OH, DOCTOR I?M IN TROUBLE! (OH, GOODNESS, GRACIOUS ME!) - Health

OH, DOCTOR I'M IN TROUBLE! (OH, GOODNESS, GRACIOUS ME!) HOW DO I ACTUALLY GET TO SEE YOU ??

I have just seen the headline in my daily newspaper "Millions can't get to see their GP". This appears to be the damaging side effect of the government's aim that patients should be able to see their doctor within 48 hours, and if Practices keep within this government target they qualify for a cash reward.

So, this explanation solves the mystery of my own frustrating experience of trying to book a doctor's appointment prior to my holiday. There were no appointments available, but when I requested an appointment for any available time on my return, I was informed that it was not possible to book ahead. I was told that patients had to telephone on the day at 8.30 am and appointments were allocated on a 'first come, first served' policy. This was followed by a word of warning -'be sure to ring at 8.30 am as the appointments go very quickly'. And, no, funnily enough, it wasn't possible to make an appointment at this slack time in the afternoon, it was only possible to telephone at the busy time when the surgery opened in the morning. The only thing I felt sure about was (a) at 8.30 am the phone line would be permanently engaged (b) by the time I got through all the appointments would be gone and (3) my blood pressure was already on the rise. No wonder so many people have stress related health problems. (I'll tell you I'm joking when I ask you 'Can you see the day when the current major problem of patients left on trolleys in hospital corridors will seem a minor problem of the past as we are told to 'take up thy bed and walk' as we camp out overnight at the doctor's surgery to be there at opening time in order to grab that 'first come, first served' appointment', but...?)

Now, whilst we wouldn't want to go back to the 'no appointment' system of the l950/60's when we called in at the doctor's surgery on our way home at 6 pm after a hard day's work and were still waiting there at 8.30 pm surrounded by coughing and wheezing patients, steamed-up windows, which you daren't open because of the smog outside. You went in with a troublesome back and came out with a troublesome cough. I would also hazard a guess that those crowded stuffy waiting rooms were responsible for passing on many germs and viruses. Obviously, we wouldn't want to return to those days, but on the plus side at least we saw the great man himself.

So who do we blame for the collapse of the NHS service which was once the envy of the world? I think the blame can be equally divided between the patient and the provider. You may be surprised to hear of any blame being attached to the patient.The National Health Service was set up so that no one would have to forego medical care because of their inability to pay. It was a wonderful idea and wonderful service but now, of course, our NHS is certainly not the envy of the world and, unfortunately, we often have to go to other parts of the world, (often to parts where people once envied us) in order to get the treatment we need. Unfortunately, because it was a free service (and rightly so) it has gradually over the years been abused and over used. Not, may I add, over used by patients who really need the service. They are often pushed to one side and doctors' valuable time taken by patients who think they have a fashionable illness of the moment. (I believe doctors had quite a run on possible toenail fungus following the recent intensive advertising campaign on TV). Also, when we visit a doctor we feel that his advice must be backed up with some magical prescription. In fact, some doctors automatically reach for their prescription pad before you have hardly had time to relate your problem. Also it's worth remembering that so many of our ongoing problems are the result of the side effects of well-meaning prescriptions. And, more to the point, do we actually need to see a doctor at all? It's amazing how many young people go to the doctor 'to get something for their bad dose of flu', so that they'll be fit for 'clubbing' at the weekend. In fact, what they don't seem to realise is that if they really had flu they would be in bed and unable to make it to the doctor. What they are really bothering the doctor with is a bad cold which he is unable to do much about anyway, and they have probably passed it on to another patient in the waiting room who, unf ortunately, because of age or illness already has a low immunity to viruses.

Looking back to our own childhood, did we ever go to the doctor with a sore throat, etc.? I am sure your memories are similar to mine. The majority of treatment came from within the family circle - gargle for sore throat, damaged limbs were bathed and bandaged, liniment was rubbed into sprained ankles, etc. As a prevention measure, my friends all wore liberty bodices (remember them?) under their winter woollies to protect them from the elements. (Nowadays, of course, the young dispense with woollies in winter and just wear a fashion garment that resembles the liberty bodice and the fashion statement is not complete unless there is an exposed area of flesh below it. Brrr! Brrr!) I was always envious of my friend's liberty bodice as I wasn't allowed one. In fact, I was always made to feel that illness was not merely a sign of body weakness but more a sign of character weakness and that a good dose of fresh air would keep any illness at bay. Our village doctor (or Sir as I wa s instructed to call him on my one and only visit to his empty surgery) must have had a peaceful country existence. As a small child I really believed that if I saw the doctor's car outside a neighbour's house (I knew it was the doctor visiting because he was the only person who actually owned a car) then that poor neighbour was at death's door. (In fact, they usually were). Some would call these the bad old days when the poor couldn't afford the necessary health care, but on the plus side I can't remember any child suffering from asthma, allergies, etc. Perhaps all the fresh air, exercise, home-gown produce and, by today's standards, often unhygienic surroundings, built in some kind of immunity to germs.

NOW COMING TO MY MAIN GRIPE! THE SERVICE WAS SET UP TO PROVIDE FREE HEALTH CARE FOR THE PATIENT, BUT THE PROVIDERS OF THE SERVICE HAVE PUT THE EMPHASIS ON THE ADMIN SIDE AND BY DOING SO ARE WASTING A COLOSSAL AMOUNT OF THE MONEY WHICH SHOULD BE SPENT ON PATIENT CARE.

Here is my own experience at visiting a specialist when I lived abroad. (1) The necessary x-ray was taken, he discussed the x-ray with me and made a decision there and then in the one visit. Here, in order to fit in with the admin side - (1) after waiting weeks to see a specialist, you are then informed that an x-ray is necessary, (2) more admin necessary whilst you wait weeks for the appointment, (3) you travel to the x-ray dept and afterwards told to telephone for the results in a fortnight's time, (4) you telephone, more chasing up and possibly more admin as you are asked to make another appointment (5) more travelling and yet more stress as possibly the original x-ray has been mislaid when you eventually get to the appointment. Just think how many people are employed to weave their way through all this admin and the further stress and exhaustion caused to the poor patient. There is unnecessary admin even at the level of visiting the doctor. I'll give you one example. < /p>

On a visit to my doctor I was informed that I needed my blood pressure taken. I was told to (1) make an appointment with the nurse on my way out of the surgery. (2) This involved queuing at the reception desk in order to make the appointment, (3) the receptionist perusing her computer in order to find a vacancy, (4) writing out the appointment card, and (5) my having to travel by car the following week to the surgery, (6) engaging the receptionist once again, and (7) wasting part of my day waiting in the surgery WHEN IN THE TIME THE DOCTOR USED FOR INFORMING ME THAT I NEEDED A BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK, HE COULD HAVE CHECKED IT AND SO SAVED ALL THAT WASTED TIME, ADMIN AND MONEY. I know you will all have similar stories that you are dying to get off your chest. I DO WISH THE 'POWERS THAT BE' WOULD LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO MATTER - THE PATIENTS.

So, now that we are just around the corner from winter winds and ailments, let us aim to keep out of doctors' surgeries. WHO DO YOU THINK IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR HEALTH? - THE GOVERNMENT? THE DOCTOR? NO, YOU ARE! Y 0 U ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOU - YOUR HEALTH. SO LET'S TRY AND DO SOMETHING IN ORDER TO TAKE CARE OF OUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT.

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Falls Church Sports Injuries Helped Safely with Chiropractic Therapy - Health

Sports injuries are common occurrences for weekend, youth and professional athletes. Even the best-conditioned athlete can turn an ankle, suffer a pinched nerve or pull a muscle. Dr. Shirine Hegazi of Concept Chiropractic and Rehab in Falls Church, VA helps those with such injuries through chiropractic treatment and rehab services. The successful techniques used by this Falls Church chiropractor have benefited patients time and again.

Why Chiropractic Treatment Works

Most sports injuries are soft tissue ailments, which can be alleviated through chiropractic technique. The cause of a majority of the injuries that involve athletics stems from either poor sporting techniques or miscues in body biomechanics. This makes chiropractic treatment the most sensible approach. It is effective, as it works directly on the injured area.

Techniques used by Concept Chiropractic and Rehab in Falls Church, VA aid in the relief of pain and also in healing the injury. This treatment focuses on alleviating the various causes for sports injuries. Successful treatment of muscular disparities, biomechanical insufficiencies, poor sporting techniques, inadequate conditioning and other such problems is achieved.

Safe and Natural

Because chiropractic treatment is both noninvasive and it works by activating the body's ability to heal itself, it is entirely safe. Through gentle manipulation, chiropractic techniques relieve pressure on muscles and joints, increase blood flow and stimulate communication between the mind and the injured area. This results in thorough and quick healing for many.

Stress fractures, strains and sprains and tendinitis all benefit from chiropractic treatment. Along with getting fast, natural relief from pain, sufferers see steady progress towards total healing. How quickly this occurs depends partly on the type and severity of the injury.

Rehabilitation

For those who seek help from a Falls Church VA chiropractor, Concept Chiropractic and Rehab provides an extra edge--physical rehabilitation services. Expert supervision and the utilization of numerous rehab methods provides those with injuries the chance to heal faster and more thoroughly. Also, having these services under the same roof makes coordination between the chiropractic and rehab services seamless. Also, patients save time in the process.

