“Records are meant to be broken, not athletes.”
Cal Ripken
Over the years, I have seen many professional athletes leave a piece of themselves on the court or on the field. Injuries take their toll, especially when you push your body to the limit. Many of the injuries are due to the repetitive pounding that accumulates over time until breakdown occurs and the full extent of the damage may not be realized until when the athlete has vanished out of the limelight, into retirement.
I believe that modern sports medicine has tremendously improved the situation for athletes. With better conditioning, earlier recognition and more advanced treatments, we keep athletes healthier and going longer. We have also learned to put the athletes’ short and long-term health first. The old days of shooting the athlete up with numbing medicine and sending them back into the battle is fortunately gone.
Whereas the pros seem to be on the right track, I have seen too many recreational athletes and fitness enthusiasts put themselves in harm’s way with their workout programs. Overtraining, playing through injuries, not allowing adequate healing or rehabilitation are all too common. These individuals are frequent flyers in my office.
FitTip
If something hurts, is stiff or swollen, has you limping or interferes with your active enjoyment of life, get it checked — sooner, not later. Also, be sure your fitness program devotes adequate time to three equally important areas: cardiovascular or aerobic conditioning, strength training, and flexibility or stretching. Usually one or two are neglected at the expense of another.
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