Skip Weekend Warrior Syndrome and have a super summer
Hi, this is Dr. Michael Horowitz Your Friendly Neighbourhood Chiropractor in Vancouver. And the owner of Vancouver Orthotic Clinics!
This month, with all that great activity being increased inside and outdoor, we’re talking Weekend Warrior Syndrome. Yes, even I fall victim to it.
What is a Weekend Warrior you ask?
Weekend Warriors attack the weekend with enthusiasm BUT reckless abandon. They often overexert their unconditioned or untrained bodies and so tend to suffer from a repetitive strain injury.
Weekend warriors can also be infrequent or inconsistent exercisers. So, they end up with injuries like:
• Achilles tendonitis or tendonitis in other areas of the body
• Muscle strains, joint sprains
• Shin splints
• Shoulder or rotator cuff injuries
• And low back pain to name the most common ones
Many of us, like you, like to get moving when that sun is out and the weekend comes. The problem is we can often over-do-it! Too much of a good thing can lead to a bad thing.
Have you felt those Monday morning blues? When your body plainly rejects the excessive activities from the past weekend.
You may wake up and feel back pain, knee stiffness, a tender shoulder or a pair of sore feet. From head to toe, no muscle, joint, ligament or tendon, is safe from the all too common, Weekend Warrior Syndrome. The idea is to “use your body but not abuse your body.”
As weekend warriors, we are especially vulnerable during our transition from the winter season when we start to feel that high level of motivation that comes with spring and summer weather. It’s easy to get caught up.
This self-care checklist with tips should help every weekend warrior plan ahead and prevent a good deal of unnecessary pain:
• Warm-up and cool-down from activity
• Increase your exercise intensity gradually and do so progressively
• Avoid masking your pain with over-the-counter medication – it may lead you to push your body too far
• Focus on the health basics – stay hydrated, eat well and get enough rest
And of course, don’t forget to wear the right footwear with your custom orthotics!
Here’s an idea: Why not just skip Weekend Warrior Syndrome by making exercise and movement part of your everyday life and avoid “binge” exercising.
If you do find yourself frustrated by your aches and pains; or if you notice pain in your feet or back more days than not…You may need to take time and get support.
At Vancouver Orthotic Clinics that support starts from the ground up! For better Alignment & Shock-Absorption consider having a Foot Exam at our clinic.
Patients start off with a consultation, a postural, foot and spine examination. Ultimately, this leads us to a Diagnosis & Treatment plan. We use the newest 3D Foot & Gait Scan Technology. We can recommend the right pair of custom orthotic inserts to fit into your favourite shoes.
Get information on how Vancouver Orthotic Clinics can help with your pain. Visit our website. You can book an appointment online, email us at info@vancouverorthotics.ca with any questions you have or call us directly at 604-737-3668. We are always happy to assist you.
Have a great month everyone as you Use your Body and Don’t ABUSE your Body. Steer clear of the Weekend Warrior Syndrome.
Dr. Michael Horowitz,
With Vancouver Orthotic Clinics
Keep Moving with Your BEST FOOT FORWARD.
#114-3195 Granville St @ 16th Ave, Hycroft Medical Building
Call Us: 604-737-3668
Email Us: info@vancouverorthoticclinics.ca