Don't Delay

If you have a sports injury, it's important to seek help immediately. Delay can result in exacerbating the problem while immediate treatment means quick relief from pain. Also, getting help quickly can help contain and stabilize the injury. All of these aspects are essential for someone who wants to get back into action as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.

The treatment of sports injuries requires specific techniques and an in-depth knowledge of how the body functions and reacts to stress. Left untreated or if treated merely with pain medication the injured party risks further damage, slow and inadequate healing and inadequate physical performance. For those in the Falls Church, VA area, there is one provider, Concept Chiropractic and Rehab, who offers the ultimate, noninvasive solution.

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Preventing Injuries - Health - Fitness

Contrary to popular wisdom, stretching is not the cure-all that we've been led to believe. Walking, riding on a stationery bike, or doing calisthenics is a better way to warm up than stretching. If you stretch before your muscles are warmed up, you have a much greater chance of actually injuring the muscles. Stretching is best saved for after a vigorous workout.

Prevention of injury during exercise is best achieved by going slowly and paying attention to the task at hand. If you're not careful, you can let your attention drift, and between that and doing something physically challenging, you can genuinely hurt your body.

Let's look at some different injuries and how to treat them.

During weight- or strength-training, chances are that you might overdo it and injure your muscles in some way. You may strain or pull them, stretching the tendon too far and causing yourself great pain and swelling. Treatment includes rest, an anti-inflammatory medication, and alternating cold and hot packs on the affected area.

You can easily sprain ankle or wrist joints, and knee injuries are common. Exercising should NOT hurt--if you are hurting, you need to stop and restart at an easier level than what you had been doing. Brace the injured area and put as little weight on it as possible for the first 24 hours. Alternate cold and heat on it, and use anti-inflammatory agents as needed.

If you have a sharp pain in your shoulder and you can't get your arm over your head, you may have injured your rotator cuff. In this case, bypass the arm exercises and just concentrate on working your leg muscles. If you have injured your rotator cuff, get yourself to a doctor for an x-ray or other diagnostic test. This is not something to be taken lightly.

Make sure that when you lift, you do so with your legs so that you don't injure your back. If you do think you've injured your back, avoid exercises that strain it, stand up straight, and take pain medication as necessary. When the back muscles heal, begin working out slowly again and don't neglect those abs!

Many gyms have the abdominal exercisers that you use by laying on the floor and doing sit-ups. If this hurts your back, don't use this machine. You can still do ab-exercise and get the benefit by using an exercise ball. When you build up strength in your abdominal wall, you also strengthen your back muscles and protect yourself against further injury.

Make sure you don't continue exercises if you're in pain. Give yourself time to rest and the injured area time to heal. Focus on walking or some other aerobic exercise that gives you the benefits of working out without the muscle strain.

Don't neglect that cool-down stretch! You'll continue to strengthen muscles when you do this and be more limber the next time you hit the gym!

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Alternative Medicine and Therapies in Your Everyday Life - Health

Those of us who claim that we do not practice any form of alternative medicine or therapies have missed out considering all the simple remedies that we apply at home.

Consider the following examples:-- Do you massage your neck at the back when you have a splitting headache?- Do you put an ice pack on a sprained ankle? - Have you not ever used some aromatherapy for your room? - Have you not ever take some honey when you are having a bad throat? - Have you not ever taken chamomile tea for cooling and for de-stress? - Do you drink your mum's traditional herbal chicken soup home brewed for 10 hours meant for strengthening and warming your internal body?

In fact, these represent just a few out of the many simple remedies that we use in our everyday life. When we think of alternative medicine or therapies, we conjure images of some out-of-the-ordinary practices. Of course, alternative medicine and therapies can range to the more "unconventional" ones like hypnotherapy, past life regression, energy healing, etc. But mostly, they are not.

Here comes some surprising statistics. The World Health Organization estimates that between 65 and 80 percent of the world's population (about 3 billion people) rely on traditional (read: "alternative") medicine as their primary form of health care. It further states that when these traditional medical treatments are introduced into Western culture, they are seen as complementary or alternative.

Most of us tend to fail to factor in these alternative everyday remedies, but choose to think that we are believers of conventional medicine versus alternative medicine. After all, conventional medicine is very much backed by well documented research, statistics and proven theories; whereas alternative medicine is not. Still, having the benefit of practicing some of these home remedies, there is no denying that they do help in providing some form of relief and treatment. In addition, they don't cost much in terms of money and time, and most importantly, have few or little side effects.

It is therefore, a good idea to spend some time to get to know more about these alternative therapies and remedies and apply them more diligently to our everyday life. We may choose to include massage therapy, aromatherapy, eating a healthy diet, practicing yoga and relaxing breathing techniques. In the end, our spending on drugs and doctor's bills is likely to be less and at the same time, we will be adopting natural methods to heal ourselves.

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What to Know about Podiatrists - Health - Wellness

Among all body parts, your feet have the greatest degree of tension because they carry all your bodyweight. It's sad, however, a large number of people usually overlook that. Podiatrists or foot doctors know this. There aren't many of these medical experts out there but their expert services are very critical. They give treatments to your feet, ankles, and lower legs.

What could a foot doctor offer?

Corns, calluses, ingrown nails, and athlete's foot are the most frequent foot conditions that need treatment. Fractures, sprains, and other lower extremity trauma also are normal conditions that need help from podiatrists. These medical experts give treatment and surgical options for these issues. They might also suggest the usage of foot supports, custom shoes, casts, and straps for individuals with foot and leg irregularities.

Other concerns just like diabetic issues and rheumatoid arthritis have to have laboratory and radiological checks. These tests help the podiatrist ascertain the main cause of the challenge. Some heart diseases, by way of example, manifest within the lower limbs. In such instances, they recommend the patients for some other health care professionals.

Podiatrists, like some other physicians, practice a variety of specializations. Sports medicine, radiology, and orthopedic surgery are a few fields they focus on.

How to find a Podiatric doctor

Picking the proper podiatrist is similar to finding a family or private physician. You'll want to choose the ideal expert. In this manner, you're positive that you'll be experiencing good care and treatment method as soon as the need takes place.

Begin your search by getting recommendations out of your relatives, friends and colleagues who may have hired one. These won't just give you the idea of which medical professional to employ but also which health professional you need to avoid. Your family doctor may also be an excellent source of information. They often times have a list of experts they endorse to people. Nursing staff might also give you some qualified experts. They could supply you with other specifics like knowledge, professionalism, as well as their conduct as medical practitioners.

Checking online directories may also help you find numerous choices. If there are a lot of entries, don't pick randomly. More options, means more chances of locating a competent foot care provider.

When you have a list of possible foot doctors, the next task is to check their membership with the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) or the American Board of Podiatric Surgery (ABPS). You need the best treatment from qualified experts so choose only from the members of these organizations. You can go to the APMA and ABPS websites and search for your foot doctor by location.

You may also contact podiatric offices and ask for for patient referrals through the phone. Previous patients can provide bias-free assessments of the treatment and the overall service of the doctor. Take time to speak to them and find out all that you can about the specialist.

After narrowing down your list of candidates, you may set an appointment. Remember that coming on time is a sign of professionalism. Use the time to ask about the services he offers as well as his experience. This way, you can also gauge his personality. A foot doctor that is comfortable to speak with is usually comfortable to work with. When you find one with this quality, perhaps you can start asking about the service costs.

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Acupuncture for Kids - Health - Medicine

When it comes to sports, kids play hard - and while they often seem to be made of rubber, injuries can still happen. Whether from overuse (like tendonitis, bursitis, or shin splints from swimming, tennis, running) or trauma resulting from external force from getting slammed on the field, acupuncture is a great alternative approach to treating a myriad of sports injuries. This gentle and effective technique provides pain relief and speeds rate of healing without invasive procedures or medication.Chinese Medicine Approach to Sports InjuriesChinese medicine can be a great compliment to Western medicine, as it takes a different approach to diagnosis. Western medicine focuses mainly on the symptoms of an injury: What isn't working, and how can we fix it? Chinese medicine addresses the symptoms but also focuses on origins or the root cause of the problem so that the injury is less likely to persist or reoccur.A Chinese medicine practitioner looks in depth at the athlete's health condition. A diagnosis is based on past injuries, but also other health issues including stress over school or performance, sleep patterns, nutrition, and the condition of all body systems. Acupuncture is then used bring the patient's mind, body, and spirit into balance, thereby promoting healing from injury as well as the optimizing overall health of the athlete.Is Acupuncture Effective for Sports Injuries?Clinical research has shown that acupuncture is effective at treating both acute injuries as well as chronic sports injury ailments.In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) summarized the results of an extensive study it conducted, "Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials." According to this study, acupuncture "has been proved, through clinical trials, to be effective" for a variety of sports injuries, including knee, neck, and shoulder pain; tennis elbow, and sprains.Research studies are starting to show what TCM has known for centu ries: acupuncture is a great way to treat pain and injuries, including those typically suffered by playing sports today. As few as 1 or 2 treatments can provide noticeable improvement if the injury is not severe.In an independent study, 31 patients suffering from acute ankle sprain were treated with acupuncture. There was a 100% success rate for patients with between as few as 2 up to 12 treatments.[1]In 2002, Callison conducted a study of patients with shin splints. Patients were divided into three groups: those who received regular sports injury treatment, those who received acupuncture, and those who received both. The acupuncture and combined groups reported much lower pain levels after 3 weeks of treatments twice a week compared to the sports medicine group.[2]In 1999, researches at the University of Heidelberg studied the effectiveness of acupuncture on rotator cuff (shoulder) tendonitis. They found patients who received 8 acupuncture treatments over the course of 4 we eks showed significant improvement compared to a "control" group that received placebo treatment.[3]This is just a small sampling of studies that have been conducted on acupuncture treatments for sports injuries. Read more here.Acupuncture for Kids' Sports InjuriesChildren respond particularly quickly and well to acupuncture, even though they may be a big apprehensive about needles at first! The tiny hair-thin needles are surprisingly not painful, nothing like getting a shot, and probably very mild in comparison to the injury itself. Ask your practitioner to demonstrate on mom or dad first to alleviate junior's concerns about pain. If needles are an absolute no-go, there are several needle-free techniques a pediatric acupuncturist can use.

