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.
Regarding the musculoskeletal system, the various muscles, tissues, and ligaments help protect the spine and vital organs that make the body functional. These muscles are sectioned into different groups that help provide movement and motion to the host without feeling pain. However, when normal factors or traumatic forces begin to affect the musculoskeletal system, it can cause unnecessary stress on the muscle fibers. These environmental factors can lead to muscle pain and correlating symptoms affecting the upper and lower body portions. When muscle pain affects the body, it can mask other pre-existing conditions that can make the individual feel miserable. Fortunately, many individuals will go to therapy treatment to reduce the effects of muscle pain and have a personalized plan that they can follow to prevent muscle pain from returning in the future. Today’s article focuses on one of the non-surgical treatments known as MET (muscle energy technique) therapy that can help reduce the effects of muscle pain and what is the protocol treatment plan to relieve muscle pain in the body. We work with certified medical providers who use our patients’ valuable information to treat individuals suffering from muscle pain while informing them about non-surgical treatments like MET therapy that can help reduce the effects of musculoskeletal pain. We encourage patients to ask essential questions and seek education from our associated medical providers about their condition. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., provides this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
How Does Muscle Pain Affect The Body?
Do you experience muscle aches, stiffness, or pain in one or more parts of your body? These pain-like symptoms are often caused by muscle pain. Research studies revealed that free nerve endings in muscle fibers can send pain signals to the brain, leading to decreased productivity and economic burden. Overstretching muscles during daily routines can cause trigger points, small nodules in muscle fibers that cause stiffness and contraction. This can lead to misalignment and additional problems over time.
Muscle pain can be a symptom of different conditions, with severity ranging from acute to chronic. Research studies stated that when musculoskeletal pain affects more than 30% of the world, it can significantly impact an individual’s life. This type of pain can be related to sensory innervation of the bones, joints, and muscles and can negatively affect a person’s daily routine. However, there are various ways to reduce muscle pain, which individuals can incorporate to relieve muscle pain and reduce its chances of returning.
Movement As Medicine- Video
When it comes to musculoskeletal pain, it can have a significant impact on a person’s body. It can affect their daily routine, causing them to have limited mobility and feel miserable. Musculoskeletal pain causes the involved muscle fibers to stiffen up and contract. This causes the surrounding muscles to compensate for the pain the affected muscle feels and causes body misalignment. However, all is not lost, as available treatments can help reduce the effects of muscle pain and can bring back a person’s mobility. One of these treatments is MET (muscle energy technique) therapy. Research studies reveal that MET is an osteopathic technique that many pain specialists like chiropractors and massage therapists use to improve musculoskeletal function by mobilizing joints, stretching tight muscles and facia to reduce pain, and improving circulation and lymphatic flow. Since many individuals don’t stretch their bodies as often as needed, their muscles can become tight and stiff, which causes the development of muscle pain. So by utilizing MET therapy, a person dealing with muscle pain can regain mobility. MET therapy can also be combined with other treatments like chiropractic care to help realign the body out of subluxation and strengthen/lengthen tight muscles. The video above explains how movement is used as medicine to reduce the effects of muscle pain.
MET Treatment Protocol
According to “Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques,” written by Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., and Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T., when the body is experiencing restricted joints, incorporating MET therapy can indicate where the problem is located in the soft musculoskeletal tissues. When it comes to many individuals going to MET therapy for muscle pain, many doctors have their protocol approach when assessing patients for muscle pain treatment.
Looking At Body Language
When assessing patients with muscle pain, looking at their body language and how they carry themselves is important. Many doctors and pain specialists should note how the individual is breathing, their posture, and if there is any perspiration on the skin. By taking note of how the individual looks physically, many doctors will begin to formulate a treatment plan while communicating with the patient to gather more information and create a trusting relationship. Afterward, the doctor can start the physical examination to locate where the pain is in the body.
Physical Examination
The MET treatment protocol’s physical examination portion allows the doctor to go through a sequential assessment involving observation, joint and muscle testing, palpations, evaluation of accessory movement, etc., to create a basic formula to create a personalized treatment plan. The physical examination of MET allows the muscles to influence muscle contractions on the surrounding fascia and alter the muscle’s physiology by reflex mechanisms. These stretches help the restricted joints be re-mobilized, and help stretch the tightened muscles to feel relief from metabolic waste.
