HEALTH TALK EDITION Summer 2012
High Impact VS.
Low Impact
WORKOUTS High impact workouts like P90X and running interest men of all ages. Are they for everyone? High impact, high intensity exercise programs have become popular because they have been very effective in improving high velocity strength. One of the concerns is that as people get older they are more injury prone. They often don’t have as much flexibility or may have arthritis. So these programs must be tailored to each person. If overuse injuries develop these programs may need to be modified. A good trainer is helpful in developing a program customized for your age and level of fitness. It’s important to recognize problems early and avoid serious injuries.
Are low impact workouts just as effective? In general, lower impact exercises still promote overall fitness, increase flexibility, and are aerobic. As we get older, we lose muscle mass, so strength training helps reverse or slow that process. Also aerobic exercises are good for cardiac health. As we age, low impact workouts are often
Mobility
The Art of Modern Orthopedics A Conversation with Dr. Mark Hermann of Danville Orthopedic Clinic Mark Hermann lives an active lifestyle. He’s an avid biker and outdoorsman who works hard and plays hard. He’s also an orthopedic surgeon who understands that our body is our strongest asset. We rely on it for everything from crawling to mountain climbing. General health and maintaining an active lifestyle is wise and when that lifestyle is interrupted or challenged by joint or muscle pain, you have options. Our muscles and joints evolve as we age. Some people think that activity is bad for your joints. But according to Dr. Hermann, “Joints were made to move. Being sedentary is actually counterproductive.” Of course, with activity, there is the risk of injury or accident. “In young people, you see more accidents from activities like biking, skiing, and skateboarding.” In young adults, most injuries are more a consequence of traumatic events such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and alcohol-related injuries. Overuse injuries, caused from repetitive microtrauma (repetitive motion injuries to muscles and ligaments) are common in all age groups, especially athletically active adults. In the elderly, falls cause most injuries. “As we age and yet remain active, we often have complaints of joint pain. These become more common in our fifties or early sixties, but sometimes earlier,” Dr. Hermann says. A little soreness is normal, especially after working out, but when it becomes painful or it affects normal activity then you need to think about getting treatment. It may be as simple as needing ice, rest, or over-the-counter medicines like Advil (Ibuprofen) and Tylenol (Acetaminophen). But if those aren’t helping or if the pain persists, you should probably see a doctor. In many people, joint pain becomes a problem as we get older. When you start to experience joint pain, you don’t necessarily have to quit being active; you may just have to modify your activity. Dr. Hermann says, “For instance, if you enjoy tennis and running you might back off on the running and keep the tennis if that’s the one you enjoy the most. It’s all about modifying behavior rather than becoming sedentary.” For those with joint pain, there are many non-surgical solutions. The best course of treatment is usually to work your way up from the simplest answer to the most complex. “You start with activity modification and the use of Tylenol or other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines,” Dr. Hermann says. “Other forms of non-surgical procedures include injections of medicines like cortisone or joint lubricants which are often helpful.” But when those less intrusive measures are failing and one’s life is affected in a negative manner by their joint condition, then joint replacement surgery may offer a good solution. The most common forms of joint replacement surgery are knee and hip. Shoulder, ankle, and elbow replacements are less common. The purpose of surgery is to lessen pain and improve joint function. “Surgery is all about improving quality of life. It is generally a very successful operation and most people can improve their independence while remaining active,” Dr. Hermann says. “It is truly a life changing event for most people.”
better tolerated. Still, we should include strength training as part of a balanced and individualized exercise program.
22 Showcase Magazine
| JUNE 2012 | www.showcasemagazine.com
Of course there are some downsides. Some people develop stiffness after joint replacements, though most of these people had stiffness before surgery. Some are more inclined to develop scar tissue than others. To a large extent, you can influence the outcome of your joint replacement surgery. Doing the proper exercises before surgery and following through with all of your post-surgery rehabilitation is essential.