Atlantic Ave Magazine September 2023

health & beauty | pain relief
By Dr. Safranski
A Functional Life
As we age, it invariably becomes more important to continue
to move. I often get push back from the 65+ community
about how to move and that they move enough.
I
am here to tell you that playing tennis or pickleball 2-3 times
a week may seem like enough movement, and it may be for
your cardiovascular output, but it certainly is not a functional
directed movement that is meant to target and help stabilize the
joints that ache daily. Gone are the days of static stretching. Static
stretching is only beneficial after getting the blood flowing postworkout
or after a dynamic workout. So “stretching” daily really
isn’t going to do much outside of temporary relief. For those looking
for a start, here are 10 quick pointers on how chiropractic and
functional movement can help you stay active during retirement.
For more clarity, here is the commonly used definition of a
functional movement. “a functional movement is a movement sequence
based on real-world situations.”
Importance of Mobility: maintaining mobility is extremely
important. Gone are the days of being
strong and stiff. We now know the importance
of being strong in positions
that are functional. Here’s a challenge,
find a movement, a bodyweight squat
is a great one. Go down as far as
you can without losing
your balance. Hold that
position for 15-30 seconds.
Are you breathing
in that position? Probably
not. That means you really don’t
“own that position”, here enters
mobility—the process of being able
to do the movement without struggle
through a full range of motion.
Gentle Exercise: Encouraging
low-impact exercises
like walking, swimming,
or yoga can be beneficial
for their joint health and
flexibility, complementing
chiropractic care.
However, as I mentioned
above, this is not the only
thing you should be doing. My
question to you is, if your neck is a problem,
how is walking with your legs
going to strengthen the muscles of
the neck?
Strengthening Core Muscles:
Emphasize the significance of core
strength for stability and balance, which can be achieved through
exercises and functional movements tailored to their abilities. This
alone can be beneficial to get you on the right track. I encourage patients
of all ages to challenge themselves to strengthen their core.
Pain Management: Chiropractic care can help alleviate chronic
pain, joint discomfort, and muscle stiffness, allowing them to engage
in physical activities more comfortably. Getting adjusted is
just one piece of the pie, but it helps all the others to be effective.
Preventing Injuries: Chiropractic care and functional movement
practices can help prevent injuries during everyday activities
and during exercise routines. Chiropractic care coupled with the
right physical therapy, and functional movement protocols can help
push forward through most musculoskeletal pains and aches.
Individualized Approach: Personalized treatment plans based
on their specific needs and health conditions, ensuring safety and effectiveness
are a must! Cookie-cutter approaches are a thing of the
past and make people feel like just a number in a conveyor belt of an
office. A personal approach lets your patients know you care. We care.
Regular Check-ups: Regular chiropractic check-ups allow us to
track your progress and alter the treatment plan as needed. I empower
my patients to take the time to learn about their bodies and
learn what makes them feel well. I personally get adjusted 2-3x a
week due to the physicality of my job, so that is what makes my
body feel well, so I encourage people to take the time to know how
often they should get adjusted or do maintenance work.
Social Benefits: The social aspects of staying active are what
retirement is all about. Joining group exercises or classes, playing
racket sports, walking on the beach, playing cards, dinners, drinks
or whatever floats your boat! Being active is what we live for!
Adaptation for Abilities: Being functionally strong and mobile
will help you be able to do the simple things, like cooking, cleaning,
and taking care of yourself as well. We don’t want to depend on others
to do the things we should be able to do for ourselves.
Holistic Health: Chiropractic care and functional movement can
contribute to their overall well-being, including improved sleep,
mood, and mental clarity.
Remember to always tailor your movements to the individual’s
specific needs and conditions. I encourage you to consult with
healthcare professionals that will help aid in finding the movements
that are specific to your condition.
COPYRIGHTED
Conde Center For
ChiroprACtic NeurOLOGY
401 West Atlantic Avenue, Suite #014
Delray Beach, FL 33444
561-330-6096
www.thecondecenter.com
46 | september 2023 | www.AtlanticAveMagazine.com