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Misconceptions About Pain - Grinning and Bearing It! - Health

Doctors differ in how they deal with pain. Older ones - of the family doctor variety who have a lot of experience in treating a variety of non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses - often dismiss pain with a hearty, "You'll feel better soon." Younger specialists, who have to fight much harder to earn their livelihoods and are also more materialistic, are much more solicitous of their patients' comfort and prescribe painkillers as easily as they would offer a child sweets.

But on the whole doctors tend to under-treat pain. There is a feeling that pain is just a fact of life. It accompanies all illnesses and it has to be borne. There is also the fear - both among doctors and among patients - that if painkillers are taken too often, they could become a habit.

But, as doctors are realising, pain can take a heavy toll on a patient's health and spirits. Compared to this, the risk of becoming addicted to painkillers is small. OTC (or over the counters) drugs are medicines that can be bought without a prescription and can relieve pain quite miraculously if they are used before the pain becomes really bad. And if one medicine does not work, a stronger one can be tried.

But does this mean that OTC medicines can be popped as nonchalantly as we pop chocolates into our mouths? Many people think that they can, but they are wrong. In fact, there are many misconceptions about pain. Here are the myths and the true facts about them.

Misconception 1. If pain goes away with OTC medication, it cannot be anything serious.

This is not true. Your response to OTC medicines has nothing to do with the seriousness of your medical problem. A sprained ankle is definitely not life-threatening, but the pain can be excruciating and may not respond to OTC medicine at all. On the other hand, serious illnesses like cancer or strokes may cause so little pain (at times) that OTC medicines work fine for patients.

So when do you take pain seriously? A rule of thumb is that minor ailments, even if the pain is agonising at first, normally heal or get much better in a week. They also don't come on very suddenly. You should see a doctor if the condition does not improve, if the attacks of pain are sudden and strong and if OTC medicines do not work at all.

Misconception 2. Women deal with pain better than men do.

Actually, research has proved that neither sex is better in dealing with pain per se. There are different kinds of pain and men and women deal with them differently. Women are able to deal better with chronic pain than men are, but men can deal better with sudden, acute pain - like when you hit your thumb with a hammer or touch something very hot.

Women, however, recover from pain quicker than men do. So in the case of, say a tooth extraction, women suffer more initially, but are less bothered by the lingering discomfort over the next few days.

Research on people suffering from osteoarthritis has given a reason for this ability of women to deal with chronic pain. They cope because they complain to friends, seek support, pray and ask their doctors for help. So they get emotional support and this helps them. Men, on the other hand, try to grin and bear it, to keep up their macho image and, as a result, they do not cope as well.

Misconception 3. Breast cancer does not cause pain.

It is true that breast cancer doesn't cause pain in the initial stages, but this does not mean that if something is causing you pain in your breast, it cannot be breast cancer. Certain uncommon types of breast cancer can cause pain - for example, cancer that affects the skin and lymph glands in the breast.

But generally, tenderness in the breast is nothing to worry about. This can be caused by the peaking of the hormone progesterone just before one's periods and also by hormones that older women take after menopause.

Harmless cysts, too heavy a workout and even a bra that doesn't fit properly can cause pain in the breasts and this is nothing to worry about. But one should visit the doctor if one notices a lump in the breast, if there is a change in the appearance of a breast or nipple, if there is a swelling, redness, a persistent nagging pain in either breast or if one experiences unusual sensations in a breast, whether painful or not.

Misconception 4. Everyone responds to pain in the same way.

Not only do men and women respond to pain in different ways, but different individuals have different thresholds of pain. Some bear the pain of a broken arm without a murmur while others weep and moan over a small bruise. Again the same individual may react differently to pain when she is upset, is under stress, is with a friend, is calm and when she knows that she has to cope by herself. Hormone levels can affect response to pain too. Women are generally more sensitive to pain just before their periods.

Misconception 5. One should always take medicine for a headache.

No, one should not take medicine for a headache because, though the pill makes you feel better immediately, headache medicine actually makes the brain more susceptible to pain and so popping pills can, in the longer time period, cause "rebound" headaches.

So analgesics should be reserved for really bad headaches and for times when you have to function at your best. At other times, a short nap in a quiet, preferably dark, room is a good way to get rid of a headache. So is meditation or the application of a cold pack to the area in front of the ear on the side one has the headache.

Misconception 6. A pain that is strong in the morning and then decreases as the day progresses can be ignored.

This often happens with joint pains. Muscles, joints and tendons tend to be stiff in the mornings and hence cause pain. But, as the day progresses and you move around, these loosen up and the pain subsides. Such pains can be ignored when you know that they are caused by minor injuries which will get cured.

But if the pain is not caused by an injury, it is not going to get cured by itself and something has to be done about it. If this kind of pain (which is worse in the morning and gets better as the day advances) persists, becomes worse and becomes chronic, it could be something like osteoarthritis and you should see your doctor.

Misconception 7. No pain, no gain.

This is what all trainers and fitness experts say when they start you off on a new exercise regimen or fitness programme. Yes, sore and painful muscles are a part of all these programmes when you start, but if your workout leaves you in real pain even after a while, it could mean that you are overdoing it, that you are developing an overuse injury or that you are exercising incorrectly.

So you should ease into a new exercise regimen slowly and work different muscle groups on alternate days. Jog and cycle one day and swim the next. Of course, walking is the best. It rarely results in injury and it can be done every day.

Misconception 8. OTC pain relievers are safe and can be taken in any quantity.

Most people feel that the medicines a doctor prescribes are strong and that one has to be careful about using them. They also feel that OTC medicines that one can get without prescriptions are safe and that one can take any amount of them. But this is not true. Overuse of OTC medicines can increase the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding or damage to the liver. So watch out as you blithely pop those analgesics and cold medications.

Misconception 9. Doctors prescribe anti-depressants when they should be giving you pain relievers.

This is the complaint when a patient who is ill and is suffering from pain is given antidepressants. But it is just not true that the doctor is messing up. Constant pain causes people to be depressed and this worsens the physical symptoms of their illness. Depression can also trigger certain types of pain. Antidepressants on the other hand, help by increasing levels of chemicals that control our moods and the way we perceive pain. So they are good for the treatment of pain.

Misconception 10. All pain can be banished for good by a good doctor.

Unfortunately, this is not so. There are some chronic pains - like backache - that just cannot be cured. But people can learn to manage these pains so that they can function better. Today, doctors are less afraid that patients will become addicted to painkillers and so prescribe them for even chronic pains - to be taken when the pain gets worse, when the patient is under stress or when he or she has to function particularly well.

Today, many doctors operate on the principle that people have the right to be free of pain. They weigh the dangers of becoming addicted to painkillers against the relief that they bring and then take a decision.

Even young patients are given painkillers when the doctor knows that recovery is going to be quick enough for addiction not to be a risk. And at, say, the terminal stage of cancer, they decide to let the patient leave the world free of pain, even if "addicted".

Doctors also prescribe relaxation exercises and suggest behaviour modification that will help avoid pain. For example, people suffering from back problems should learn not to make sudden movements, to always carry a small pillow for the small of the back when they know they have to sit for a long time and to learn to pick up weights without straining the back.

Physiotherapy can also strengthen the surrounding muscles and having a pain-reliever while this takes place does no harm.

Pain management also includes biofeedback. Many doctors allow post-surgery patients to use a pump that allows them to decide when they need intravenous narcotic painkillers. And doctors have discovered that this way, patients take small and more frequent doses that reduce the total amount of medication they take to be comfortable.

Pain may be a part of life, but we need not suffer from it too much.

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OH, DOCTOR I?M IN TROUBLE! (OH, GOODNESS, GRACIOUS ME!) - Health

OH, DOCTOR I'M IN TROUBLE! (OH, GOODNESS, GRACIOUS ME!) HOW DO I ACTUALLY GET TO SEE YOU ??

I have just seen the headline in my daily newspaper "Millions can't get to see their GP". This appears to be the damaging side effect of the government's aim that patients should be able to see their doctor within 48 hours, and if Practices keep within this government target they qualify for a cash reward.

So, this explanation solves the mystery of my own frustrating experience of trying to book a doctor's appointment prior to my holiday. There were no appointments available, but when I requested an appointment for any available time on my return, I was informed that it was not possible to book ahead. I was told that patients had to telephone on the day at 8.30 am and appointments were allocated on a 'first come, first served' policy. This was followed by a word of warning -'be sure to ring at 8.30 am as the appointments go very quickly'. And, no, funnily enough, it wasn't possible to make an appointment at this slack time in the afternoon, it was only possible to telephone at the busy time when the surgery opened in the morning. The only thing I felt sure about was (a) at 8.30 am the phone line would be permanently engaged (b) by the time I got through all the appointments would be gone and (3) my blood pressure was already on the rise. No wonder so many people have stress related health problems. (I'll tell you I'm joking when I ask you 'Can you see the day when the current major problem of patients left on trolleys in hospital corridors will seem a minor problem of the past as we are told to 'take up thy bed and walk' as we camp out overnight at the doctor's surgery to be there at opening time in order to grab that 'first come, first served' appointment', but...?)