Therapeutic Plan
The therapeutic plan for MET treatment is personalized and customizable for the individual to follow through to reduce muscle pain from re-occurring in the body. Many doctors specializing in MET therapy work with other associated medical providers to ensure that the person in pain has the help they need. Physical therapy, dietary nutrition, non-surgical treatments, and health coaches all work together to create a personalized health and wellness plan to make sure that muscle pain and its associated factors are being treated. This allows individuals to be more mindful of their bodies and regain their health and wellness.
Conclusion
Muscle pain can affect a person’s ability to move around and can affect multiple areas in the upper and lower body portions. Muscle pain correlates to tight muscle fibers that become stiff and can develop trigger points in the fascia and cause restricted movement. When this happens, it can cause the individual to miss out on daily activities and prevent them from working. Luckily available treatments can help reduce muscle pain by re-mobilizing the joints and stretching out the tight muscle. MET, or muscle energy technique therapy, helps stretch muscle fascia and mobilize joints to regain the body’s range of motion and help reduce muscle pain. Many people who incorporate MET into their daily routine can restore mobility and continue their health and wellness journey.
References
Chaitow, L., & Delany, J. (2002). Clinical application of neuromuscular techniques. Vol. 2, The lower body. Churchill Livingstone.
Fitness, exercising, weight, and strength training programs use terms like sets, reps, and rest intervals. Knowing what they mean and how to use them for optimal results is important to achieve health goals. An individual’s training program will differ in the weights, reps, sets, rest intervals, and execution speed depending on whether the training is for fitness, muscle growth, strength, power, or endurance. Here we offer a strength training guide on understanding these terms and how they apply to a workout program.
Strength Training Guide
Reps
Rep means repetition.
A rep is one completion of an exercise, such as one bench press, or one bicep curl.
So, one bicep curl equals one rep, and 10 bicep curls equals 10 reps.
Reps make up a set, which is typically the total number of reps done before taking a break.
A repetition maximum – 1RM is an individual’s personal best or the most they can lift once in a single repetition.
A 10RM would be the most an individual could lift and successfully perform 10 reps with proper form.
Sets
A set is a series of repetitions performed sequentially.
For example, one set of bench presses could be eight reps
Sets are designed according to the individual’s workout program.
Rest
The rest interval is the time of resting between sets that allow the muscles to recover.
The rest period between sets can range from 30 seconds to two minutes.
Exercises can have short or long rests between reps.
The ideal rest period depends on the objective of the workout and health goals.
Not resting long enough and starting with another set too soon can fatigue the muscles too soon, increasing the risk of injury.
Resting too long between reps can cool the muscles down and release tension before starting again.
Execution Speed
The speed at which one rep of an exercise is performed is contraction velocity.
Concentric – shortening of the muscle is often the lifting part of a rep.
Eccentric – lengthening of the muscle, often the lowering part of a rep helps to build muscle mass.
Strength: 1 to 2 seconds concentric and eccentric
Hypertrophy: 2 to 5 seconds concentric and eccentric
Endurance: 1 to 2 seconds concentric and eccentric
Power: Less than 1 second concentric and 1 to 2 seconds eccentric
Choosing Weights
The distribution of repetitions against a percentage of 1RM maximum lift is as follows. This example uses a bench press where 1RM is 160 pounds.
100% of 1RM: 160 pounds, 1 repetition
60% of 1RM: 96 pounds, warm-up reps
85% of 1RM: 136 pounds, 6 repetitions
67% of 1RM: 107 pounds, 12 repetitions
65% of 1RM: 104 pounds, 15 repetitions
An individual should be able to do one lift at 1RM, six reps at 85%, 15 reps at 65%, and so on.
Goals to Build a Program
A training program is a schedule of exercise types, frequency, intensity, and volume, for weight training or any other type of fitness training. Individuals can devise various combinations of sets, reps, rest, and exercise types to find what works best for them. A qualified strength and conditioning trainer can help develop a program. The variables can be adjusted and include:
Exercise selection
Weights or resistance used
Number of reps
Number of sets
Execution speed
Rest time between sets
Rest time between training sessions and days of the week
General Fitness
A basic strength training fitness program targets strength and muscle-building.
Between eight and 15 repetitions for two to four sets will help achieve both.
Choose eight to 12 exercises, making sure to hit the lower and upper body and core.
Strength
Building strength uses the most weight, the least number of reps, and the longest rest periods.
