needed during exercise,” Cadmus-Bertram said by email. “Yet for the typical recreational user, they may still provide feedback that’s useful and motivational.”
To assess the accuracy of the trackers, researchers examined heart rate data for participants who were 49 years old on average and slightly overweight.
First, they looked at the amount of agreement between the readings from the trackers and the ECG tests.
When participants were seated, researchers took readings for the trackers and the ECG tests at one-minute intervals for 10 minutes.
The narrowest range of differences between the trackers and the ECG, indicating the most accuracy, was for the Fitbit Surge. The range for this tracker ranged from an underestimation of 5.1 beats per minute to an overestimation of 4.5 beats per minute.
The widest range of difference at rest was for the Basis Peak, which ranged from an underestimation of 17.1 beats per minute to an overestimation of 22.6 beats per minute.
When participants exercised on a treadmill, the ranges were even wider. The Mio Fuse ranged from an underestimation of 22.5 beats per minute to an overestimation of 26 beats per minute, for example, while the Fitbit Charge range from an underestimation of 41 beats per minute to an overestimation of 36 beats per minute.
The study is small, and researchers found only limited repeatability with results for the same participant under the same conditions.
Still, the findings are an important first step in understanding the clinical validity of wrist trackers many patients already use, said Dr. Daniel Cantillon, a researcher at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio who wasn’t involved in the study.
“We need data testing these devices among patients with specific disease states, such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation and other chronic medical problems, where it is possible that additional variation will occur with physical activity,” Cantillon said by email.
In particular, patients with the most common heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation, shouldn’t rely on the trackers to detect abnormal rhythms, said Dr. Sumeet Chugh, a researcher at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles who wasn’t involved in the study.
“There is a lot at stake here,” Chugh said by email. “When it comes to the use of wrist-worn trackers, we need to be confident of accuracy comparable to treadmill testing if we are going to use the information for patient care.”
A spokesperson for Fitbit told Reuters Health that Fitbit trackers “are not intended to be medical devices” but instead “to give a more informed picture” of overall health. “Extensive internal studies . . . show that Fitbit’s PurePulse technology performs to industry standard expectations for optical heart rate on the wrist,” the spokesperson said.
Mark Gorelick, Chief Science Officer at Mio Global, said in a statement that the company’s technology “helps consumers understand the intensity of their exercise, based on their personal profile and heart rate data, and empowers them to proactively manage their health and reduce risk of lifestyle-related diseases.”
We started off this week with a BANG! Today is no different. There is no strength work, which means that you should expect a metcon that is a little on the longer side. Have Fun!
-Jon Jon
Metcon:
A) 2 Rounds:
500m Run
15 Clean and Jerks
(RX: 135/95)(Sc: 115/75)
B) 2 Rounds:
500m Row
50 Air Squats
C) 2 Rounds:
1000m BIke
25 KB Swings
(RX: 55/35)(SC: 44/25)
Supplemental Work:
1) Bent Over Rows- 3�10
2) Lat Pull-downs- 3�10
3) DB Bench Press- 3�10
4) Seated DB Shoulder Press- 3�10
Just a bit of vigorous exercise each day could help some children and teens reduce their risk of developing heart problems and diabetes, researchers say.
The new study looked at nearly 11,600 kids, aged 4 to 18, in the United States, Brazil and Europe.
The investigators found that replacing light exercise with as little as 10 minutes a day of intense activity may provide significant cardiometabolic benefits for young people who have relatively large waists and elevated levels of insulin in their blood. These are factors that put them at risk for developing heart problems and metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
“The results suggest that substituting modest amounts of vigorous physical activity for longer-duration light exercise may have cardiometabolic benefits above and beyond those conveyed by moderate activity and the avoidance of sedentary behavior,” lead author Justin Moore said.
Moore is an associate professor of family and community medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. He noted that more research is needed because additional factors that contribute to disease risk — such as diet and genetics — need to be taken into account.
“If such studies provide robust results, a relatively brief but intense dose of physical activity — perhaps as little as 10 minutes day, which is certainly feasible for most youth — could turn out to be part of a ‘prescription’ for children to achieve or maintain cardiac and metabolic health,” Moore said in a medical center news release.
The study was published recently in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
As mentioned previously, we will be beginning a new programming “style” for the next few weeks. Marc and I will be focusing a lot on pulling strength and also be working towards optimizing your Murph time this year. Murph is May 29, which leaves us roughly 7 weeks to train for it. Expect at least 1 Metcon per week that is a bit on the longer side (30-40 minutes) and some good strength work and high intensity Metcons on the other days. Also, we will be throwing in some extra/optional supplemental programming that will compliment the day’s work. This supplemental work is to be done on your own and not within the hour of class. LETS DO THIS!
-Jon Jon
Strength:
Back Squats E2MOM x 4 7 Squats @ 65% of 1RM
Metcon:
5 Rounds: 10 HR Pushups (L3: HSPU) 10 Pwr Snatch (75/55)(L3:95/65) 10 Toes to Bar
Supplemental:
1) Banded Lateral Walks- 3x20m each side 2) Single-Leg KB Deadlifts- 3×10 each side 3) Hip Extensions- 3×10 @ Heaviest
Strapless dresses. Destination getaways. Bachelorette parties. Wedding season festivities come with many opportunities to dress up and bare all. Whether you’re looking to get fit for your own special day or trying to sculpt for a BFF’s, this 10-minute HIIT workout from Nike trainer Lauren Williams will do the trick (and then some).