Now, whilst we wouldn't want to go back to the 'no appointment' system of the l950/60's when we called in at the doctor's surgery on our way home at 6 pm after a hard day's work and were still waiting there at 8.30 pm surrounded by coughing and wheezing patients, steamed-up windows, which you daren't open because of the smog outside. You went in with a troublesome back and came out with a troublesome cough. I would also hazard a guess that those crowded stuffy waiting rooms were responsible for passing on many germs and viruses. Obviously, we wouldn't want to return to those days, but on the plus side at least we saw the great man himself.

So who do we blame for the collapse of the NHS service which was once the envy of the world? I think the blame can be equally divided between the patient and the provider. You may be surprised to hear of any blame being attached to the patient.The National Health Service was set up so that no one would have to forego medical care because of their inability to pay. It was a wonderful idea and wonderful service but now, of course, our NHS is certainly not the envy of the world and, unfortunately, we often have to go to other parts of the world, (often to parts where people once envied us) in order to get the treatment we need. Unfortunately, because it was a free service (and rightly so) it has gradually over the years been abused and over used. Not, may I add, over used by patients who really need the service. They are often pushed to one side and doctors' valuable time taken by patients who think they have a fashionable illness of the moment. (I believe doctors had quite a run on possible toenail fungus following the recent intensive advertising campaign on TV). Also, when we visit a doctor we feel that his advice must be backed up with some magical prescription. In fact, some doctors automatically reach for their prescription pad before you have hardly had time to relate your problem. Also it's worth remembering that so many of our ongoing problems are the result of the side effects of well-meaning prescriptions. And, more to the point, do we actually need to see a doctor at all? It's amazing how many young people go to the doctor 'to get something for their bad dose of flu', so that they'll be fit for 'clubbing' at the weekend. In fact, what they don't seem to realise is that if they really had flu they would be in bed and unable to make it to the doctor. What they are really bothering the doctor with is a bad cold which he is unable to do much about anyway, and they have probably passed it on to another patient in the waiting room who, unf ortunately, because of age or illness already has a low immunity to viruses.

Looking back to our own childhood, did we ever go to the doctor with a sore throat, etc.? I am sure your memories are similar to mine. The majority of treatment came from within the family circle - gargle for sore throat, damaged limbs were bathed and bandaged, liniment was rubbed into sprained ankles, etc. As a prevention measure, my friends all wore liberty bodices (remember them?) under their winter woollies to protect them from the elements. (Nowadays, of course, the young dispense with woollies in winter and just wear a fashion garment that resembles the liberty bodice and the fashion statement is not complete unless there is an exposed area of flesh below it. Brrr! Brrr!) I was always envious of my friend's liberty bodice as I wasn't allowed one. In fact, I was always made to feel that illness was not merely a sign of body weakness but more a sign of character weakness and that a good dose of fresh air would keep any illness at bay. Our village doctor (or Sir as I wa s instructed to call him on my one and only visit to his empty surgery) must have had a peaceful country existence. As a small child I really believed that if I saw the doctor's car outside a neighbour's house (I knew it was the doctor visiting because he was the only person who actually owned a car) then that poor neighbour was at death's door. (In fact, they usually were). Some would call these the bad old days when the poor couldn't afford the necessary health care, but on the plus side I can't remember any child suffering from asthma, allergies, etc. Perhaps all the fresh air, exercise, home-gown produce and, by today's standards, often unhygienic surroundings, built in some kind of immunity to germs.

NOW COMING TO MY MAIN GRIPE! THE SERVICE WAS SET UP TO PROVIDE FREE HEALTH CARE FOR THE PATIENT, BUT THE PROVIDERS OF THE SERVICE HAVE PUT THE EMPHASIS ON THE ADMIN SIDE AND BY DOING SO ARE WASTING A COLOSSAL AMOUNT OF THE MONEY WHICH SHOULD BE SPENT ON PATIENT CARE.

Here is my own experience at visiting a specialist when I lived abroad. (1) The necessary x-ray was taken, he discussed the x-ray with me and made a decision there and then in the one visit. Here, in order to fit in with the admin side - (1) after waiting weeks to see a specialist, you are then informed that an x-ray is necessary, (2) more admin necessary whilst you wait weeks for the appointment, (3) you travel to the x-ray dept and afterwards told to telephone for the results in a fortnight's time, (4) you telephone, more chasing up and possibly more admin as you are asked to make another appointment (5) more travelling and yet more stress as possibly the original x-ray has been mislaid when you eventually get to the appointment. Just think how many people are employed to weave their way through all this admin and the further stress and exhaustion caused to the poor patient. There is unnecessary admin even at the level of visiting the doctor. I'll give you one example. < /p>

On a visit to my doctor I was informed that I needed my blood pressure taken. I was told to (1) make an appointment with the nurse on my way out of the surgery. (2) This involved queuing at the reception desk in order to make the appointment, (3) the receptionist perusing her computer in order to find a vacancy, (4) writing out the appointment card, and (5) my having to travel by car the following week to the surgery, (6) engaging the receptionist once again, and (7) wasting part of my day waiting in the surgery WHEN IN THE TIME THE DOCTOR USED FOR INFORMING ME THAT I NEEDED A BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK, HE COULD HAVE CHECKED IT AND SO SAVED ALL THAT WASTED TIME, ADMIN AND MONEY. I know you will all have similar stories that you are dying to get off your chest. I DO WISH THE 'POWERS THAT BE' WOULD LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO MATTER - THE PATIENTS.

So, now that we are just around the corner from winter winds and ailments, let us aim to keep out of doctors' surgeries. WHO DO YOU THINK IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR HEALTH? - THE GOVERNMENT? THE DOCTOR? NO, YOU ARE! Y 0 U ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOU - YOUR HEALTH. SO LET'S TRY AND DO SOMETHING IN ORDER TO TAKE CARE OF OUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT.

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Preventing Injuries - Health - Fitness

Contrary to popular wisdom, stretching is not the cure-all that we've been led to believe. Walking, riding on a stationery bike, or doing calisthenics is a better way to warm up than stretching. If you stretch before your muscles are warmed up, you have a much greater chance of actually injuring the muscles. Stretching is best saved for after a vigorous workout.

Prevention of injury during exercise is best achieved by going slowly and paying attention to the task at hand. If you're not careful, you can let your attention drift, and between that and doing something physically challenging, you can genuinely hurt your body.

Let's look at some different injuries and how to treat them.

During weight- or strength-training, chances are that you might overdo it and injure your muscles in some way. You may strain or pull them, stretching the tendon too far and causing yourself great pain and swelling. Treatment includes rest, an anti-inflammatory medication, and alternating cold and hot packs on the affected area.

You can easily sprain ankle or wrist joints, and knee injuries are common. Exercising should NOT hurt--if you are hurting, you need to stop and restart at an easier level than what you had been doing. Brace the injured area and put as little weight on it as possible for the first 24 hours. Alternate cold and heat on it, and use anti-inflammatory agents as needed.

If you have a sharp pain in your shoulder and you can't get your arm over your head, you may have injured your rotator cuff. In this case, bypass the arm exercises and just concentrate on working your leg muscles. If you have injured your rotator cuff, get yourself to a doctor for an x-ray or other diagnostic test. This is not something to be taken lightly.

Make sure that when you lift, you do so with your legs so that you don't injure your back. If you do think you've injured your back, avoid exercises that strain it, stand up straight, and take pain medication as necessary. When the back muscles heal, begin working out slowly again and don't neglect those abs!

Many gyms have the abdominal exercisers that you use by laying on the floor and doing sit-ups. If this hurts your back, don't use this machine. You can still do ab-exercise and get the benefit by using an exercise ball. When you build up strength in your abdominal wall, you also strengthen your back muscles and protect yourself against further injury.

Make sure you don't continue exercises if you're in pain. Give yourself time to rest and the injured area time to heal. Focus on walking or some other aerobic exercise that gives you the benefits of working out without the muscle strain.

Don't neglect that cool-down stretch! You'll continue to strengthen muscles when you do this and be more limber the next time you hit the gym!

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Alternative Medicine and Therapies in Your Everyday Life - Health

Those of us who claim that we do not practice any form of alternative medicine or therapies have missed out considering all the simple remedies that we apply at home.

Consider the following examples:-- Do you massage your neck at the back when you have a splitting headache?- Do you put an ice pack on a sprained ankle? - Have you not ever used some aromatherapy for your room? - Have you not ever take some honey when you are having a bad throat? - Have you not ever taken chamomile tea for cooling and for de-stress? - Do you drink your mum's traditional herbal chicken soup home brewed for 10 hours meant for strengthening and warming your internal body?

In fact, these represent just a few out of the many simple remedies that we use in our everyday life. When we think of alternative medicine or therapies, we conjure images of some out-of-the-ordinary practices. Of course, alternative medicine and therapies can range to the more "unconventional" ones like hypnotherapy, past life regression, energy healing, etc. But mostly, they are not.

Here comes some surprising statistics. The World Health Organization estimates that between 65 and 80 percent of the world's population (about 3 billion people) rely on traditional (read: "alternative") medicine as their primary form of health care. It further states that when these traditional medical treatments are introduced into Western culture, they are seen as complementary or alternative.