The neuromuscular system responds to heavy weights by increasing the body’s ability to lift heavy loads.
For example, individuals with a strength goal could use a 5×5 system.
This means five sets of five repetitions.
Muscle Growth
Muscle growth and bodybuilding training use lighter weights, more reps, and less rest periods.
Muscle requires metabolic stress to increase in size.
This means working the muscles to the point where lactate builds and the muscle suffers internal damage, sometimes called “training to failure.”
Then resting and proper nutrition help muscle repair and the muscle grows larger in the process.
A program could be three sets of 8 to 12 reps, with loads that reach or near the failure point on the last few reps.
Power
Power training uses slightly lighter weights, takes longer rest periods, and focuses on execution speed.
Power is the ability to move an object at high speed.
Each push, pull, squat, or lunge is done at a quick tempo.
This type of training requires practicing the acceleration of a lift, resting properly, and repeating.
Muscular Endurance
Endurance weight training requires more reps in each set, up to 20 or 30, with lighter weights.
Individuals should ask themselves what is the day-to-day physical activity that requires the most muscular endurance?
For example, runners will want to concentrate on increasing endurance in their legs.
Swimmers may shift and focus on their arms one day then legs another.
Movement as Medicine
References
Liu, Chiung-Ju, and Nancy K Latham. “Progressive resistance strength training for improving physical function in older adults.” The Cochrane Database of systematic reviews vol. 2009,3 CD002759. 8 Jul. 2009, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002759.pub2
Loturco, Irineu, et al. “Muscle Contraction Velocity: A Suitable Approach to Analyze the Functional Adaptations in Elite Soccer Players.” Journal of sports science & medicine vol. 15,3 483-491. 5 Aug. 2016
Rønnestad, B R, and I Mujika. “Optimizing strength training for running and cycling endurance performance: A review.” Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports vol. 24,4 (2014): 603-12. doi:10.1111/sms.12104
Suchomel, Timothy J et al. “The Importance of Muscular Strength: Training Considerations.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 48,4 (2018): 765-785. doi:10.1007/s40279-018-0862-z
Tøien, Tiril, et al. “Maximal strength training: the impact of eccentric overload.” Journal of Neurophysiology vol. 120,6 (2018): 2868-2876. doi:10.1152/jn.00609.2018
Westcott, Wayne L. “Resistance training is medicine: effects of strength training on health.” Current sports medicine reports vol. 11,4 (2012): 209-16. doi:10.1249/JSR.0b013e31825dabb8
Sitting at a desk or standing at a workstation in the same position for hours at a time every day or night can strain the body’s neuromusculoskeletal system. This causes hunching of the shoulders which leads to body tension, headaches, and neck, shoulder, back, leg, and foot pain. Taking regular breaks to move and stretch out provides various benefits that include pain symptom relief, increased circulation, improved posture, increased energy, muscle relaxation, and improve overall health. Here we look at stretches for sitting and standing jobs.
Stretches For Sitting and Standing Jobs
Sitting or standing for too long can affect an individual’s health. The body is made to move and not remain in one position for long periods. Standing and sitting for a prolonged period of time increases the risk for chronic conditions, sleep disorders, digestion issues, weight gain, obesity, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. To help break the cycle of staying in one position, experts recommend taking movement breaks for one to three minutes every 30 to 45 minutes, or at least once an hour.
Individuals are encouraged to find ways to set up a job/work system where they are not limited to just sitting or standing but have a balance where they can move around, do some desk work, move some more, and so on where the body is regularly engaging all the muscles and not only using a few that often leads to overworked muscles and overcompensating postures that lead to injuries. This can be using a standing desk, taking quick short walks, or doing some stretches. Movement loosens up the body and helps maintain mental focus.
Flexibility Breaks
The following stretches for sitting and standing jobs are recommended to be done as often as possible to develop healthy habits.
Set an alarm for every 45 to 55 minutes and perform the stretches.
Hold each stretch for at least 15-30 seconds.
Avoid exercises or stretches that cause discomfort or pain.
Chest Stretch
Many individuals begin to hunch forward. Therefore, it is essential to stretch the pectoral/chest muscles and shoulders. Individuals with shoulder problems or injuries should avoid this stretch.
Stand with the feet shoulder-width apart.
The stretch can be performed seated in a chair.
Move the arms behind the body and, if possible, interlock the fingers together.
Straighten the arms and gently lift the hands up until you feel a stretch in the chest.