Ready to get your heart rate way, way up? Watch this video for a full demonstration on how you can strengthen and lengthen all over without any equipment. If you can’t watch, the fat-burning workout is described below, too. Get ready to get sweaty!
Squats: Slowly squat down with the feet turned out slightly. This movement helps to open up the hip flexors and get the quads working right off the bat. Continue squatting for 45 seconds.
Plank roll-downs: From standing, roll your body down toward the ground and walk the hands out so you’re in a plank position. Hold for five seconds. Walk hands back toward body and roll back up to stand. Repeat. Continue for 45 seconds.
Side shuffle with high knees: To start getting your heart rate up, quickly shuffle from one side to the other. Take a few shuffle steps to one side and begin to raise knees high, up towards your chest, for three seconds. Shuffle to the other side and repeat the high knees motion. Continue switching off between the two exercises for 45 seconds.
Plank with squat hold: From a high plank position, jump and place the feet flat on the ground so you’re squatting in a chair pose. Hold the squat for three seconds, then jump the feet back to return to high plank. Continue one minute.
Push ups: Complete push-ups with your hands wider than the width of a yoga mat for 45 seconds.
Forearm plank: For an active rest that continues to keep your heart rate up, hold a forearm plank for one minute.
Squat with rotation: From a squat position, jump and turn your body 180 degrees, landing in a squat facing the opposite direction as when you started. Continue rotating from side to side in a squat position for one minute. You’ll burn fat while you strengthen your quads and hamstrings.
Forearm to high plank: From a forearm plank raise yourself up to a high plank (with hands on the ground) and slowly creep your hands out in front of your body slightly. Walk the hands back under the shoulders, lower to forearm plank, and repeat. Continue for one minute. To modify, simply bring the knees to rest on the floor. This move burns out the triceps and also strengthens the core at the same time.
Split squat lunge jumps: Start in a lunge position with the right leg forward, left leg back. Make sure both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Hold the lunge for three seconds, then jump to switch the front and back legs. Continue for one minute. The hold in between each jump ensures an extra tough burn.
Mountain climbers from plank: From plank, begin to jog your legs in towards your chest for a mountain climber movement. Make sure to keep your hips in line with your back, so they don’t lift up toward the ceiling. Continue for one minute.
Shuffle with burpee: From a demi squat position, shuffle three steps to one side, then drop the body down to the ground for your burpee. Quickly pop back up before shuffling to the other side and repeating. Continue for one minute.
Physical therapists (PT’s) are healthcare professionals who treat patients of all ages with back or neck ailments. Your spine surgeon, physiatrist, orthopedist, primary care physician, neurosurgeon and your chiropractor may refer you to a physical therapist as portion of your non-operative plan of treatment. An organized physical therapy plan may be an intrinsic portion of your after-care following back surgery. PT’s practice in a variety of settings for example hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. �Myself, I am a Chiropractor. �There are clear differences that sometimes creates confusion, and for that reason I have posted this in order to create conversation regarding the similarities and contrasts.
Goals of Physical Therapy
The primary goals�of physical therapy include: maintain practical skill and improve, build endurance and physical strength, increase flexibility, reduce pain, and prevent impairment. PTs also instruct patients the best way to exercise to enhance overall physical fitness, move about safely (biomechanics and ergonomics), and injury prevention. Physical therapists also help patients with long-term physical incapacity (eg, spinal cord injury).
Physical therapy may contain passive modalities; the individual is administered to treatments by the PT. Modalities include myofascial release, different types of massage, ultrasound, ice or heat. Some of these treatments could be administered before lively therapeutic exercise.
Rebuild endurance, flexibility and strength after back surgery, also as specific physical needs associated with surgical aftercare.
Coordinated Care
Your physical therapist may work directly for or with your physician, therapist, chiropractor and other healthcare providers to organize aspects of your physical treatment. For instance, your doctor may send the physical therapist pertinent parts of your graph, such as present medications, your analysis, and results of imaging studies.
During the first consultation, the physical therapist talks with you about symptoms, analysis, and your medical history. Many patients with a back or neck ailment experience pain that is severe, chronic, and/or episodic. Severity the location, type, and variables that decrease or increase pain are significant, and the PT will ask you many questions regarding pain.
Education and Clinical Training
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who passed a state licensing examination and have completed an accredited physical therapy program. The program includes medical ethics academic learning, and evidence-based medicine with clinical use outside the classroom. After graduation, a PT may advance experience and knowledge by participating in areas of their interest. Now all physical therapists graduate with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
Through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, a PT can eventually be a board certified specialist in a specific area such as orthopaedics, pediatrics, or geriatrics. There are various areas of specialization.
Selecting A Physical Therapist
Many states permit you to attend a physical therapist without a physician�s referral. What questions should you keep in mind about picking out a physical therapist, even though you can definitely ask your physician for a recommendation? Listed below are some questions to consider.