Most of us tend to fail to factor in these alternative everyday remedies, but choose to think that we are believers of conventional medicine versus alternative medicine. After all, conventional medicine is very much backed by well documented research, statistics and proven theories; whereas alternative medicine is not. Still, having the benefit of practicing some of these home remedies, there is no denying that they do help in providing some form of relief and treatment. In addition, they don't cost much in terms of money and time, and most importantly, have few or little side effects.

It is therefore, a good idea to spend some time to get to know more about these alternative therapies and remedies and apply them more diligently to our everyday life. We may choose to include massage therapy, aromatherapy, eating a healthy diet, practicing yoga and relaxing breathing techniques. In the end, our spending on drugs and doctor's bills is likely to be less and at the same time, we will be adopting natural methods to heal ourselves.

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Body And Water - Health - Fitness

If the last time you entered your house feeling tired and stressed you immediately decided to take a shower or enjoy a long relaxing bath, you are familiar with the positive outcomes of using water in order to increase the well-being of your body and mind. Indulging yourself in simple pleasures associated with the use of water is known as hydrotherapy. Health resorts, like medical and sports centers or hotel and city spas, offer to today's stressed working individuals the opportunity to get rid of fatigue and anxiety by performing a variety of treatments based on water.

Whether or not you are able to afford such specialized services, you should know that water is the cheapest and probably the safest way, apart from sleeping, to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Known from the ancient years for its amazing results, water use has progressed tremendously and its various applications are considered today the focal points of experiencing a healthy lifestyle.

But apart from it being an extremely effective refreshing mechanism, water is used to alleviate or reduce medical problems that need special care. Problems like dry skin, constipation, urinary tract infections, headaches, fever, bad blood circulation, sprained ankles, foot infections, body swelling, hemorrhoids, and muscle strains, can be treated with the appropriate use of water.

The water's temperature and its different application methods can produce the desired results and reduce the severity and the duration of negative symptoms one might suffer because of exhaustion, accidents or chronic health problems. Specifically, hot water can arouse the human immune system and increase circulation levels. From athletes to working individuals, using hot water is considered essential to get rid of body malfunctions and increase energy. On the other hand, instances of swelled feet or constipation problems can be dealt with the right use of cold water, which acts as a natural treatment for a variety of body irritations.

Because human cells are made in average by 80% of water, the human organism needs hydration to survive and function normally. Thus, apart from taking care of your body externally by applying different water-based treatments, it is of vital importance to consume water frequently and help your body rejuvenate from the inside out. As part of our healthy living standards, we should always remember to provide the necessary water quantities to our bodies by drinking six to eight glasses of water per day. Water, whether used as an internal or external hydration, is the best thing one can enjoy everyday.

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Misconceptions About Pain - Grinning and Bearing It! - Health

Doctors differ in how they deal with pain. Older ones - of the family doctor variety who have a lot of experience in treating a variety of non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses - often dismiss pain with a hearty, "You'll feel better soon." Younger specialists, who have to fight much harder to earn their livelihoods and are also more materialistic, are much more solicitous of their patients' comfort and prescribe painkillers as easily as they would offer a child sweets.

But on the whole doctors tend to under-treat pain. There is a feeling that pain is just a fact of life. It accompanies all illnesses and it has to be borne. There is also the fear - both among doctors and among patients - that if painkillers are taken too often, they could become a habit.

But, as doctors are realising, pain can take a heavy toll on a patient's health and spirits. Compared to this, the risk of becoming addicted to painkillers is small. OTC (or over the counters) drugs are medicines that can be bought without a prescription and can relieve pain quite miraculously if they are used before the pain becomes really bad. And if one medicine does not work, a stronger one can be tried.

But does this mean that OTC medicines can be popped as nonchalantly as we pop chocolates into our mouths? Many people think that they can, but they are wrong. In fact, there are many misconceptions about pain. Here are the myths and the true facts about them.

Misconception 1. If pain goes away with OTC medication, it cannot be anything serious.

This is not true. Your response to OTC medicines has nothing to do with the seriousness of your medical problem. A sprained ankle is definitely not life-threatening, but the pain can be excruciating and may not respond to OTC medicine at all. On the other hand, serious illnesses like cancer or strokes may cause so little pain (at times) that OTC medicines work fine for patients.

So when do you take pain seriously? A rule of thumb is that minor ailments, even if the pain is agonising at first, normally heal or get much better in a week. They also don't come on very suddenly. You should see a doctor if the condition does not improve, if the attacks of pain are sudden and strong and if OTC medicines do not work at all.

Misconception 2. Women deal with pain better than men do.

Actually, research has proved that neither sex is better in dealing with pain per se. There are different kinds of pain and men and women deal with them differently. Women are able to deal better with chronic pain than men are, but men can deal better with sudden, acute pain - like when you hit your thumb with a hammer or touch something very hot.

Women, however, recover from pain quicker than men do. So in the case of, say a tooth extraction, women suffer more initially, but are less bothered by the lingering discomfort over the next few days.

Research on people suffering from osteoarthritis has given a reason for this ability of women to deal with chronic pain. They cope because they complain to friends, seek support, pray and ask their doctors for help. So they get emotional support and this helps them. Men, on the other hand, try to grin and bear it, to keep up their macho image and, as a result, they do not cope as well.

Misconception 3. Breast cancer does not cause pain.

It is true that breast cancer doesn't cause pain in the initial stages, but this does not mean that if something is causing you pain in your breast, it cannot be breast cancer. Certain uncommon types of breast cancer can cause pain - for example, cancer that affects the skin and lymph glands in the breast.

But generally, tenderness in the breast is nothing to worry about. This can be caused by the peaking of the hormone progesterone just before one's periods and also by hormones that older women take after menopause.

Harmless cysts, too heavy a workout and even a bra that doesn't fit properly can cause pain in the breasts and this is nothing to worry about. But one should visit the doctor if one notices a lump in the breast, if there is a change in the appearance of a breast or nipple, if there is a swelling, redness, a persistent nagging pain in either breast or if one experiences unusual sensations in a breast, whether painful or not.

Misconception 4. Everyone responds to pain in the same way.

Not only do men and women respond to pain in different ways, but different individuals have different thresholds of pain. Some bear the pain of a broken arm without a murmur while others weep and moan over a small bruise. Again the same individual may react differently to pain when she is upset, is under stress, is with a friend, is calm and when she knows that she has to cope by herself. Hormone levels can affect response to pain too. Women are generally more sensitive to pain just before their periods.

Misconception 5. One should always take medicine for a headache.

No, one should not take medicine for a headache because, though the pill makes you feel better immediately, headache medicine actually makes the brain more susceptible to pain and so popping pills can, in the longer time period, cause "rebound" headaches.

So analgesics should be reserved for really bad headaches and for times when you have to function at your best. At other times, a short nap in a quiet, preferably dark, room is a good way to get rid of a headache. So is meditation or the application of a cold pack to the area in front of the ear on the side one has the headache.

Misconception 6. A pain that is strong in the morning and then decreases as the day progresses can be ignored.

This often happens with joint pains. Muscles, joints and tendons tend to be stiff in the mornings and hence cause pain. But, as the day progresses and you move around, these loosen up and the pain subsides. Such pains can be ignored when you know that they are caused by minor injuries which will get cured.

But if the pain is not caused by an injury, it is not going to get cured by itself and something has to be done about it. If this kind of pain (which is worse in the morning and gets better as the day advances) persists, becomes worse and becomes chronic, it could be something like osteoarthritis and you should see your doctor.

Misconception 7. No pain, no gain.

This is what all trainers and fitness experts say when they start you off on a new exercise regimen or fitness programme. Yes, sore and painful muscles are a part of all these programmes when you start, but if your workout leaves you in real pain even after a while, it could mean that you are overdoing it, that you are developing an overuse injury or that you are exercising incorrectly.

So you should ease into a new exercise regimen slowly and work different muscle groups on alternate days. Jog and cycle one day and swim the next. Of course, walking is the best. It rarely results in injury and it can be done every day.

Misconception 8. OTC pain relievers are safe and can be taken in any quantity.

Most people feel that the medicines a doctor prescribes are strong and that one has to be careful about using them. They also feel that OTC medicines that one can get without prescriptions are safe and that one can take any amount of them. But this is not true. Overuse of OTC medicines can increase the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding or damage to the liver. So watch out as you blithely pop those analgesics and cold medications.

Misconception 9. Doctors prescribe anti-depressants when they should be giving you pain relievers.

This is the complaint when a patient who is ill and is suffering from pain is given antidepressants. But it is just not true that the doctor is messing up. Constant pain causes people to be depressed and this worsens the physical symptoms of their illness. Depression can also trigger certain types of pain. Antidepressants on the other hand, help by increasing levels of chemicals that control our moods and the way we perceive pain. So they are good for the treatment of pain.

Misconception 10. All pain can be banished for good by a good doctor.

Unfortunately, this is not so. There are some chronic pains - like backache - that just cannot be cured. But people can learn to manage these pains so that they can function better. Today, doctors are less afraid that patients will become addicted to painkillers and so prescribe them for even chronic pains - to be taken when the pain gets worse, when the patient is under stress or when he or she has to function particularly well.

Today, many doctors operate on the principle that people have the right to be free of pain. They weigh the dangers of becoming addicted to painkillers against the relief that they bring and then take a decision.