Hold for 10 to 30 seconds.
Repeat 5-10 times.
Individuals can also use a resistance band and hold it overhead.
Individuals can put their forearms on either side of a doorway, and gently press forward until the stretch is felt in the chest.
Upper Back Stretch
The upper back stretch will help get circulation moving in all the muscles between the shoulder blades as well as the traps and the shoulders.
Begin in a seated or standing position.
Stretch the arms straight out.
Place one hand on top of the other.
Reach away with your arms.
Relax and gently bend the head down.
Imagine the arms curving up and over an imaginary sphere.
Hold the stretch for 10 to 30 seconds.
Neck Stretch
Tension in the neck can lead to headaches and upper back pain. Forward head posture is common when working at a desk/workstation, which places extra weight and stress on the neck muscles. The head can weigh up to 11 pounds. Staying aware of posture and regular stretching can provide relief.
Start in a sitting position, with the back straight and the shoulders back.
Reach down and grab the side of the chair with your hand.
Gently pull on the chair, while tilting the head in the opposite direction, feeling the stretch down the side of the neck and shoulder.
Hold for 10 to 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Repeat five to 10 times on each side.
Inner Thigh Stretch
Stretching the inner thigh is important for the hips and groin. This stretch helps open the hips and gets rid of tightness and tension in the lower body.
In a seated position, widen the legs, toes outward, and lean forward with the elbows on the thighs.
Keep the back straight and the abs contracted.
Gently press forward while using the elbows to push the thighs out until a stretch is felt in the inner thighs.
Hold for 10 to 30 seconds.
Repeat as many times as necessary to get a thorough stretch.
Regular stretching will help to improve the range of motion and help the muscles move more efficiently. Stretching may also help individuals reach or maintain a healthy weight for improved posture.
Benefits of Stretching
References
Cooley D, Pedersen S. A pilot study of increasing non-purposeful movement breaks at work as a means of reducing prolonged sitting. J Environ Public Health. 2013;2013:128376. doi:10.1155/2013/128376
Daneshmandi H, Choobineh A, Ghaem H, Karimi M. Adverse effects of prolonged sitting behavior on the general health of office workers. J Lifestyle Med. 2017;7(2):69-75. doi:10.15280/jlm.2017.7.2.69
Fathollahnejad, Kiana, et al. “The effect of manual therapy and stabilizing exercises on the forward head and rounded shoulder postures: a six-week intervention with a one-month follow-up study.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders vol. 20,1 86. 18 Feb. 2019, doi:10.1186/s12891-019-2438-y
Feldman, Anatol G. “The Relationship Between Postural and Movement Stability.” Advances in experimental medicine and biology vol. 957 (2016): 105-120. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-47313-0_6
Korakakis, Vasileios, et al. “Physiotherapist perceptions of optimal sitting and standing posture.” Musculoskeletal Science & Practice vol. 39 (2019): 24-31. doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2018.11.004
Lurati AR. Health issues and injury risks associated with prolonged sitting and sedentary lifestyles. Workplace Health Saf. 2018;66(6):285-290. doi:10.1177/2165079917737558
Nakphet N, Chaikumarn M, Janwantanakul P. Effect of different types of rest-break interventions on neck and shoulder muscle activity, perceived discomfort and productivity in symptomatic VDU operators: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2014;20(2):339-53. doi:10.1080/10803548.2014.11077048
Sanders, Martha J, and Claudia Michalak Turcotte. “Posture makes perfect.” Today’s FDA: official monthly journal of the Florida Dental Association vol. 25,2 (2013): 62-5.
Shaghayegh Fard, B et al. “Evaluation of forward head posture in sitting and standing positions.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 25,11 (2016): 3577-3582. doi:10.1007/s00586-015-4254-x
Walking is a great physical exercise activity that requires endurance. When walking for two hours or more, refueling energy stores can be done with portable walking energy snacks. These are foods that can be taken along and eaten while on the move. This includes fruits, vegetables, energy bars, trail mix, energy gels, and sports drinks that can replenish the body. However, depending on when an individual goes for a walk, they need to think about breakfast or lunch nutrition before engaging in the walk. This will help to get the most benefits from the snacks, as well as, what to have after the workout for recovery.