What is the physical therapist�s training and educational history?
Does the physical therapist frequently treat patients with my difficulty?
How many times per week do I need physical therapy?
Will I Be provided by the physical therapist with a customized home exercise plan?
Am I comfortable with a female or male physical therapist?
Taking Charge
Bear in mind a physical therapist is a precious healthcare professional and member of your medical team. While physical therapy may be challenging or demanding at first, you are offered many benefits by a PT. It’s an opportunity to take charge of your back or neck pain, while building a stronger more resilient body.
Call Today!
Source:
American Association of Physical Therapists. www.apta.org
Many people in the United States will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime, whether it’s a temporary or chronic issue. However, a great percentage of individuals with this debilitating complication are overweight or obese.
Fortunately, research has demonstrated that weight loss can have a considerable effect towards relieving symptoms of back pain. Weight loss programs can be very helpful for patients with weight problems and back pain. While there are a variety of programs available, not every program is the same and it may be difficult to find the best one for each individual. Some are commercialized and others are managed by a physician. Some weight loss programs recommend the use of supplements while others prescribe medications. Others may or may not be covered by insurance companies.
What to Look for in a Weight Loss Program
Considering all the differences in weight loss programs, it’s ultimately essential for Americans to first do some research in order to find the most appropriate program for them before signing up and spending any amount of money. Several weight loss programs may even provide practices that your healthcare professional may have advised you to avoid participating in if they would have been consulted first.
A recent study evaluated 191 different weight loss programs in the Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia region of the country. From the wide array of programs, their websites provided little to no relevant information regarding they type of weight loss program. Important details, such as the type of diet, the amount of exercise and physical activity, types of behavioral therapies, and the use of medications, were all missing online, factors which were heavily considered for the study. Most websites had not been designed to offer details of each program, but rather offer contact information for clients.
Several of the weight loss programs also incorporated weight loss supplements and medications, an important piece of information which they also failed to mention on their websites. Individuals must be cautious of taking products which have not been approved by the FDA. There are U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved medications and supplements available to help treat excess weight and obesity, however, these must be prescribed by a licensed and qualified healthcare professional.
Three essential factors to an effective weight loss program, as recommended by the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology and the Obesity Society, which should be featured include:
a moderately reduced caloric meal plan;
a regimen for increased physical activity;
and a behavioral therapy strategy.
Seeking Professional Advice
Because many weight loss programs are commercialized products or services, these can most commonly offer practices which may not meet professional standards. According to Dr. J Michael Gonzalez Campoy, MD, PhD, FACE, a specialist in obesity medicine, people seeking a weight loss program to participate in should primarily seek advice and guidance from a healthcare professional who specialized in treating weight issues and obesity.
�With the epidemic of overweight and obesity in this country, two-thirds of Americans will seek help managing their weight. The point is well taken that there is too much commercialism, or selling products with a promise of unrealistic achievements. It is best for each patient to address weight management with their personal healthcare professional first,” stated Dr. Gonzalez Campoy.
When it comes to finding the best weight loss program for your own needs, speaking to a licensed and qualified expert can be the most suitable alternative, as this option can often be safer and more effective than other weight loss programs. Patients can find obesity medicine doctors through the website of The American Board of Obesity Medicine, abbreviated as ABOM.
When Back Pain is an Issue for Weight Loss
Although many people with excess weight and obesity seek weight loss program alternatives to lose weight, it can often be difficult for them to engage in the practices due to back pain. Studies have shown that back pain is most prevalent on individuals with weight issues and that can play a huge role on their inability to engage in a proper weight loss program. However, inactivity can also ultimately lead to muscle weakness and stiffness, particularly affecting core strength, which is necessary for supporting the spine and its surrounding structures.
Aquatic therapy, or physical activity in a pool, is a low-impact form of exercise that can be a good choice for people with back pain, helping them reduce weight and strengthen the muscles. Additionally, people with obesity and excess are more likely to experience muscle weakness and stiffness along their lower back, making it difficult for them to walk on a treatmill or step mill. Although overweight or obesity complications can contribute to back pain, consulting a healthcare professional is a good approach to learning the best possible way for them to stay active and avoid further injury.
If symptoms of back pain worsen and/or they are accompanied by tingling sensations, numbness and/or weakness, it may be advised to obtain a proper diagnosis to determine the source of the symptoms and adjust or stop physical activity and exercise immediately. Furthermore, regular physical activity and exercise can help prevent aggravating back pain during intense or prolonged workouts. Over time, regular exercise and physical activity will help increase the individual’s strength, flexibility and endurance, improving their overall health and wellness.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Weight Loss Eases Back Pain
Back pain and symptoms of sciatica can affect a majority of the population throughout their lifetime. Research studies have demonstrated that people who are overweight or obese experience more back complications than people with a healthy weight. A proper nutrition along with regular physical fitness can help with weight loss as well as help maintain a healthy weight to eliminate symptoms of back pain and sciatica. Chiropractic care is also another natural form of treatment which treats back pain and sciatica utilizing manual spinal adjustments and manipulations.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