Even young patients are given painkillers when the doctor knows that recovery is going to be quick enough for addiction not to be a risk. And at, say, the terminal stage of cancer, they decide to let the patient leave the world free of pain, even if "addicted".

Doctors also prescribe relaxation exercises and suggest behaviour modification that will help avoid pain. For example, people suffering from back problems should learn not to make sudden movements, to always carry a small pillow for the small of the back when they know they have to sit for a long time and to learn to pick up weights without straining the back.

Physiotherapy can also strengthen the surrounding muscles and having a pain-reliever while this takes place does no harm.

Pain management also includes biofeedback. Many doctors allow post-surgery patients to use a pump that allows them to decide when they need intravenous narcotic painkillers. And doctors have discovered that this way, patients take small and more frequent doses that reduce the total amount of medication they take to be comfortable.

Pain may be a part of life, but we need not suffer from it too much.

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Nutrition Q and A: Joint Supplements - Health

Are there any supplements I can take to strengthen and repair my joints?

As bodybuilders we are constantly putting our joints under pressure. And, while the very process of lifting weight does strengthen our tendons and ligaments, it's not uncommon for a hard training athlete to suffer occasional joint discomfort. Fortunately, there are a couple of proven natural aids to improving the functioning of our joints. The pair that I'm referring to a glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which are produced naturally in our bodies. Lets take a closer look at why it is wise to take extra supplementation:

Glucosamine is the result of the combining of glucose and amino acids. It forms the building blocks of cartilage and so provides the joints with the essential raw materials they need to regenerate. Quite a few clinical studies have been done involving the administration of glucosamine to people with osteoarthritis. The results have been quite remarkable. In fact, glucosamine was seen to be as effective in pain relief as ibuprofen, without any of the gastrointestinal side effects that can occur with that drug. Glucosamine has also been seen to stimulate synovial fluid, which acts as a joint lubricant. In addition, the fact that it reinforces the cartilage around joints, means that glucosamine is also a great aid in the healing of muscular strains and sprains, as well as aiding with such injuries as sprained ankles.

Chondroitin acts in harmony with glucosamine to protect cartilage. Chondroitin sulphate appears to block the enzymes that can destroy cartilage tissue. It also acts to promote water retention and elasticity in cartilage. The water retention function is particularly important. Tissue fluid keeps cartilage healthy in two ways: it acts as a shock absorber within the joints of the body, thus protecting cartilage from being worn away by the bones; and it carries nutrients to the cartilage. This substance also has an anti-inflammatory effect on painful joints. Chondroitin also appears to Counteract enzymes that interfere with the transport of nutrients to the cartilage as well as stimulating the production of proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and collagen. These complex molecules are the building blocks of new cartilage.Supplementary chondrotiin is sourced from the trachea of cows and the cartilage of sharks. It is also manufactured synthetically. Taking it has been seen to inc rease joint mobility and slow cartilage loss. Chondrotin on its own, however, has not been shown to actually rebuild cartilage.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are often combined into one formula. The combination of these two cartilage builders and repairers provide a powerful agent to protect, strengthen and repair creaky joints.

Apart from the glucosamine / chondroitin mix, you might consider a tuber extract known as devil's claw. Recent studies out of Germany claim that devil's claw was responsible for a 25% pain reduction in arthritis sufferers as well as a 45% improvement in mobility. Devil's claw seems to be especially promising in the treatment of low back pain.

One other joint enhancing supplement that is worth keeping an eye out for is Lyprinol. This compound is an extract of the New Zealand green lipped mussel. It is popular in that country as a pain relief and anti-inflammatory agent and is rapidly gaining recognition internationally. For many years scientists have been aware that green lipped mussels contained a substance that was responsible for maintaining supple joints. Not until recently, however, have they been able to stabilize the five crucial active lipids and the rare Omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids that appear to have such a beneficial effect on our joints. Keep an eye out as more studies emerge on the amazing Lyprinol.

About the Author: Dane Fletcher is the world's foremost training authority. He writes exclusively for GetAnabolics.com, a leading online provider of creatine and many other Bodybuilding Supplements. For more information, please visit

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How to Stay in the Game and Avoid Sports Injuries - Health

Injuries incurred during sports activities are occurrences that the majority of athletes and coaches are accustomed to. These conditions can cause physical pain to the athlete, but in many cases can set back the entire team. An ousted team member can cause setbacks in game performance and can have lasting results on the season as well. Like a team is affected by a missing member, a disabled body part influences the entire body. Lower-leg conditions such as sprained ankles, hyper-extended knees, and shin splints can be caused by improper form, lack of stretching, and too much use of the areas below the knees. As reported by medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic, the majority of athletes have to deal with shin splints at some time. Here's how to prevent and treat these painful conditions, as well as preventing other common sports injuries.

Shin Splints: How They Originate

Shin splints cause symptoms such as pain running through the front or sides of the calf and shin areas. The pain can be dramatic and excruciating, especially when increasing pressure on the affected leg. Increased swollen muscle tissue can make the leg feel taut as well as produce visible inflammation and tenderness around the muscles. No matter what type of sport, from soccer to baseball any athlete can suffer from these conditions. Shin splints treatment should be started right away to begin the healing process immediately. Shin splints treatment guidelines followed by sports therapists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the painful area for 1 - 2 days. Continuing physical therapy and preventive exercises include calf and ankle strengthening moves and stretching of the Achilles tendon and the front leg muscles that surround the shin bone.

Twisting Injuries: How Weak Muscles Affect the Tendons and Ligaments

Twisting injuries are also commonly seen in impact-type sports. This is caused by either an extreme impact, which cannot be avoided, or from weak muscles of the knee, lower leg, and ankle. Weakened muscles can be remedied with lifting weights or sports therapy-approved exercises that target the lower leg. Weakened muscles lead to loosened joints in the ankles and knees so that simple movements or athletic activities can cause twisting injuries. Another helpful measure for stopping these types of injuries are to support the arch of the feet with firm arch support. This can be accomplished with the use of foot orthotics made especially for athletic activities. The doctors at the Cleveland Clinic also recommend taping the arch for extra arch support during games.

Tearing Injuries: Why They Occur in the Lower Leg

Spraining of the tendons and ligaments are also common types of sports-related injuries. This is most commonly found in the connecting structures of the knees and back of the heels. An Achilles injury is usually due to poor flexibility in the heel tendon due to inadequate stretching form. This is an important step in the warm-up procedure that must be taken seriously. Slow stretches without pulsing are recommended for anyone about to exercise. Holding the stretch for a minimum of 30 seconds, resting for a few moments, then repeating the stretch is what kinesiology specialists suggest. Anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) are located in the knee and help maintain the knee structure together. Injuries to this part of the body can be avoided by strengthening the knee, calf and quadriceps through curls and extensions of the leg. Arch support inserts can help avoid both of these type of injuries by supplying proper arch support, ideal cushion, and proper foot form.

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Risks When Returning From Injury - Health - Fitness

When one achieves a very high level in whatever sport they partake in this is generally supported by experienced training staff. For the vast majority of us this will never be the case, because for those of us who take part in sport for our own enjoyment we can be left to our own devices on how we prepare for our sport. Training techniques are evolving all the time but the benefits of new training techniques don't always filter down the food chain. Or if they do it can often be through word of mouth and this can be very leading because by the time someone hears about the main point of what the message was can be diluted. For example I have heard conflicting stories of how to warm up before a game or an event. Traditionally I have always started with a light jog before I stretch my muscles but I was recently told that one should always stretch first before jogging and this helps to reduce injury. I am not sure which one is absolutely true but I am going with my traditional method until I see some evidence that stretching before jogging prevents injury. Some people consider their training techniques as classified information and don't want their competitors knowing what they do. Anyone would appreciate this point however I do believe that they are some basic pointers can always be passed down.

No matter what your sport is we are all exposed to getting injured and how we prepare can often determine how and when we get injured.Some of the more common sports and related injuries;

Sport InjuryTennis Tennis Elbow(Lateral Epiccondylitis)Cricket Tearing muscles in your armSoccer/Football HamstringSwimming Swimmers ShoulderAthletics Lower back Pain

Some of the more common injuries in all sports;

InjuryMuscle PullNeck StrainFrozen ShoulderLower Back PainTennis ElbowKnee InjuryShin SplintsSprained AnkleFoot Arch pain or strain

The point here is that no sport is immune from injury and that anyone who has played sports at a reasonably high level may have experienced some or all of the typical injuries listed above. To a very large degree they are very good treatments widely available to treat any injury. What is sometimes missing is advice on how to work your way back to a full training schedule. Why you are being treated you will get very good advice on how to rebuild the muscle to allow you to get back to training but once you are back training is largely up to oneself how fast normal training should resume. This is a critical time in any sports persons recuperation, and very often it can result in further injury. Having repeated injuries and the same part of your body can put you out of action for a long time may result in missing an important part of the season are a big event. Repeated injuries on the other hand can largely be avoided by always error on the side of caution and to take the ext ra time to recuperate can often strengthen the muscle back to its original strength.

Very often the decision to return back to normal training is influenced by an imminent big game or a big event. In hindsight it's very easy to say you should have trained easier but it can be very hard to make that decision when you are highly motivated to get back playing your sport as quickly as possible. The basic point is that when returning back to sport from an injury do it gradually and resist the temptation to resume full training to quickly.

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When to Utilize Hot or Cold Therapy For an Injury - Health - Fitness

When treating an injury such as a pulled muscle or sprained ankle, hot or cold therapy is often utilized. When using this type of therapy on an injury, many people are often unsure on which type of therapy they should use. The following outlines when to use either hot or cold therapy.