Walking Energy Snacks
Individuals walking for a long time will want a snack – before, during, and after. There are various options to choose from. Individuals may want to experiment with various snack and drink options to find the right balance of carbs, fat, and protein so that the body gets the energy it needs without feeling weighed down or hungry soon after. The ideal walking energy snacks should be healthy, full of energy, and easy to eat on the move.
Fruit Snacks
Fruit snacks are great for the all-natural carbohydrate burst.
Bananas are great for potassium.
Apples, oranges, and raisins are also recommended packable snacks.
For certain individuals, the fiber in some fruits can get digestion moving, requiring a restroom, so plan ahead.
Some individuals can eat fruit regularly but may have an upset stomach during walking, which is why experimentation may be necessary.
Energy Bars
Nutrition bars can provide vitamins and minerals and protein but can be high in calories.
Check the labels to choose the balance of ingredients that’s best for you.
Energy bars offer a healthy combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
They are convenient for a snack when on a walk.
Most products utilize peanuts/other nuts or soy for protein.
Individuals may want to avoid chocolate-covered bars, as they can melt.
Individuals can mix their own, buy in bulk, or pre-packaged.
Trail mix contains nuts for protein, raisins or other dried fruit for carbohydrates, and chocolate or carob for taste.
The salted varieties can help replace electrolytes.
Be aware of portion control, as trail mix is often high in fat and calories.
Energy Gels
Energy gels provide a carbohydrate boost designed for individuals doing endurance events and activities.
Energy gels need to be taken with water for carbohydrate digestion.
There are some that can be taken without water but may not provide as much energy.
For individuals that walk fast and breathe hard, energy gels can be safer than chewing and possibly choking.
Newer brands are trying to be natural and less sweet.
Energy and Sports Drinks
Water is not enough to keep the body hydrated on long walks.
Sports drinks with sugar and salt replenish H2O and electrolyte levels more thoroughly when walking for more than an hour helping to prevent dehydration and hyponatremia/low salt levels.
It is recommended to avoid:
High-caffeine energy drinks in small cans, as they have too much caffeine and not enough hydrating water.
Sports and energy drinks with additives and herbs, which do not help on walks, and look for those with salt and carbohydrate replacement.
Ankle Sprain Recovery
References
Francois, Monique E et al. “’Exercise snacks’ before meals: a novel strategy to improve glycaemic control in individuals with insulin resistance.” Diabetologia vol. 57,7 (2014): 1437-45. doi:10.1007/s00125-014-3244-6
Islam, Hashim, et al. “Exercise Snacks: A Novel Strategy to Improve Cardiometabolic Health.” Exercise and sport sciences review vol. 50,1 (2022): 31-37. doi:10.1249/JES.0000000000000275
Marangoni, Franca, et al. “Snacking in nutrition and health.” International Journal of food sciences and Nutrition vol. 70,8 (2019): 909-923. doi:10.1080/09637486.2019.1595543
McCubbin, Alan J et al. “Sports Dietitians Australia Position Statement: Nutrition for Exercise in Hot Environments.” International Journal of sports nutrition and exercise metabolism vol. 30,1 (2020): 83-98. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2019-0300
Moore, Daniel R et al. “Walking or body weight squat “activity snacks” increase dietary amino acid utilization for myofibrillar protein synthesis during prolonged sitting.” Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md.: 1985) vol. 133,3 (2022): 777-785. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00106.2022
Njike, Valentine Yanchou, et al. “Snack Food, Satiety, and Weight.” Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) vol. 7,5 866-78. 15 Sep. 2016, doi:10.3945/an.115.009340
Individuals can become overly passionate about exercising. However, constantly training the body without taking enough time to rest and recover can impact athletes and fitness enthusiasts physically and mentally and lead to overtraining syndrome. Excessive training can cause decreases in athletic physical performance that can be long-lasting, sometimes taking several weeks or months to recover. Individuals who don’t learn to manage overtraining can have injuries and more frequent illnesses and infections. And the psychological effects can also lead to negative mood changes. Learn the signs and how to cut back to prevent injury and/or burnout.
Overtraining Syndrome
Athletes and fitness lovers often exercise longer and harder than average to reach peak performance. Even individuals just getting started with exercise can push their limits as they try to figure out what works for them. This means taking into consideration the following:
The mental side of training.
How to get and stay motivated.
How to set up a safe and effective program with balanced cardio and strength training.
How to avoid skipping workouts when things get in the way.
Exercising too much is a mistake many beginners make, putting themselves at risk for injury.
