In The Beginning, Back In 1955.... If you know me, then you know I like to start stories using that beginning lyric, it’s from my favorite rock group AC/DC. If you have ever been to one of their concerts, you would have noticed a duckwalk extraordinaire by the name of Angus Young. He is the lead guitarist who happens to be “fit as a fiddle.” From the first riff of the concert to the last, he never stops moving! That’s Mantra #1 - NEVER STOP MOVING! In the therapy realm, more and more I see dysfunctions of posture and patients reporting pain in their upper back, neck, and arms stemming from static postures (computer work/cell phone). (Refer to picture for reference and one corrective exercise). Sitting is the new smoking. Research shows you could reduce your chances of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and back pain by reducing your time sitting. Mantra # 2 - We are what we eat. My other passion is off-road racing, and I have built many engines that require high dollar fuel. I would not dare put in 85 octane in fear of engine damage, so why would you want to put substandard food in your own body? If you want to perform at your best or recover efficiently from an injury, then you need to eat clean food. Mantra #3 - Stress is a silent killer. We all endure stress, that’s life. It’s not selfish to take time for yourself
to reconnect, reflect, and recharge. Whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or practicing your spirituality, work on quieting your soul. Ground your body, take your shoes off, and connect to Mother Earth. Mantra # 4 - We get better with age. This may sound funny, but I’ve seen many friends and patients perform better at age 50, 60, 70, and beyond. Age is only a mindset! Mantra #5- The only bad workout is the one you did not do. It does not matter what type of exercise you practice, build a foundation of fitness, challenge yourself through a multitude of exercises, and when in doubt, go back to Mantra #1 - NEVER STOP MOVING! Greg Kirk, Physical Therapist Practicing Outpatient Orthopedic and Sports Medicine PT for 20 years. gkirk64@yahoo.com / 505-870-7278
14
October 2019