Hot Therapy

One should apply heat on an injured area when there is no inflammation. Heat therapy is typically used for such conditions as sore and stiff muscles as well as joint pain. The heat relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation. Experts believe the heat releases endorphins which inhibits pain signals to the brain. The effect of the heat causes the blood vessels to expand allowing the blood which carries oxygen and nutrients to circulate and reach the injured area. The boost in circulation allows excess fluid and waste to be carried away from the area allowing for healing to take place.

Heat therapy is often used before exercise or participating in sports so the muscles will be relaxed and more flexible. Heat is usually applied for about 20 minutes. A hot wet towel, hot pack, and heating pad are normally used in heat therapy. Heat therapy is popular for use on back injuries. It should not be used on sprained ankles and inflamed joints and muscles. The suitable temperature for heat therapy is about 104 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cold Therapy

Cold therapy is used for reducing pain, inflammation, and slowing metabolic action. The cold dulls nerve activity thereby inhibiting pain. For inflammation, cold constricts blood vessels which stop fluid from traveling to the injury where swelling occurs and permits fluid drainage. This allows for a reduction in swelling. Cold reduces muscle spasms and tightens muscles so they cannot stretch and extend which allows for healing.

Cold therapy is beneficial for immediate injuries as it reduces both pain and swelling. It is beneficial for treating lower back pain. Ice wrapped in a towel and cold packs are often used for about 10 minutes at a time. Some people will use a bag of ice or frozen vegetables such as peas. Cold therapy is also beneficial for chronic pain injuries. It should not be used before exercise because it tightens muscles making them less flexible.

When one sustains an injury due to such activities as heavy lifting, exercise, sports, or another activity that involves an intensive use of the muscles and ligaments, hot and cold therapy is an effective treatment for the injury. These injuries are quite common. The type of treatment you use will depend on the type of injury you receive. It is important to remember that an injury can be serious so it is vital that you see a doctor if the injury gets worse.

Many experts recommend seeing a doctor if the injury does not improve within 48 hours. Whether you use hot or cold therapy, it is essential to use the proper temperature and length of time for the most effective results.

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Health Insurance Plan Crisis Hurts Emergency Room Patients - Insurance - Health Coverage

Millions of people in America go without a health insurance plan, yet they still come down with illnesses and injuries they are unsure of how to handle. Although they aren't suffering from a severe ailment that requires an ambulance, Tylenol and a Band-Aid don't help. Many of these uninsured individuals head to an emergency room instead of a primary doctor they may not have. Hospital emergency rooms are legally required to treat every patient that comes through, regardless of their insurance status. Indeed, people with public insurance or no insurance at all were found to have an average wait no longer than those with private plans. This has led to more people jamming the ER for minor problems, which isn't the intended purpose of said facilities.

Crowded ER rooms endanger those people suffering from true emergencies. Hospitals do their best to triage patients and treat them in order of need. A study found that over the past decade, wait times for emergency patients increased on average. In 2006, under half of patients in emergencies were seen within the time frame medically recommended for best outcomes (14 minutes); this figure dropped nearly ten points from 1997. The delay can result in a greater likelihood of complications. After they leave the ER, some of the about 50% of emergency patients not seen in time may be dealing with side effects that drive up their health insurance plans' premiums, or even give them pre-existing conditions that make finding any health insurance at all more difficult.

The flood of non-urgent patients has also negatively impacted the quality and speed of care provided to those with urgent conditions. The speed of their treatment has similarly declined. Unfortunately, such an influx--coinciding with the steadily increasing prices of health insurance rates--has proven to be a struggle for most American hospitals, even with the best triage policies. People with urgent, semi-urgent, and non-urgent conditions can wait hours in the same line. Waiting for such long periods doesn't simply cause annoyance; the results can be unhealthy or even deadly. Having people with a variety of conditions in the same room for an extended length of time can also result in certain diseases being communicated from the extremely sick to the relatively healthy. Since the majority of hospital ER facilities aren't meant to hold so many people, employees are often unable to quarantine those patients who are most ill.

How can emergency rooms be taken back for the people that most need them? The goal of Congress' healthcare reform proposals is to insure up to 96% of the U.S. population. Hopefully, these people will be able to use their newly affordable health insurance plans to see primary care physicians when they've come down with the seasonal flu or a sprained ankle and a pediatrician when their child has an ear infection instead of clogging up the ER. Those doctors would also provide them with preventative care, which is better and cheaper in the long run. Emergency room bills are expensive; while hospital ERs are required to treat a person even if they are unable to pay, the bills can run into the hundreds or thousands of dollars--and some hospitals may hire bill collectors in an attempt to seek payment. Urgent care clinics, such as the Minute Clinic and Take Care Clinic, will also alleviate the load on emergency rooms. They treat many minor medical problems for a flat fee regardles s of insurance status, and are often open later than doctors' offices.

Emergency rooms were meant to be a safety net for those in dire straits. After all, it's common knowledge that they are unable to deny medical care, which is a glaring exception in the United States, where some pre-existing conditions can cause someone to be ineligible to buy a private health insurance plan. Instead of a last resort, they have been taken advantage of by the entire health insurance system, patients and plans alike. One of the touted benefits of healthcare reform is that of a almost fully-insured public, which would serve to reserve the ER for those who need it most. Whether that will come to pass is unknown.

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Why Wait In The Clinic For hemroids Relief When You Could Prevent Them? - Health

I work in a health care clinic and it's simultaneously one of the more rewarding jobs I've ever held and the most frustrating. While we get the odd person in who's suffering from a life threatening condition, those cases are referred directly to a hospital, leaving our staff to deal with more mundane issues like hemroid treatment. It's not exactly the most glamorous place in the world, but when you see someone who's been suffering from the maddening irritation for weeks, or who was terrified their bloody stool might be a sign of cancer, seeing them benefit from hemroids relief can actually make your day.

A large part of what we do includes educating people about the potential causes of their various health issues and afflictions. Sometimes the information we distribute surprises even me, and I've seen a lot of this material. For example, until a few weeks ago, I had no idea that sitting on the toilet incorrectly could put you at a higher risk for developing hemroids. When you think about it, it makes sense, but it just never struck me as something I should be taking into account. And that's exactly the sort of feedback we receive from many of our clients. They haven't been exposed to a medical background and most of people don't have a doctor or nurse in the immediate family, so why should they? There are so many factors that affect medical conditions that seem obvious once they're pointed out, but until someone takes the time to do so, you wouldn't have a clue.

Let's go back to the hemroids example. We see people who are suffering from them and seeking hemroid treatment. If they understood the causes and risk factors for developing the condition and took preventive measures, they wouldn't be in here, all embarrassed and desperate for hemroids relief. I often suggest that they use their computer and check out a site like hemroidshemorrhoids.com, since it not only contains information about what they actually are (you'd be surprised by how many people think hemroids are something you catch from a dirty toilet seat), but also lists valuable advice about common treatments (including measures you can take yourself for a mild version) and most importantly of all, changes you can make to your lifestyle to reduce the risk of ever getting them in the first place. Because if you can avoid ever getting hemroids in the first place, you don't have to worry about coming into my clinic and squirming in your seat waiting for hemroid treatment.

Lawrence Kreger works in a public health care clinic and the nature of his role means he sees patients suffering from everything from hemroids to sprained ankles. "Sitting in a waiting room with a dozen people who are all in some sort of discomfort is no fun," says Lawrence. "Instead of needing hemroid treatment, work on prevention." The clinic Lawrence works for is located at: Advanced Health Consultants, P. O. Box 530007, St. Petersburg, FL, 33747; ; Phone #: 727-328-0859.

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Sports Massage - Still Beneficial? - Health - Alternative Medicine

Sports massage has been used for decades as a treatment tool for both sporting and occupational injuries, as well as pre-sport, post-sport and as a preventative measure. Its continued use is down to its success in the clinical setting. However, a new piece of research may be about to discredit its use.

If you ask a sports massage therapist what the benefits of sports massage are, their answer is likely to include "an increase in blood flow", alongside other commonly quoted effects, such as the break down of scar tissue, removal of lactic acid and stretching and realignment of muscle fibres.

A recent study from Queens University has demonstrated that sports massage can actually impair blood flow to the muscles following exercise, as well as reducing lactic acid removal. These findings have been used to suggest that it is not effective for use post-exercise.

Although more research is required, if this is in fact the case, it still does not render sports massage ineffective, post exercise, or in any other scenario.

From my personal experience of over 5 years practising sports massage, it is by far the most useful tool I possess, far beyond my TENS and Ultrasound machines! I use sports massage in the majority of my injury treatments, for everything from an acute or chronically sprained ankle, to lower back pain rehabilitation. It helps me to gain a good insight into the state of the underlying muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia as well as helping to stretch and relax tight muscles, release trigger points and break down adhesion's and scar tissue. I also have a number of devoted clients, whom after seeing their flexibility increase, aches and pains reduce, sporting performance improve and injury rate decrease, make regular appointments for a massage.

My point is this...new research should always be welcomed as we do not, and probably never will, fully understand the human body and the effects that our 'treatments' have, especially those labelled complimentary. However, I also believe in the proof of success within the clinical setting. If a practitioner finds something works (even if only on a placebo or psychological basis), then why stop using it?