Overtraining syndrome is when the body goes through and feels:
Extreme fatigue.
Physical performance problems.
Mood changes.
Sleep disturbances.
Other issues due to working out or training too much and/or too hard without giving the body enough time to rest.
Overtraining is common among athletes who train beyond their body’s ability to recover, usually when preparing for a competition or event. Conditioning for athletes and enthusiasts requires a balance between work and recovery.
Signs and Symptoms
There are several signs to look for, with the more common symptoms being:
Mild muscle or joint soreness, general aches, and pains.
Decreased training capacity, intensity, or performance.
Lack of energy, constantly tired, and/or drained.
Brain fog.
Insomnia.
Decreased appetite or weight loss.
Loss of enthusiasm for the sport or exercise.
Irregular heart rate or heart rhythm.
Increased injuries.
Increased headaches.
Feeling depressed, anxious, or irritable.
Sexual dysfunction or decreased sex drive.
Lower immunity with an increase in colds and sore throats.
Prevent Overtraining
Predicting whether there is a risk of overtraining can be tricky because every person responds differently to various training routines.
Individuals have to vary their training throughout and schedule adequate time for rest.
Individuals who believe they may be training too hard should try the following strategies to prevent overtraining syndrome.
Take Note of Mental and Mood Changes
Methods exist to test for overtraining objectively.
One is taking note of psychological signs and symptoms associated with changes in an individual’s mental state can be an indicator.
Decreased positive feelings for exercise, physical activities, and sports.
Increased negative emotions, like depression, anger, fatigue, and irritability, can appear after a few days of intense training.
If these feelings and emotions begin to present, it is time to rest or dial the intensity down.
Training Log
A training log that notes how the body feels daily.
It can help individuals notice downward trends and decreased enthusiasm.
This can help individuals learn to listen to their body’s signals and rest when necessary.
Monitor Heart Rate
Another option is to track changes in heart rate over time.
Monitor heart rate at rest and specific exercise intensities while training, and record it.
If the heart rate increases at rest or a given intensity, this could be a risk indicator, especially if symptoms develop.
Track resting heart rate each morning.
Individuals can manually take a pulse for 60 seconds immediately after waking up.
Individuals can also use a heart rate monitor or fitness band.
Any marked increase from the norm may indicate that the body has not fully recovered.
Treatment
Rest and Recovery
Reduce or stop the exercise and allow the mind and body a few rest days.
Research on overtraining shows that complete rest is the primary treatment.
Take Extra Rest Days
Starting anything new will usually make the body sore.
Be prepared for the aches and take extra rest days when needed.
The body won’t have the same energy levels from day to day or even from week to week.
Consult A Trainer
Not sure where to start or how to approach working out safely.
This is the time to meet with a professional who can look at physical and medical history, fitness level, and goals.
They can develop a customized program to meet specific needs.
Nutrition and Hydration
Maintain optimal body hydration with plenty of H2O/water and rehydrating drinks, vegetables, and fruits.
Staying properly hydrated is key to both recovery and prevention.
Getting enough protein and carbohydrates supports muscle recovery.
Carbs are important for endurance, and protein is important for muscular strength and power.
Sports Chiropractic Massage
Research shows that sports massage benefits muscle recovery and can improve delayed onset muscle soreness/DOMS.
Massage keeps muscles loose and flexible and increases blood circulation for expedited recovery.
Relaxation Techniques
Stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation exercises can improve rest and recovery.
Total recovery from overtraining syndrome can take a few weeks or longer, depending on the individual’s health status and how long the excessive training has gone on. A physician can refer individuals to a physical therapist or sports chiropractor, who can develop a personalized recovery plan to get the body back to top form.
