ARE YOU ASPIRATIONALLY ACTIVE?
8 Minute Read:
by Dr. John Blenio, Chiropractor
High Amplitude Health Chiropractic, San Mateo, California
IN TODAY’S FAST PACED WORLD, THE ASPIRATION TO LEAD A MORE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE LIFESTYLE OFTEN CLASHES WITH THE DEMANDS OF WORK, FAMILY, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES, MAKING IT CHALLENGING TO MAINTAIN CONSISTENT ACTIVITY.
Many of you might feel the urge to increase your physical engagement but face obstacles such as limited time, physical discomfort, or the fear of injury. As your chiropractor, your muscle therapist, and your exercise therapist, I am committed to supporting each of you—whether you are currently active or looking to become more so.
At High Amplitude Health Chiropractic in San Mateo, CA, I utilize a holistic approach that combines Chiropractic Care with Advanced Soft-Tissue Therapies like Myofascial Release and Active Release Therapy (A.R.T.). This ensures you can pursue your ambitions of an active lifestyle safely and effectively, balancing your health and well-being with the practicalities of your daily life.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE “ASPIRATIONALLY ACTIVE?”
“Aspirationally Active” involves recognizing the challenges that you face when attempting to integrate consistent exercise into your daily routines. It’s the understanding you have with yourself that when you eventually have more time, you are going to become more physically active. You recognize that physical fitness is important for your health, but also accept the fact that, at the moment, your physical activity is sporadic, and therefore may lead to stiffness, pain, or even injury due to your unconditioned body. It's crucial for everyone, regardless of their current activity level, to listen to and respect their body's signals.
Be careful though. Ignoring pain or discomfort can exacerbate potential injuries, particularly for those who aren't regularly active and might find the prospect of starting an exercise routine daunting. At High Amplitude Health Chiropractic in San Mateo, I emphasize a comprehensive approach to care that not only addresses existing aches and pains but also guides you in safely becoming more active by recognizing and responding appropriately to your body’s warnings. This ensures that your transition towards a more active lifestyle is both safe and sustainable.
THE MODERN LIFESTYLE CHALLENGES
The modern sedentary lifestyle, characterized by prolonged periods of sitting and minimal physical movement, often in front of computer screens, poses significant challenges to both physical and mental well-being. Regular chiropractic and myofascial care in San Mateo, beneficial for everyone—not just athletes or the physically active—plays a crucial role in maintaining spinal health, improving overall mobility, and alleviating pain. This care is a vital encouragement for initiating or sustaining an active lifestyle.
Additionally, chiropractic adjustments, which focus on aligning the spine and enhancing joint mobility, are complemented by soft tissue therapies such as myofascial release and active release. These therapies are essential for addressing muscles, tendons, and ligaments, helping to break down adhesions and restore normal movement. Together, these treatments not only relieve pain but also significantly improve the body’s capability to engage in physical activities comfortably, thus addressing the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
BE CAREFUL WITH THE INTENSITY OF YOUR ACTIVIES
Engaging in intense physical activities sporadically, especially without proper conditioning, can significantly increase the risk of acute injuries, such as strains and sprains, and may lead to more serious long-term health problems due to inconsistent activity patterns.
For those looking to safely increase their activity levels, it's crucial to integrate more movement into your routine cautiously. I’m dedicated to supporting your unique physical needs through tailored therapies that enhance your mobility. By offering a personalized therapeutic experience, I help ensure that you can safely transition to a more active lifestyle, minimizing the risk of injury while promoting overall health and well-being.
BALANCING ASPIRATIONS AND REALITY
Finding a balance that allows for physical activity without compromising health and safety is crucial for those aspiring to become more active. It's important to start slow and build your fitness regimen gradually. Begin with activities that match your current fitness level; simple actions like taking a daily walk or engaging in light stretching can have a significant impact on your health. These strategies ensure that you can safely achieve your activity goals without overwhelming your body, effectively balancing your aspirations with the reality of your physical capabilities.
DON’T GET TOO ACTIVE TOO QUICKLY
Be cautious about becoming too active too quickly, especially if you're aspiring to increase your physical activity. It's easy to get excited about engaging in seemingly light exercises, such as playing catch with a baseball or football, or hitting a tennis ball after a long break. However, if it's been many months or even years since you last participated in these activities, it's natural to feel sore, achy, or even experience pain the following day.
When you suddenly engage in physical activity after a period of inactivity, your muscles, which haven't been used to such exertion, can become very tight and achy. This kind of intense use after a long downtime is a shock to your muscular system. Even what might seem like moderate exercise can lead to muscle spasms, as the muscles react to the unexpected stress.
If you find yourself in pain after reinitiating these activities, don't worry—this doesn't necessarily mean you've suffered a serious injury. More often, it means your muscles have gone into spasm and are struggling to relax. This is where professional help, such as the care I provide, becomes crucial. I can assist in managing these symptoms and guide you towards safely increasing your activity levels without overwhelming your body.
HOW HIGH AMPLITUDE HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC IN SAN MATEO CAN HELP
At High Amplitude Health, I am committed to enhancing your health through personalized treatment plans that cater to individuals at all levels of physical activity. My comprehensive approach includes:
Injury prevention strategies
Pain management, pain relief, and pain resolution
Mobility exercises
Personalized exercise recommendations
I specialize in tailored therapies such as myofascial release in San Mateo, a hands-on technique that targets the connective tissue surrounding your aching and painful muscles to relieve tension and promote better blood flow and recovery.
Additionally, I offer Active Release Therapy (ART) in San Mateo, a particularly effective therapy for those with repetitive strain injuries or chronic muscle pain. Active Release uses specific movements combined with targeted pressure to restore smooth movement in your tissues and resolve the underlying issues contributing to the pain and stiffness your are feeling. I support your unique physical needs with a personalized therapeutic experience.
A CALL TO ACTION FOR THE NON-PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
If you have been avoiding coming to see me because you feel that my chiropractic and therapeutic approach is only for the physically elite, let me reassure you: I am here for every body.
Managing minor aches before they become significant issues is essential, and regular care can help you achieve a more active lifestyle comfortably and safely.
CONCLUSION
Whether you're just starting to incorporate more activity into your life or you're trying to maintain an active lifestyle, remember that your journey is unique, and your care should be too. I encourage all of you to listen to your body and remember that regular chiropractic and myofascial care are valuable tools in maintaining your health and activity level.
How often should I receive therapy if I’m not very active? Regular sessions can be especially helpful in preventing stiffness and increasing mobility, even if you're not currently active. Once every 2-4 weeks is ideal, but more frequent care will be needed if you are in acute pain.
Can these therapies reduce the need for pain medication? Absolutely, by addressing the root causes of pain and discomfort, these therapies can reduce the reliance on pain medication.
Are these therapies suitable for everyone? 100%, they are tailored to meet the needs of each individual, regardless of their activity level or age.
What’s the first step to getting started with these therapies? Schedule an appointment with Dr. John to discuss your health issues and he will develop your personalized treatment plan.
How quickly can I expect to see improvements? Many clients notice improvements after the first session, but frequent care after an injury or pain is crucial to get you back to 100%.
All the best,
Dr. John Blenio
High Amplitude Health
P.S.: Delaying could prolong your discomfort. Let me expedite your recovery.