More information on sports massage including online video demonstrations, as well as benefits and contraindications, can be found at /sports_massage/index.php

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How to Stay in the Game and Avoid Sports Injuries - Health

Injuries incurred during sports activities are occurrences that the majority of athletes and coaches are accustomed to. These conditions can cause physical pain to the athlete, but in many cases can set back the entire team. An ousted team member can cause setbacks in game performance and can have lasting results on the season as well. Like a team is affected by a missing member, a disabled body part influences the entire body. Lower-leg conditions such as sprained ankles, hyper-extended knees, and shin splints can be caused by improper form, lack of stretching, and too much use of the areas below the knees. As reported by medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic, the majority of athletes have to deal with shin splints at some time. Here's how to prevent and treat these painful conditions, as well as preventing other common sports injuries.

Shin Splints: How They Originate

Shin splints cause symptoms such as pain running through the front or sides of the calf and shin areas. The pain can be dramatic and excruciating, especially when increasing pressure on the affected leg. Increased swollen muscle tissue can make the leg feel taut as well as produce visible inflammation and tenderness around the muscles. No matter what type of sport, from soccer to baseball any athlete can suffer from these conditions. Shin splints treatment should be started right away to begin the healing process immediately. Shin splints treatment guidelines followed by sports therapists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the painful area for 1 - 2 days. Continuing physical therapy and preventive exercises include calf and ankle strengthening moves and stretching of the Achilles tendon and the front leg muscles that surround the shin bone.

Twisting Injuries: How Weak Muscles Affect the Tendons and Ligaments

Twisting injuries are also commonly seen in impact-type sports. This is caused by either an extreme impact, which cannot be avoided, or from weak muscles of the knee, lower leg, and ankle. Weakened muscles can be remedied with lifting weights or sports therapy-approved exercises that target the lower leg. Weakened muscles lead to loosened joints in the ankles and knees so that simple movements or athletic activities can cause twisting injuries. Another helpful measure for stopping these types of injuries are to support the arch of the feet with firm arch support. This can be accomplished with the use of foot orthotics made especially for athletic activities. The doctors at the Cleveland Clinic also recommend taping the arch for extra arch support during games.

Tearing Injuries: Why They Occur in the Lower Leg

Spraining of the tendons and ligaments are also common types of sports-related injuries. This is most commonly found in the connecting structures of the knees and back of the heels. An Achilles injury is usually due to poor flexibility in the heel tendon due to inadequate stretching form. This is an important step in the warm-up procedure that must be taken seriously. Slow stretches without pulsing are recommended for anyone about to exercise. Holding the stretch for a minimum of 30 seconds, resting for a few moments, then repeating the stretch is what kinesiology specialists suggest. Anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) are located in the knee and help maintain the knee structure together. Injuries to this part of the body can be avoided by strengthening the knee, calf and quadriceps through curls and extensions of the leg. Arch support inserts can help avoid both of these type of injuries by supplying proper arch support, ideal cushion, and proper foot form.

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Step Back to the Beat of Life: Sports Medicine - Health - Fitness

Sports MedicineSports Medicine is a branch of medicine that is concerned with preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries that result from athletic activities. Sports medicine encompasses a wide range of pathologies, including ACL injuries, achilles tendon ruptures, rotator cuff injuries and meniscal tears. These injuries can manifest themselves in many different ways - low back pain, muscle cramps, and "runner's knee" are common indications of something serious. Find out about sports medicine injuries.You don't have to go to the City to find an orthopedic solution. Specialty Orthopaedics is the foremost sports medicine clinic in Westchester County, and services the Southern Connecticut and Northern Bronx areas as well. Specialty Orthopedics is home to four surgeons who specialize in various fields of sports medicine and joint replacement procedures. Dr. Zelicof is established as one of Westchester, New York's premier sports medicine and joint replacement specialists, pr oviding the most innovative solutions to get patients enjoying life again.Specialty Orthopaedics focuses on state of the art treatment - minimally invasive surgery, arthroscopy and robotic assisted surgery. Dr. Zelicof has provided solutions for thousands of sports medicine cases over the course of two decades for the Westchester area.

Sports Medicine InjuriesSports and physical activity can cause a number of joint problems - knee injuries, back pain, ankle sprains, shoulder injuries and ACL tears to name a few. At Specialty Orthpaedics, we are dedicated to getting you back to your active lifestyle with minimal recovery time and post-operative pain. You don't have to live with joint pain.Achilles TendonThe Achilles tendon is a tissue that stretches from the heal to the calf muscles. The Achilles tendon can be injured through exhaustive activity, misalignment, trauma or even improper footwear. The most common Achilles tendon injuries are Achilles tendinitis (or tendinosis) and Achilles tendon rupture. Find out more about Achilles tendon injuries and solutions.Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a tissue that runs from the thighbone to the shin. ACL injuries often occur during physical activities where pivoting or sidestepping is commonplace - basketball, tennis, soccer or skiing for example. Sufferers of an ACL injury might hear or feel a snap or crack followed by intense pain.Treatment for an injured knee is to return the patient to their desired level of activity without risking subsequent injury to the joint. Dr. Zelicof prefers conservative treatment - treatment without surgery. If indicated, Dr. Zelicof uses minimally invasive surgical techniques including arthroscopy and graft harvesting with the intent of bringing the patient back to their desired level of physical activity. Learn more about ACL tear and ACL reconstruction."Runner's Knee" "Runner's knee" is a colloquial term for a number of conditions affecting the kneecap, and is more precisely known as "patellofemoral pain." Running causes the kneecap to slide up and down in a groove. Poor running technique and improper footing can contribute to your kneecap slipping off track and wearing down the protective cartilage behind it. Other contributing factors are overtraining, muscle imbalance, and weak thigh muscles. Find out more about runner's knee.Ankle Fracture & Ankle Sprains The ankle joint is the most commonly injured joint in sports - approximately 70% of basketball players have sprained an ankle, and nearly 80% of athletes injure their ankle a second time (via eMedicine). Ankle injuries can cause serious pain and concern that the bone might be broken (fractured). Oftentimes a fractured ankle will cause sufferers to lose their ability to walk, as well. Early treatment for a sprained ankle can be summed up with the acronym RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation. Learn more about ankle pain. Shoulder Injury Shoulder joints are notoriously instable and require attention and special consideration. Dr. Zelicof prefers conservative treatment methods (medications and anti-inflammation treatment), however shoulder replacement is sometimes indicated as the best solution to an injured shoulder.Shoulder replacement surgery can have you back to your prev ious level of physical activity in no time. Restore your range of motion and get the most comfortable solution designed yet. Find out more about shoulder replacement surgery.You don't have to go to the City to find an orthopedic solution. Specialty Orthopaedics is the foremost sports medicine clinic in Westchester County, and services the Southern Connecticut and Northern Bronx areas as well. Specialty Orthopedics is home to four surgeons who specialize in various fields of sports medicine and joint replacement procedures. Dr. Zelicof is established as one of Westchester, New York's premier sports medicine and joint replacement specialists, providing the most innovative solutions to get patients enjoying life again.For more information please visit: Specialty Orthopaedics

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Risks When Returning From Injury - Health - Fitness

When one achieves a very high level in whatever sport they partake in this is generally supported by experienced training staff. For the vast majority of us this will never be the case, because for those of us who take part in sport for our own enjoyment we can be left to our own devices on how we prepare for our sport. Training techniques are evolving all the time but the benefits of new training techniques don't always filter down the food chain. Or if they do it can often be through word of mouth and this can be very leading because by the time someone hears about the main point of what the message was can be diluted. For example I have heard conflicting stories of how to warm up before a game or an event. Traditionally I have always started with a light jog before I stretch my muscles but I was recently told that one should always stretch first before jogging and this helps to reduce injury. I am not sure which one is absolutely true but I am going with my traditional method until I see some evidence that stretching before jogging prevents injury. Some people consider their training techniques as classified information and don't want their competitors knowing what they do. Anyone would appreciate this point however I do believe that they are some basic pointers can always be passed down.

No matter what your sport is we are all exposed to getting injured and how we prepare can often determine how and when we get injured.Some of the more common sports and related injuries;

Sport InjuryTennis Tennis Elbow(Lateral Epiccondylitis)Cricket Tearing muscles in your armSoccer/Football HamstringSwimming Swimmers ShoulderAthletics Lower back Pain

Some of the more common injuries in all sports;

InjuryMuscle PullNeck StrainFrozen ShoulderLower Back PainTennis ElbowKnee InjuryShin SplintsSprained AnkleFoot Arch pain or strain

The point here is that no sport is immune from injury and that anyone who has played sports at a reasonably high level may have experienced some or all of the typical injuries listed above. To a very large degree they are very good treatments widely available to treat any injury. What is sometimes missing is advice on how to work your way back to a full training schedule. Why you are being treated you will get very good advice on how to rebuild the muscle to allow you to get back to training but once you are back training is largely up to oneself how fast normal training should resume. This is a critical time in any sports persons recuperation, and very often it can result in further injury. Having repeated injuries and the same part of your body can put you out of action for a long time may result in missing an important part of the season are a big event. Repeated injuries on the other hand can largely be avoided by always error on the side of caution and to take the ext ra time to recuperate can often strengthen the muscle back to its original strength.

Very often the decision to return back to normal training is influenced by an imminent big game or a big event. In hindsight it's very easy to say you should have trained easier but it can be very hard to make that decision when you are highly motivated to get back playing your sport as quickly as possible. The basic point is that when returning back to sport from an injury do it gradually and resist the temptation to resume full training to quickly.

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