Military Training and Chiropractic
References
Bell, G W. “Aquatic sports massage therapy.” Clinics in sports medicine vol. 18,2 (1999): 427-35, ix. doi:10.1016/s0278-5919(05)70156-3
Carrard, Justin, et al. “Diagnosing Overtraining Syndrome: A Scoping Review.” Sports Health vol. 14,5 (2022): 665-673. doi:10.1177/19417381211044739
Davis, Holly Louisa, et al. “Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” BMJ open sport & exercise medicine vol. 6,1 e000614. 7 May. 2020, doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000614
Grandou, Clementine, et al. “Symptoms of Overtraining in Resistance Exercise: International Cross-Sectional Survey.” International Journal of sports physiology and Performance vol. 16,1 (2021): 80-89. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2019-0825
Meeusen, Romain, et al. “Brain neurotransmitters in fatigue and overtraining.” Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie applique, nutrition et metabolisme vol. 32,5 (2007): 857-64. doi:10.1139/H07-080
Peluso, Marco Aurélio Monteiro, and Laura Helena Silveira Guerra de Andrade. “Physical activity and mental health: the association between exercise and mood.” Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) vol. 60,1 (2005): 61-70. doi:10.1590/s1807-59322005000100012
Weerapong, Pornratshanee, et al. “The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery, and injury prevention.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 35,3 (2005): 235-56. doi:10.2165/00007256-200535030-00004
Joints are the musculoskeletal areas where two bones connect. The joints have soft tissues around them, like cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Cartilage is the flexible tissue that covers the ends of the bones at a joint. The tendons are bands between the muscles and bones that connect everything to initiate joint movement. And the ligaments are a kind of bridge that connects the bones of the joints to keep the body stable when in motion. After an injury, the joints need to be worked out, stretched, and massaged to return to proper function and support. A chiropractic personalized rehabilitation program will include exercises that target joint stability.
Joint Injury Rehabilitation
The shoulders, elbows, wrists, knuckles, hips, knees, and ankles are joints. The spine is also made up of joints. The first step for achieving joint stability after a lower-body injury is to assess the joints for:
A physician, chiropractor, or therapist will check the joint and test for weakness or deficits in soft tissues, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Individuals can have conditions, diseases, or injuries that affect the joints, causing dysfunction.
Correcting deficits may require taping, bracing, exercises, or surgery.
Joint stability is attained through specific exercises that target balance, proprioception, range of motion, flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Individuals must participate in their rehabilitation program to fully recover from their injuries.
Proprioception and Neuromuscular Training
Neuromuscular training and proprioception are essential to joint stability.
Neuromuscular control is an unconscious response to joint motions without awareness.
It is how workers or athletes adjust to uneven pavement or shift their weight to stay balanced on an incline or stairs.
Proprioceptionis the ability to sense the body’s orientation in the environment.
It allows body movement and responds without consciously thinking about where the body is in space.
The information signals detect joint position, limb movement, direction, and speed.
A joint with a high level of neuromuscular control and a trained proprioceptive system can respond appropriately to various forces placed upon it during activity, decreasing the risk of injury.
Proprioceptive exercises train joint proprioceptors to adapt before initiating a potentially damaging/injurious movement.
Targeted Training
Specific to the individual’s injury, specific exercises are incorporated to regain/relearn skill sets and reset automatic movement patterns.
Skills training improves the ability to make adjustments quickly and decreases the potential for worsening or creating another injury.
Research has found that individuals who participate in neuromuscular retraining have improved muscular activation and reaction to changes compared to those who do not incorporate retraining exercises.
Trainers and therapists use neuromuscular exercises to prevent and rehabilitate ACL injuries.
The following example of an exercise rehabilitation program can be used to rehabilitate the lower extremities. The exercises should be done slowly over several weeks. Therapeutic exercises should be combined with an appropriate and gradual range of motion and strengthening program. Individuals should always work with a chiropractor and physical therapist to develop the most suitable program for specific injuries and limitations.
One-Leg Balance
Try to stand on one leg for 10 to 30 seconds.
One-Leg Balance with Eyes Closed
Stand on one leg for 10 to 30 seconds with your eyes closed.
Akbar, Saddam, et al. “Effects of neuromuscular training on athletes’ physical fitness in sports: A systematic review.” Frontiers in physiology vol. 13 939042. 23 Sep. 2022, doi:10.3389/fphys.2022.939042
Borrelli, Joseph Jr et al. “Understanding Articular Cartilage Injury and Potential Treatments.” Journal of orthopedic trauma vol. 33 Suppl 6 (2019): S6-S12. doi:10.1097/BOT.0000000000001472
Cote, Mark P, et al. “Rehabilitation of acromioclavicular joint separations: operative and nonoperative considerations.” Clinics in sports medicine vol. 29,2 (2010): 213-28, vii. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2009.12.002
Jeong, Jiyoung, et al. “Core Strength Training Can Alter Neuromuscular and Biomechanical Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.” The American Journal of sports medicine vol. 49,1 (2021): 183-192. doi:10.1177/0363546520972990
Porschke, Felix, et al. “Return to work after acromioclavicular joint stabilization: a retrospective case-control study.” Journal of orthopedic surgery and Research vol. 14,1 45. 12 Feb. 2019, doi:10.1186/s13018-019-1071-7
Vařeka, I, and R Vařeková. “Kontinuální pasivní pohyb v rehabilitaci kloubů po úrazech a operacích” [Continuous passive motion in joint rehabilitation after injury and surgery]. Acta Chirurgie orthopaedicae et traumatologiae Cechoslovaca vol. 82,3 (2015): 186-91.
