MOtion is life

Three more supportive measures to reduce your risk for soft tissue injury

We live in a society where there is an increased desire to take a proactive role in our own healthcare. However, we also live in a society where instant gratification and easy answers can be very attractive. The healthcare strategy of coupling self care activities with the services of a proactive health care provider can help limit the need crisis care intervention. This healthy lifestyle requires consistency and dedication. Taking care of yourself and living a healthy lifestyle for years to come is a life-long commitment.

Today's discussion will cover three more supportive modalities to increase tissue tolerance. Last week, soft tissue massage, the muscle stick and custom orthotics were highlighted. This week, stretching, nutrition and water consumption will be covered. Again, these are all secondary treatments to support the necessary biomechanical correction that your spine and nervous system so commonly need in order to stay healthy.

First, mobility and flexibility are critical to keeping your tissue tolerance at an optimal level. Daily stretching can increase your tissue tolerance. Joint restrictions and decreased flexibility are the breeding ground for injury. Yoga is an excellent opportunity to incorporate stretching into your weekly routine. Since yoga is a work-out, make sure to start slow. If your spine or extremities are in need of biomechanical correction, yoga may be more difficult for you to tolerate at first.

Next, diet and supplementation have a considerable effect on tissue tolerance. It doesn't matter how much stretching you are doing, if your diet is high in acidic and pro-inflammatory foods, you will be at a greater risk for illness and injury. Glucosamine, certain minerals and proteolytic enzymes can all play a major role in improving your tissue tolerance. However, the first step to improvement is decreasing the consumption of processed foods and sugary beverages.

Finally, the most vital supportive measure is water consumption. Your body is composed of 60-70% water. The more obese you are and the older you are, the lower your water composition. As a result, obesity and age will increase your risk for dehydration. Remember, your tissues suffer the effects of dehydration long before you will be overcome by the affects of dehydration. This being said, you want to make sure that you are consuming water throughout the day. If you wait until you feel thirsty, you have waited too long.

A proactive approach to improving your tissue tolerance is an important part of a self care routine. Stretching, nutrition and water consumption are three critical supportive measures you can do on your own. Next week, I will discuss biomechanical correction, the primary measure necessary to increase your tissue tolerance, and the final supportive measure that must follow.