Olympic athletes are so fit they make everything look easy. It is one of the most amazing examples of athletic prowess to behold. Attempting these feats of athleticism could lead to injury without proper training and conditioning. However, you can draw inspiration from these incredible skills and commitment to reach your fitness goals. Individuals can emulate the Olympic athlete’s discipline to get the most out of physical activity and workouts.
Olympic Athlete Discipline
This is not about the literal workout routines these athletes engage in but the mental state and discipline that keeps them motivated, especially when things get tough. This can help individuals get the most out of every workout. When momentum or motivation starts to dwindle, look to Olympic athletes and then apply that discipline to recharge motivation and achieve the goal.
Learn to Train Daily
Many can succumb to weekend warrior syndrome. After sitting on the couch after a long day of work all week, individuals try to make up for the inactivity by overexerting themselves with hours of exercise on the weekend. This is a perfect setup for injury.
Instead, train, work out, exercise, and move around daily. Professional athletes know they won’t get the top results in one shot.
They approach it in incremental steps for a solid foundation and understanding of the final and optimal result.
Daily physical activity and exercise maintain body conditioning, strength, and overall fitness.
And makes the body more efficient at burning fat.
Maintain Goal Focus
Olympic athletes have specific goals in their training. There has to be when competing against the best athletes in the world and winning.
Individual health and fitness goals may be smaller, but they are just as important and should be treated as such for motivation to exercise each day.
Keep goals simple, specific, and reachable/doable when setting them.
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-based.
Use daily reminders of what the goal is and strategies to achieve it.
Utilize Specific Training
Olympic athletes must have incredible endurance, strength, and skill sets to complete their event.
They must incorporate specific training drills, exercises, stretches, nutrition, etc., to improve and advance.
Whatever the goal, make sure the training is appropriate.
If trying to build muscle, focus on heavy strength training and consuming quality calories.
If the goal is to lose weight, break down the goal into achievable steps to get there, like.
What type of workouts are needed?
Consulting a nutritionist for recommendations.
Fuel the Body for Top Performance
Individuals can be concerned about food and whether it contains too much fat or calories.
Olympic athletes worry about getting the right nutrients and calories to fuel their bodies for competition.
Use a similar approach and ask what is the best thing I should eat right now for the workout and…
What foods will maintain optimal body health?
Listen to The Body and Rest
Olympic athletes have to learn to maintain the balance of maintaining top performance and not getting burnt out.
This is when they know to listen to their bodies, extend recovery days, or take a mini-vacation.
Overtraining can lead to injury, frustration, discouragement, and loss of motivation.
Whatever the activity, make sure proper form is followed.
For example, distance runners hold their heads high, have relaxed faces and upper bodies, have a natural arm swing, and do not overstride.
Apply the same form principles to stretches and exercises.
Stronger Body = Better Life
References
Casa, Douglas J et al. “Fluid Needs for Training, Competition, and Recovery in Track-and-Field Athletes.” International Journal of sports nutrition and exercise metabolism vol. 29,2 (2019): 175-180. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0374
Bailey RR. Goal Setting and Action Planning for Health Behavior Change. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2019;13(6):615-618. doi:10.1177/1559827617729634
Hackett, Daniel, et al. “Olympic weightlifting training improves vertical jump height in sportspeople: a systematic review with meta-analysis.” British Journal of sports medicine vol. 50,14 (2016): 865-72. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-094951
Huebner, Marianne, et al. “The Masters’ athlete in Olympic weightlifting: Training, lifestyle, health challenges, and gender differences.” PloS one vol. 15,12 e0243652. 4 Dec. 2020, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0243652
Swift DL, Johannsen NM, Lavie CJ, Earnest CP, Church TS. The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Weight Loss and Maintenance. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2014;56(4):441-447. doi:10.1016/j.pcad.2013.09.012
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